What Do You Need to Know About Restorative Alimony in Israel?

Financial considerations are one aspect of a divorce that can cause stress and trepidation for many individuals. Specifically, some wives may worry that they will be unable to support themselves after a divorce because they do not currently have employment or their job does not pay enough to cover rent, food, and other necessities. The good news is restorative alimony may be available to help ease some of the challenges of becoming self-supporting. An experienced Israeli divorce attorney can explain how restorative alimony works and help you determine whether it may apply to your situation.

What is the Purpose of Restorative Alimony?

The goal of restorative alimony in Israel is to ensure that a woman can maintain her standard of living until she can get back on her feet financially after a divorce. Sometimes, a wife may have given up her career to raise children or look after the household, negatively impacting her earning ability. It can be difficult for her to find suitable employment after being out of the workforce, and she may need to seek training or education before getting a job.

Due to these factors, Israeli law provides the courts some leeway to make determinations regarding restorative alimony on a case-by-case basis. However, restorative alimony is not guaranteed. You must demonstrate the need for alimony to fill the gap between the divorce and when you can become financially stable. Keep in mind that restorative alimony is typically only awarded for a short period, and husbands are currently not eligible for court-ordered alimony, even if their wives are wealthy.

How is Restorative Alimony Different From Spousal Support?

A husband may be required under some circumstances to pay his wife spousal support (also referred to as alimony) during the period between filing for a divorce and the divorce’s completion. This spousal support includes payments for housing, clothing, food, health care, and other items necessary for the wife’s well-being. The exact amount of this support will depend on the couple’s living situation prior to the divorce proceedings. Still, it should be sufficient to keep the wife’s standard of living from decreasing.

Spousal support only lasts until the divorce is finalized, whereas restorative alimony is paid afterward. The Family Amendment Law, 1959 governs Israeli alimony judgments and states that the couples’ personal law will dictate the specific guidelines and exemptions the court will follow when ordering spousal support.

Can You Make Different Arrangements For Alimony?

The courts must follow Israeli law when awarding restorative alimony. However, couples are allowed to establish their own alimony arrangements that may differ from the law’s provisions through legal documents, such as prenuptial, postnuptial, and mediated divorce agreements. The terms of these agreements, if they exist, will guide the outcome of the divorce.

How Can an Israeli Family Law Attorney Help You?

Israel’s divorce laws are incredibly complex, and the rules governing alimony can vary based on your personal law and which court system (religious or family court) has jurisdiction over your case. Restorative alimony can be vital in helping a former wife adjust to their new life after a divorce, so presenting a compelling argument for its need is critical. Hait Family Law has years of experience helping clients get the best possible outcomes in their divorces so they can confidently move forward. Contact our law firm today at 077-200-8161 to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.