In Japan, the poverty rate among single-parent households stands at 54%, ranking lowest among OECD member nations. Only 20% of single parents receive child support payments, further exacerbating the economic hardship these families face. The low rate of child support payment in Japan can be attributed to two main factors: the absence of penalties for non-payment (unlike many other countries) and the high initial legal fees that make seeking attorney assistance prohibitively expensive.
Typically, engaging a lawyer requires substantial upfront fees, and costs can increase further as investigations proceed. However, CONIAS member attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, making it easier for single parents to pursue various collection methods, including asset seizure, without concern about initial costs.
Recognizing that childhood living conditions significantly impact children’s future lives, CONIAS works to resolve the “unpaid child support issue,” believing that securing these payments will bring smiles back to both parents and children. The Murakami Family Foundation has provided operational funding support to help CONIAS establish itself during its crucial early stages.