1.
person with parental authority; parent with legal custody of a minor child
A legal term referring to the parent or parents who hold 親権 (parental authority) over a minor child — the right and duty to care for the child, manage their property, and represent them legally. Especially important after divorce, when one parent is often designated as the sole 親権者.
母親が親権者となった。
The mother became the parent with legal custody.
離婚の際、どちらが親権者になるかで争った。
When they divorced, they fought over which parent would have legal custody.
未成年者の契約には親権者の同意が必要です。
A contract with a minor requires the consent of the parent with legal authority.
Composed of 親権 (parental authority) and the suffix 〜者 (person). A legal term used in family law and official documents. In Japan, divorcing parents typically cannot share joint custody of a minor child the way they can in many Western countries — one parent is designated as the sole 親権者, which is often a contentious issue.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 親権者になる: to become the parent with legal custody
- 親権者を決める: to decide who will have legal custody
- 親権者の同意: the consent of the parent with legal authority
- 親権者の変更: change of legal custody
RELATED TERMS:
- 親権: parental authority (the right itself)
- 保護者: guardian — broader term that can include legal guardians who are not parents; also used in school contexts
- 後見人: legal guardian — for minors without parents, or for adults who cannot manage their own affairs
- 未成年者: minor — the person over whom parental authority is exercised