A new free web service, 'Child Support JP,' has launched, allowing users to create legally valid child support agreements via smartphone. This service fully complies with the revised Civil Code effective April 1, 2026, which empowers simple written agreements to be used for wage garnishment, eliminating the need for costly official documents.
In response to Japan's severe issue of unpaid child support, the project 'Child Support JP' (developed and operated by lawyer Teppei Ohe) has fully launched its free automated legal document generation web service, including an 'Agreement Creation Tool' fully compliant with the revised Civil Code set to take effect on April 1, 2026. Currently, only about 30% of single-mother households in Japan receive continuous child support payments. Previously, enforcing child support payments through garnishment required official documents like notarized 'Kōsei Shōsho' or family court 'Chōtei Chōsho.' However, with the revised Civil Code effective April 1, 2026, introducing the 'privilege of subsistence costs for children,' this will change significantly. Under the new system, a simple 'agreement document' exchanged between parties will suffice for garnishing wages and assets without needing a Kōsei Shōsho. This means a proper agreement can serve as the strongest weapon to protect a child's future. 'Child Support JP' offers three main features: 1. Smartphone completion with no expert knowledge needed; 2. Completely free with privacy protection (all personal data processed locally); and 3. Support for non-payment situations, including automatic generation of garnishment applications. The service was developed by a lawyer with the strong desire to change the reality where child support rights are abandoned due to legal procedure barriers, aiming to be a stepping stone for those who cannot afford legal assistance.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News
FAQ
What is the main problem that the 'Child Support JP' service aims to address?
The service aims to address Japan's severe issue of unpaid child support, where currently only about 30% of single-mother households receive continuous payments.
How does the legal reform in 2026 change the process of enforcing child support payments?
The legal reform effective April 1, 2026, introduces the 'privilege of subsistence costs for children,' allowing a simple 'agreement document' to be used for wage and asset garnishment, eliminating the need for notarized documents like Kōsei Shōsho.
What is the primary function of the 'Agreement Creation Tool' offered by 'Child Support JP'?
The 'Agreement Creation Tool' allows users to create child support agreements that are fully compliant with the revised Civil Code taking effect on April 1, 2026, serving as a strong legal weapon for child support enforcement.
What are the key features of the 'Child Support JP' web service?
The key features include smartphone completion without expert knowledge, being completely free with privacy protection through local data processing, and support for non-payment situations with automatic generation of garnishment applications.
What is the ultimate goal of the 'Child Support JP' project?
The project's ultimate goal is to change the reality where child support rights are abandoned due to legal procedure barriers, by providing an accessible and free tool to help those who cannot afford legal assistance.