Japan¡¯s introduction of joint custody from April 1 is sending sparks flying on both sides of divorced couples: high expectations from the parent who has been sidelined from child-rearing, and deep fear from those who have been victims of domestic abuse.
Until now, sole custody has been the only option available for divorced couples. But under the new system, parents will be able to choose between sole custody and joint parental authority after divorce, much like many Western countries. If the couple cannot agree, family courts will decide the custody arrangements for them.
With parental authority at stake, abuse victims¡¯ looming fear of the possibility that their ex-spouse could once again be in their lives is real. But the frustration of the current sole custody arrangement for a noncustodial parent is also hard to ignore.
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