In the new year, the so-called "Goo Hara Act," which bars inheritance rights for those who abandoned their duty to support their children during minority, will take effect.
On the 30th, the Supreme Court released key judicial system changes that will take effect from the first half of next year, including the Goo Hara Act.
First, starting Feb. 1 next year, the reservation application system for viewing and copying court records will be fully implemented. Applicants can submit the application by email, and the officer in charge must set and notify a feasible date and time for viewing and copying.
A living expense account will also be introduced. With the enforcement of the amended Civil Execution Act on Feb. 1 next year, this living expense account system is intended to protect deposits necessary for a debtor's livelihood. Each person may open only one account across all financial institutions combined. Deposits can be made only within the seizure-exempt living expense limit for one month (2.5 million won), and deposits in the account are exempt from seizure.
The inheritance right forfeiture system will be introduced on Jan. 1 next year. If a lineal ascendant of the decedent seriously violated the duty to support the decedent during minority, or committed a serious criminal act or treated the decedent or the decedent's spouse or lineal descendants in a gravely unfair manner, the person may lose inheritance rights.
Support for litigation aid in personal bankruptcy and personal rehabilitation will also be expanded. Under the administrative rule on the operation of the amended litigation aid system, which takes effect on Feb. 1 next year, small business owners with annual sales of 300 million won or less will receive support for attorney's fees, service of process fees, and the cost of appointing a bankruptcy trustee in personal bankruptcy and personal rehabilitation cases.
From March next year, the Daejeon, Daegu, and Gwangju Rehabilitation Courts will be expanded, which is expected to reduce regional disparities in insolvency caseloads and improve public access to justice.