kitsunaguEnglish-speaking family lawyers in Japan
This page lists law firms in Japan that handle family law and show signs of working in English. Use the map and the list to find a firm near you, narrow the search by area, and open a firm's page to see its languages, contact details and website. It is a starting point for international families and foreign residents who need advice on family matters in English.
What a family lawyer can help with
- Marriage and partnership questions for international couples
- Custody, visitation and child support
- Adoption
- Children taken to or from Japan by a parent
- Inheritance and wills within the family
- Recognition of family documents from other countries
Before you contact a firm
- Ask whether you can work with them fully in English, including calls, emails and documents
- Ask how they charge for a first consultation, and how fees are worked out after that
- Ask whether they offer consultations online or by phone if you cannot visit the office
- Ask whether they have worked with families from your country before
- Have family documents, any court papers and a short timeline of events to hand
How our listings work
Every firm in this directory is registered with a Japanese bar association, and our list is built from the bar association's registry. We include the firms that show signs of offering their services in English. kitsunagu is a directory, not a referral service: we do not recommend one firm over another, so check the details directly with the firm before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I look under family law or divorce?
If you are separating or divorcing, the divorce page is the closer match. Family law covers wider family matters such as custody after a divorce, adoption and inheritance, and many firms appear under both.
Do all these lawyers speak English?
Every firm listed here shows signs of working in English, but how much varies from firm to firm. Before you book, ask who will handle your case and how they will communicate with you.
Is it free to use kitsunagu?
Yes. Searching the directory is free. You contact firms directly, and any fees are agreed between you and the firm.