New ADR Service Launches to Support Co-Parenting Agreements for Divorced Parents

Introduction

In anticipation of the joint custody system set to be implemented in April 2026, the Tokyo Bay Co-Education and Co-Living Project, known as Risuko, has introduced a new ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) service called 'Risuko ADR'. This initiative is tailored to assist parents in forming agreements during or after divorce, emphasizing collaboration for the benefit of their children.

Background of the Joint Custody System

The upcoming joint custody framework aims to enhance parental cooperation in raising children even after divorce. However, there is an acknowledged gap between the implementation of this new legal structure and practical reality. For instance, a survey conducted by the Child and Family Agency revealed that despite agreements, the enforcement rates for child support and visitation rights remain alarmingly low—57.7% for single-mother households and only 25.9% for single-father households in terms of receiving child support. The visitation rates are similarly concerning, with just 48.5% of single-mother households and 64.8% of single-father households managing to uphold visitation agreements. This reality highlights the critical need for practical, actionable agreements that can lead to stable living conditions for children post-divorce.

Features of Risuko ADR

1. Professional Mediation by Experienced Coaches
Traditionally, divorce negotiations have been heavily focused on legal frameworks. The Risuko ADR service, however, will be facilitated by mediators with extensive coaching experience who adopt a neutral stance to assist in these discussions. Their role is to minimize emotional conflicts and streamline communication, making the negotiating process more manageable for parents.

2. Focus on Feasibility in Agreement Formation
Risuko ADR prioritizes sustainable agreements that reflect the real-life situations of each parent and their child. The objective is not merely to create agreements but to ensure that both parents can cooperate continuously as their child grows, adapting their commitments along the way.

3. Parent-Driven Process Design
Instead of dictating outcomes, Risuko ADR encourages parents to take charge of their decisions. The facilitators create an environment where parents feel empowered to choose and make autonomous decisions regarding their agreements.

4. Support for Joint Custody Agreements
The service is specifically designed to help parents navigate the new joint custody arrangements. It aids in drafting agreements related to child-rearing responsibilities, child support, visitation, and decision-making processes, ensuring that vital discussions are covered adequately.

Target Audience

- Parents who are considering or undergoing separation or divorce
- Those needing assistance with child support or visitation agreements
- Parents seeking to discuss decision-making processes within joint custody
- Individuals wishing to revise existing parenting plans
- Individuals looking for dialogue-based conflict resolution outside the court system

Goals of the Risuko ADR Service

The primary ambition of Risuko ADR is to foster realistic and maintainable agreements that both parents can adhere to, ultimately securing a stable environment for their children and ensuring consistent developmental support.

Organization Overview

Located in the Tokyo Bay Area (Chuo, Minato, and Koto wards), the Tokyo Bay Co-Childrearing and Co-Living Project engages in various initiatives to support family relationships. Their activities include facilitating discussions between parents (through services like partner dialogue and Risuko ADR), conducting citizen lectures on co-parenting, and managing the 'Co-Parenting Lab' community, all aimed at creating sustainable environments where children can grow securely, regardless of family composition changes.

For press inquiries regarding the details of this new service or to request an online briefing, please contact us via the information below.