Divorce and visa

H. Kawarazaki, esq.

Question
Hello. I am a correspondent (36 years old ). I was wondering if I could ask you for some confidential advice. I am an Australian living in Japan and recently my wife(28years old ) and I have discussed getting a divorce. I am an Australian national and my wife is a Thai national.
My wife has come to Japan with a dependant visa. We were married in Thailand over 8 years ago.
I am wondering if it is possible and what the procedure would be for getting a divorce here in Japan.
I am also wondering if we get divorced, will she have to leave Japan right away or can she remain until her one year dependant visa expires.

Answer
I don't know Australian law and Thai law. Many country don't admit the divorce paper that is valid in Japan. You should ask the consul of Australia and of Thailand in Japan about this in advance
If they don't admitt divorce paper, you can get divorce through the procedure of Japanese family court. Perhaps the divorce in Japnese family court is valid in Australia and in Thailand. You should also ask the consul of Australia and of Thailand in Japan about this in advance
If both of you agree your divorce, the procedure in family court is simple. You need to go to family court only twice; when you submitt the application form and when you both agree to your divorce in court.

She will not need to leave Japan at the time of divorcing. She can stay until visa expires. But she can't renew her visa.