How We Finalized a US Divorce in Okinawa in Just 29 Days

December 9, 2025

Dave Higgins Office just completed a full divorce proceeding for a US couple in a record-breaking 29 days.

For many US citizens living in Okinawa—especially our service members—the prospect of divorce feels like a logistical nightmare. You worry about deployments, jurisdiction, high legal fees, and the hassle of flying back to the United States to appear in court.

I am here to tell you: You do not need to leave the island to get a divorce that is fully recognized in the USA.

The 29-Day Turnaround The case we just finished proves that the process can be efficient when handled correctly. We navigated the Japanese Family Court system swiftly, ensuring all documents were prepared perfectly to avoid delays. Less than a month after starting the process, our clients were legally divorced and ready to move forward with their lives.

Is a Japanese Divorce Valid in the US? This is the most common question we get. The short answer is: Yes.

Under the principle of comity, the United States recognizes valid divorces obtained in foreign countries like Japan, provided that procedural due process was followed (meaning both parties had notice and an opportunity to be heard). Whether you are from Texas, California, Florida, or New York, a divorce finalized here in Okinawa is legally binding back home.

Why Military Members Should File in Okinawa If you are active duty military or a contractor under SOFA status, filing for divorce in Okinawa often makes the most strategic sense for three reasons:

Speed: As our recent case shows, the timeline can be significantly shorter than the mandatory waiting periods required by many US states (which can last 6 to 12 months).
Cost: You avoid the massive expense of international travel and retaining US-based attorneys who charge hourly rates significantly higher than local norms.
Convenience: We handle the heavy lifting with the Japanese court system. You don’t need to speak Japanese; we bridge that gap for you.

Let’s Get You Moving Forward Divorce is never easy emotionally, but legally, it doesn’t have to be a drag. If you are a US citizen residing in Okinawa and need a clean break, my office has the experience to get it done right—and fast.