Family Conciliation
Solving Domestic Disputes through Conciliation
What is Conciliation?
Conciliation is a unique system in Japan for the purpose of resolving domestic disputes in a family that are hard to be settled among themselves. Domestic disputes among family members or relatives, such as divorce, issues over the children, and payment of compensation money, are dealt with in the conciliation before a legal action is taken. This is because it is considered better to solve the problem amicably through discussions between the parties, with conciliation committee involved, that are trying to reach a mutual agreement (compromise) in the conciliation, rather than by going to court for trial which takes a longer time and costs a lot more.
- Solving problems by discussions
- Conciliation is different from court for trial or litigations. It is basically a discussion between the two parties, with conciliation committee involved, that seek a solution for the problem.
- Proceedings not open to the public
- Unlike litigations, conciliation sessions are not open to the public and be held in a small room. Everything discussed in the conciliation shall be kept confidential, and the privacy of all the parties concerned shall be protected.
- Presided over by a fair and neutral third party
- A conciliation committee, which consists of one judge and two conciliation commissioners selected from citizens, will listen to both parties in a fair and impartial manner, never favoring one side against the other, and will help the two parties seek a satisfactory resolution through conciliation sessions.
- The same effect as a final and binding judgment or adjudication
- When the two parties reach a consensus that is valid and satisfactory to both parties, agreements and conditions shall be stated in a conciliation record. It shall have the same effect as a final and binding judgment or adjudication. If an obligation decided by conciliation or adjudication, such as payment of money, is not performed, necessary procedures for the compulsory execution can be taken on the basis of the conciliation record.
- Simple petition procedures with a small fee
- Anyone can make a petition for conciliation proceedings. However, the petition form (available at the reception desk) is written in Japanese. In order to ensure completion of petition without problem, we would like to advise you to visit us with someone who understands Japanese or a Japanese friend. Revenue stamps of ¥1,200 and some postage stamps are necessary for each conciliation petition.