How Prenups and Ketubahs Work Together Under Israeli Family Law
If you’re familiar with my perspective on Israel’s Rabbinic courts—and the broader family law system—you know I often view them critically. That said, this particular case stands out as an exception, and I believe the Dayanim (religious court judges) got it right. It’s hard to understand why someone who signs a prenuptial agreement with a […]
Parental Alienation in Israel: Can the Alienated Parent Still Be Forced to Pay Child Support?
What happens when children refuse to see their mother, but the court believes their father caused the estrangement? Should the mother still have to pay child support? A recent ruling from an Israeli Family Court addressed this dilemma. The judge found that the father may have played a central role in the children’s rejection of […]
Divorce & Splitting Finances Problems
What occurs when a couple splits their finances but the bank denies the loan holder from paying the wife’s portion? In certain cases, when couples seek legal counsel while still harboring hope of reconciling, it may be advisable to suggest halting any mutual claims process. Instead, they could opt for a reconciliation (shalom bayit) agreement […]
Property Division Without a Prenuptial Agreement
Couples tend to avoid discussing two main topics – money and sex. I don’t have anything groundbreaking to share on the topic of sex, but when it comes to money in a relationship, I have plenty of insights. Prenuptial agreements are a topic I specialize in, and there’s a reason why. Proper planning can alleviate a […]
Poor Will Drafting: How Attorney Mistakes Can Damage Families and Estates
As a Family Law lawyer in Israel, I frequently see how something meant to provide clarity—a Last Will and Testament—can, when drafted poorly, lead to confusion, conflict, and lasting emotional damage. Creating a Will is never easy. It involves making deeply personal decisions about your loved ones, knowing those choices will take effect after you’re […]
Planning for the Future: Understanding the Statement of Intent Document (מסמך הבעת רצון)
Securing Care for Your Loved Ones As parents and guardians, we constantly worry about the wellbeing of those under our care. But have you considered what would happen if you were no longer able to fulfill your caretaking responsibilities? This is where a Statement of Intent document (מסמך הבעת רצון – Mismach Haba’at Ratzon) becomes […]
Understanding the Israeli Continuing Power of Attorney and How It Differs from U.S. Legal Tools
When planning for the future, it is crucial to ensure that our wishes are respected if we are no longer able to make decisions for ourselves. In Israel, this is achieved through a Continuing Power of Attorney (CPOA ) (Yipuy Koach Mitmashech יפוי כוח מתמשך). While this may sound similar to legal tools used in […]
When a Court-Appointed Expert Gets It Wrong: A Shocking Family Law Case
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In Israeli family court, expert opinions play a critical role in shaping custody decisions. Judges often rely on court-appointed psychologists to assess parents’ mental fitness, ensuring that custody arrangements serve the child’s best interests. But what happens when an expert overlooks key evidence? A recent case illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust in expert opinions—and […]
Jay Hait Answers: When a Spouse Threatens to Take Children to Another Country
Many individuals in multinational marriages face a terrifying prospect during divorce: the threat that their spouse will take their children to another country. This fear often keeps people trapped in unhealthy or controlling relationships. Today, I’m addressing a question from a client that illustrates this all-too-common situation. The Question Hi Jay, I hope you are […]
Divorce – Pension Funds Status in Instances of Early Retirement
As a part of the division of properties between spouses upon their divorce, the pension funds are also divided. Pension funds are deducted and set-aside from an employee’s salary as savings for a time when we will no longer be employed, and in this instance such funds were deducted during the period that the spouses had been maintaining […]
