Many U.S. citizens and service members stationed in Okinawa believe that getting a divorce here is impossible, prohibitively expensive, not recognized in the United States, or unachievable without hiring a lawyer in either Okinawa or the U.S.
The truth? If your divorce is uncontested and both parties mutually agree to the terms, you can finalize your divorce at the Okinawa Family Court in as little as one month. The process is straightforward, affordable, recognized and enforceable in the United States, and does not require a lawyer. Our office is here to help you navigate the entire process with ease.
When You Might Need a Lawyer
If your divorce case is complex, involving any of the following, it’s best to consider legal representation:
- Child custody disputes.
- Division of significant assets or debts.
- Cases involving domestic violence or restraining orders.
In such situations, you might also explore family mediation, guidance from a church or pastor, or work toward a mutual agreement before proceeding with the legal process.
When You Don’t Need a Lawyer
You don’t need legal representation if:
- Both parties agree on all terms, including property division, custody, and visitation.
- There are no significant disputes or legal complications.
The Okinawa Family Court handles uncontested divorces for U.S. citizens in alignment with U.S. state laws. Thousands of divorces between U.S. military service members have been successfully processed here without the involvement of lawyers from Okinawa or the United States.
All divorce decrees issued by the Okinawa Family Court are enforceable in the United States and recognized under the Hague Convention.
How We Can Help
We simplify the entire divorce process for you:
- Contact Us: Reach out via email, and we’ll send you all the necessary documents to get started.
- Office Visit: Visit our office to sign the required paperwork.
- Court Appearance: Both parties must be present at the divorce hearing at the Okinawa Family Court.
From the first office visit to the final court hearing, the process typically takes about 1 to 1.5 months. Our services are cost-effective, saving you time, money, and stress.
Get Started Today
Divorce doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you and your spouse are ready to move forward with an uncontested divorce, contact us to begin the process. We’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and efficient resolution.