Some might ask, “What are the necessary steps for moving after a divorce?” or “When is the ideal time to move?”
Moving after a divorce is often more challenging than a typical move, involving additional procedures and decisions. While divorce itself is already emotionally draining, the process of relocating afterward can feel even more overwhelming due to the sheer number of tasks involved.
In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the steps involved in moving after a divorce. We’ll cover important topics such as the best timing for your move, the preparation process, and tips on handling furniture and appliance removal and disposal. If you’re looking for more detailed information on moving after a divorce, this is the article for you.
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The best time to move is after the divorce
After your divorce is finalized, you’ll need to update your family register and resident registration. This means that even if you’ve already changed your address, you’ll have to go through the process of obtaining new documents post-divorce, which can feel like an added hassle.
That being said, you can start looking for a new home before officially submitting the divorce notice. The process of finding a property and finalizing a contract can take time, so waiting until the divorce is complete could lead to delays in your move. It’s a good idea to begin your search early so you can transition smoothly once the divorce is finalized.
However, in some cases, individuals may choose to move before the divorce is finalized. It’s often best to move as soon as possible for your safety and well-being if the reasons for the divorce involve physical or emotional danger, such as domestic violence or harassment.
Additionally, many individuals choose to move out to live separately before the divorce if their relationship has already broken down, such as in cases of mediated or court-ordered divorce.
Overview of the procedures required for moving
| Updating your resident registration for a move | When moving, you’ll need to update your resident registration. Be sure to submit a moving-out notification to the city, ward, town, or village of your old residence. This should be done within the 14 days before your move. After relocating, you have 14 days to submit a moving-in notification to the city, ward, town, or village of your new residence. If you’re moving within the same city, ward, town, or village, you don’t need to file a moving-out notification; just submit the moving-in notification. |
| Updating the address on your My Number card | You must also update the address on your My Number card within 14 days. To do so, take the My Number notification card or My Number card, along with a valid ID and your seal to the city hall of your new residence to complete the process. |
| Updating the head of household | If you’re moving due to a divorce, you’ll need to submit a change of head of household notification. This can be done by you, another member of your household, or a representative with the power of attorney. To complete the process, bring your National Health Insurance card, ID, and seal to the appropriate counter at the city hall. The deadline for submission is within 14 days of the change in head of household, so it’s recommended to handle this procedure promptly, along with your other moving-related tasks. |
| Updating your driver’s license or passport | You’ll also need to update the address on your driver’s license. This can be done at the police station, driver’s license center, or driver’s license testing center in your new area of residence. While you don’t need to officially change your address on your passport, you should write your new address in the appropriate section. However, if your registered prefecture or name has changed, you’ll need to complete the necessary procedure to update those details. |
| Updating your seal registration | If you’re moving to a new city, ward, town, or village, you’ll need to cancel your seal registration at your old residence and register a new seal at your new location. If you’re staying within the same city, ward, town, or village, you only need to update your registered address. To complete the procedure, you’ll need your identity document and registered seal. While there’s no strict deadline for this, it’s advisable to complete the process early, as your seal will be required for various contracts and transactions. |
| Procedure for forwarding your mail | To ensure your mail is delivered to your new address, make sure to complete the forwarding procedure at your local post office. Once processed, your mail will be automatically forwarded to your new address for one year. You can complete the procedure at the post office, by submitting a change of address notice in your mailbox, or online. Keep in mind that it takes about a week for the forwarding service to begin, so it’s a good idea to take care of this task ahead of time. |
| Updating your address at your financial institution | If you plan to continue using the same financial institution account after your move, be sure to update your address. The procedure varies by institution and can typically be completed in person at the counter, by phone, by mail, or online. While there’s no strict deadline, it’s best to update your address as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues. |
Procedures required when you have children
▶︎Child allowance (jido teate)/child-rearing allowance (jido fuyo teate)
The child allowance is an allowance that can be received even if you are not divorced. If you move, be sure to apply for a change of address to ensure that your payments continue without interruption.
Child-rearing allowance, on the other hand, is provided to single-parent families and supports the child until the first March 31st after he/she turns 18. For more information on the procedures, please contact your local government office.
▶︎Applying for school expense subsidies (shugaku enjo)
School expense subsidies provide subsidies to families facing financial difficulties in covering school-related expenses, as outlined in the School Education Act. This support can help reduce costs like school supplies, field trips, school lunches, and more, so it’s important not to overlook the application.
The eligibility criteria and available assistance may vary by city, ward, town, or village. For specific details, be sure to contact the welfare office at your local government.
▶︎Applying for nursery school
If you’re a full-time housewife or househusband who has been caring for your children, you’ll need to consider applying for nursery school once you begin working.
Single-parent families are often given priority for admission. However, if you live with your parents or are unemployed, your case may be considered less urgent, which could make admission more challenging. It’s a good idea to review the priority admission criteria before applying.
▶︎Steps for transferring to a new nursery or school
If you’re transferring to a new nursery school, you’ll need to start the admission process from scratch. Additionally, if you’re transferring at a time other than April, you may not be able to apply directly at the city hall. It’s a good idea to check in advance where you can submit your application at the city or town hall of your new location.
For transfers from a public elementary or junior high school, inform your current school about the transfer, then obtain a “Certificate of Enrollment” and a “Certificate of Textbook Payment.” If you’re moving within the same city or town, you only need to submit a change of address notification.
If you’re relocating to a different city or town, submit a change of address notification and receive an “Admission Notice.” Then, submit the Certificate of Enrollment, Textbook Payment Certificate, and the Admission Notice to the new school.
About taking and disposing of furniture and appliances
Before you begin preparing to move after a divorce, it’s essential to discuss “property division.” Furniture and appliances purchased during the marriage are considered shared property. To avoid potential conflicts, make sure to have a clear, open conversation about how to divide them.
However, personal items you owned before marriage or purchased with your savings are not subject to property division. For instance, when moving, you can take appliances received as dowry or furniture bought using your savings before the marriage.
If you have any furniture from before the marriage that you no longer need in your new home, you can either sell it at a recycling shop or arrange for a junk removal company to dispose of it.
When to start preparing for a move after a divorce?
If either the husband or wife is moving, it’s best to start preparing for the move 3 weeks to a month in advance. Starting too early may create awkwardness in your relationship while waiting too long could result in not having enough time to complete everything. Timing is key to ensuring a smooth transition.
Additionally, avoid requesting forgotten items after the move. Before packing, make a detailed list of the things you plan to take with you and double-check it once you’ve finished packing to ensure nothing is left behind.
Who pays for moving expenses?
No legal requirements specify who is responsible for paying moving expenses after a divorce. It varies from case to case, with options such as each party sharing the costs equally, the person at fault, or with the higher income covering more of the expenses. It’s important to discuss and agree on how the moving costs will be handled.
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※Please note that a deposit may be required depending on the specific terms of the contract and the results of the screening process.
Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.