Question from a reader:
I experienced something shocking. I work in a job for people with disabilities and live with my family. When I checked the company’s reference information, I found something surprising. It stated that the head of the household is my “father,” while my relationship is categorized as “other relatives.” It was very sad to see that I am
classified as “other relatives” in relation to my biological father. Is there any benefit to being treated as “other relatives”?

Considering the Treatment as “Other Relatives”

I received a question from a reader and would like to reflect on a very important and delicate theme. You work in a job for people with disabilities and live with your family, and you found something surprising when checking the company’s reference information. You felt deep sadness upon seeing that the head of the household is listed as your father while you are categorized as “other relatives.” That feeling is very understandable.

The Framework of Family and Its Impact

First of all, family is a very important component of society. Relationships within a family can have significant legal and psychological impacts. It is not surprising that you would feel emotional shock at being classified as “other relatives.” It is natural to question why you are treated this way in relation to a parent with whom you share a blood connection. Legally, there are various classifications of relationships, but the category of “other relatives” generally does not hold the status of a formal relationship. This can potentially affect legal procedures and rights. For example, rights and obligations as a family member, such as inheritance or decision-making authority regarding medical matters, may be limited.

Are There Benefits to Being Classified as “Other Relatives”?

Now, in response to the question of whether there are any benefits to being treated as “other relatives,” the answer is not simply “yes” or “no.” In reality, it can be considered from several perspectives. For instance, from a legal standpoint, if the head of the household is your father, you may be treated as a dependent within the household. However, if you are classified as “other relatives,” the obligation to support may be relaxed. This means that there could be cases where the financial burden is reduced. On the other hand, there may also be disadvantages regarding the head of the household’s health insurance or taxes. Additionally, psychological aspects should also be considered. Being classified as “other relatives” may serve as an opportunity for you to reaffirm your identity as “family.” Sometimes, it can be a good chance to reflect on how close your relationship is with your father and how to build that relationship moving forward.

Learning from Personal Experiences

I often reflect on family relationships myself. There are times when my relationship with my parents does not go well, and conversely, times when it is very close. For example, there was a period during my university life when I could not consult my family about various issues I was facing. During such times, I realized how important psychological distance and the definition of relationships can be. At one point, I felt the need to reassess family relationships from a legal perspective and saw various cases through my part-time job as a judicial scrivener. By learning what it means to be “a parent” legally and how “other relatives” are treated, I experienced firsthand how the concept of family can change.

Considering Solutions

To alleviate the sadness and confusion you are feeling, let’s consider some concrete solutions. First, it is important to value communication with your father. Understanding why you are classified as “other relatives” may help bridge the emotional distance. Additionally, you should also confirm your legal rights. Particularly, understanding the laws regarding employment for people with disabilities and the rights of a head of the household can help prevent future issues. Consulting with a professional is also a good option. Legal experts can accurately understand your situation and provide appropriate advice.

Conclusion

Being treated as “other relatives” is likely a very shocking experience for you. However, there is not just one way to define family. By considering how you want to be and how you want to move forward, new paths may become visible. It is also important to acquire knowledge to protect your rights from a legal perspective. Through this blog, I hope to lighten your feelings, even just a little. By reassessing your relationship with your family and understanding the legal aspects, I hope to assist you in building a better future.