Divorce Lawyer in Israel

This article discusses what you need to look for when trying to choose a divorce lawyer in Israel. While our office often works with clients in Israel, we also help Israeli or Jewish clients abroad who seek to address local issues; they were married in Israel, have an Israeli partner even though they currently live abroad, and other situations that require the aid of an Israeli divorce lawyer.

Everything related to divorce in Israel falls under the auspices of the Israeli Ministry of Justice.

Israeli Courts Compared to Other Western Countries

In contrast to other Western countries, Israel’s family law is mandated by religious law. Divorce requests are handled by the religious courts of the faith the couple belongs to, although there is a family (secular) court option as well. This means that family proceedings for Jews go through rabbinical courts; for Muslims, sharia courts; and for Christians, specific religious courts based on recognized denominations (like Eastern Orthodox and Syrian, Catholic, Armenian, Greek, aמג a few other smaller Christian communities).

Our clients often inquire whether if their divorce can go through the secular courts instead of the religious ones. We reach an understanding regarding which courts are most beneficial considering the clients’ particular preferences. For example, while some secular Jews wish to go through the secular family courts, the religious courts often work much more quickly. So it’s important to look at the advantages and disadvantages for your particular case.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Israel

As Israel has some of the most lawyers per capita in the world, it can be challenging to decide which lawyer is best for you. These are criteria we recommend considering when choosing a lawyer, especially since family law addresses many sensitive issues; how to divide assets, custody, visitation arrangements, and more.

Consider the lawyer’s level of experience. Israeli lawyers can practice in any field of law they choose, so it’s important to ask if your lawyer has a proven record in the family law field.
It’s also worth noting the lawyer’s location. This is not the most important consideration, but often, clients wish to meet with their lawyer during a workday, and if the lawyer is conveniently located, it makes it easier to work with them. Our law firm has offices conveniently located in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. However, when working with international clients, we often meet virtually, on Zoom or Skype.
When dealing with family law, which raises many personal, and sometimes, painful issues, it’s often easiest for clients to speak in their mother tongue. Thus, considering the language that legal services are offered in can be important. At our law firm, we offer services in English, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Russian, Spanish, Dutch and more.
Make sure your lawyer has the time available to take on your case. Israeli lawyers often accept new clients even if they’re too busy to work on their case in the near future. Make sure you align expectations, and if you seek to have your case addressed quickly, ensure your lawyer can do so.
Clarify the costs upfront so there are no unexpected surprises along the way.