How is child support determined?

What the Law Says

Japanese law does not set a fixed formula or statutory percentage for child support. Instead, the Family Court relies on official guidelines and procedural rules to determine fair and reasonable amounts.

The Act on Special Cases Concerning the Handling of Family Cases (Act No. 52 of 1948) authorizes family courts to mediate and adjudicate child support matters. Under this law, courts may issue orders for child support when parents separate or divorce.

The Supreme Court of Japan publishes the 'Child Support Calculation Table' (revised 2023), which is not a statute but an official guideline used uniformly by family courts. It estimates monthly support based on both parents’ incomes, number of children, and custody arrangement.

Courts consider factors such as the child’s age, health, educational needs, standard of living before separation, and each parent’s financial capacity — all within the framework of Article 766 of the Civil Code, which mandates that parental authority includes the duty to nurture and support the child.

Statutory Text

The court may, upon petition by either party, make a decision concerning the amount of expenses necessary for the upbringing of the child.

— Act on Special Cases Concerning the Handling of Family Cases, s. 29 — Mediation and Adjudication of Parent-Child Matters

Statutory Text

Parents shall bear the expense of maintaining their minor children in accordance with their respective financial capacities.

— Civil Code, s. 766 — Parental Authority and Child Support

What to Do

Sources