Japanese Divorce (Rikon) Decree Translation for U.S. Immigration
When and why do you need certified translation of your divorce paper from Japanese to English?
If you are marrying an American and got divorced before, then U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service - INS) asks you to submit “certified translation” of your certificate of divorce.
Certified translation of your divorce paper is requested before you apply for fiancé visa (K-1 or K-2) or marriage visa. Some immigrants bring “certificate of single status” to prove that they are not currently married. However, this certificate is primarily for those who have never married before.
Courts in the United States also require certified translation of your Japanese divorce decree when you apply for marriage.
Who issues divorce decrees in Japan?
Basically, there are four levels of divorce in Japan: Divorce by agreement ("kyogi rikon") , divorce by mediation at family court ("chotei rikon"), divorce by family court ("shimpan rikon"), and divorce by district court ("saiban rikon").
Family courts decide on protecting minors, division of estate for inheritance purposes, and Ward offices register divorces after registration papers are prepared by the parties and in accordance with family law system. Japanese family court issues a certified copy of divorce decree or certificate of settlement that is attached to divorce registration.
Divorce-related issues in Japan
Divorce rate in Japan is low as compared to those in Western countries; however, it is on rise. Woman may not marry again within six months after dissolution or cancelation of marriage.
Japanese family law system encourages mediation and conciliation. Divorce results in dissolving the bonds of matrimony. Legally, divorce does not make the marriage null or void but simply cancels it. Child custody, alimony (subsistence, injunctive), and compensation are the issues to be arranges by protocol between the parties or by the court.
How can you get your certified divorce decree translation from Japanese to English?
We provide Certification by Translator document on our corporate letterhead with our authorized signature and raised (embossed) corporate seal with a statement as required by the USCIS and other agencies and organizations.
Notarization, in addition to certification, is not required by USCIS or U.S. Passport Agency. However, you may need notarization if you are not in the United States and applying to consulate office of the American embassy.
