Divorce in Israel involves several critical factors, including child custody, child support, division of assets, and the Jewish writ of divorce (Get). Knowing how these elements work—and how the court systems handle them—will help you navigate the divorce process smoothly.

1. Child Custody and Visitation

If you have children, deciding on custody and visitation is a top priority. Israeli courts aim to protect the children’s best interests, determining custody and creating visitation schedules that allow both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with their children.

2. Child Support

If your spouse gets custody, you’ll likely be responsible for child support. The court calculates this based on the children’s needs and your financial ability, ensuring the children’s well-being and upkeep are adequately covered.

3. Division of Assets and Debts

Dividing the property and debts acquired during the marriage is another major step in divorce. Courts work to fairly distribute these assets, taking into account each party’s financial situation and contributions during the marriage.

4. The Jewish Writ of Divorce (Get)

For Jewish couples, getting a Get is mandatory to finalize a divorce according to Jewish law. Regardless of whether you had a civil or religious wedding, a Get must be issued by the Rabbinic court to legally end the marriage in Israel.

5. Court Systems and Jurisdiction

Divorce cases in Israel are handled by two courts:

• The Family Court deals with child support, custody, and the division of assets.
• The Rabbinic Court oversees the Get and can sometimes handle other issues if the case is filed there first.

6. Understanding the “Race for Jurisdiction”

Whoever files for divorce first often gets to choose which court handles the case—a strategic move called the “race for jurisdiction.” While recent laws now require mandatory mediation before court proceedings, this race remains relevant if mediation doesn’t lead to a resolution.

A clear understanding of child custody, support, asset division, and the Jewish Get will help you approach your divorce with clarity. Always seek legal advice to ensure a fair outcome that safeguards your rights and interests.