Divorce · Family Law · Mediation
Divorce Attorney — Liron Yitzhak Elmaliach
Attorney and certified mediator. Representation in divorce agreements, property division, child custody, and child support — the humane, fast, and cost-effective way.
Divorce is one of the most complex life events — legally, financially, and emotionally. In Israel, the divorce process combines the Rabbinical Court with the Family Court — and requires a precise legal strategy from the very first moment. Adv. Liron Yitzhak Elmaliach guides clients through every stage of the process, protecting their rights and their relationship with their children.
A significant distinction of the firm: Liron is also a certified mediator — a rare qualification that allows her to offer the mediation track as well, which is usually faster, less expensive, and better preserves the relationship between the parties. When there are shared children, maintaining good co-parenting relations after divorce is vital — and successful mediation creates a much better foundation for this.
The firm offers a free initial consultation where you can understand your rights, the possible paths to a fair separation, and the expected timeline. Contact us — and we will get back to you within one hour during business hours.
The Divorce Process in Israel
In Israel, divorce of Jewish couples requires receiving a Get at the Rabbinical Court — the religious body authorized to grant it. Without a Get, the divorce is not valid under religious law. However, most related matters — property division, child custody, and child support — are generally decided in the Family Court, a civil tribunal.
The choice of forum — where to file first — is strategic and can significantly affect the outcome of the proceedings. An experienced divorce attorney will analyze the specific circumstances and choose the forum most beneficial for the client. For example, in some cases it is preferable to file a property claim in the Family Court before approaching the Rabbinical Court.
An agreed divorce — where the parties reach agreement on all matters — is the fast, affordable, and preferred track. A contested divorce, in which the court must rule, can last years and cost tens of thousands of shekels per party.
Property Division in Divorce
Israeli law provides for Resource Equalization — the principle that property accumulated during the marriage belongs to both parties equally. This includes: the family home, savings, investments, vehicles, and businesses. Property brought into the marriage, inheritances, and personal gifts are not necessarily joint assets.
Pension is often the largest asset overlooked in divorce proceedings. Pension rights accumulated during the marriage are joint property and are divided through a special pension order to the pension fund. It is important to check all pension funds, savings accounts, and life insurance policies of both parties.
Dissolving joint ownership of the home can be done in various ways: selling on the open market and dividing the proceeds; one party buying out the other; or a special arrangement where one party (usually the custodial parent) remains until the children reach a certain age. The attorney will help choose the best option for the specific circumstances.
Children in Divorce — Custody and Support
When there are children, custody arrangements are at the heart of the proceedings. In Israel, the principle of "the best interests of the child" governs — custody decisions are based on what is best for the children, not the parents' preferences. Children under age 6 ("tender age") are generally in the mother's custody, but this presumption can be rebutted.
Joint custody — where children divide time between two homes — is becoming more common and is recognized as beneficial for children when both parents can cooperate. Various time-sharing arrangements can be set: week by week, fixed days, or any other arrangement that suits the family.
Child support is a legal obligation — and cannot be waived by agreement. The support amount is determined by the child's needs, both parents' income, and the custody arrangement. In addition to basic support, arrangements can be set for education, extracurricular activities, medical care, and dental expenses.
Divorce Mediation — Why and How
Divorce mediation is a process in which a certified mediator — a neutral third party — helps both sides reach agreements in a private and dignified setting, without litigation. The mediator does not take sides or rule — they facilitate communication and help build solutions that suit both parties.
Adv. Liron Yitzhak Elmaliach is a certified mediator — a rare qualification that allows her to offer a unique mediation track that combines legal expertise with professional mediation tools. Mediation is generally shorter (weeks to months), less expensive, and gives both parties greater control over the outcome.
Mediation is especially recommended when there are shared children — maintaining healthy co-parenting relations after divorce is vital for their wellbeing, and a successful mediation process creates a much better foundation for the future relationship. Contact us to find out if mediation is right for your situation.
Divorce Agreement — Protection for Both Parties
A divorce agreement is the final document that regulates all aspects of the separation — property, children, support, and housing. A good agreement is clearly drafted and covers every possible scenario, including future changes in circumstances such as income changes, relocation, and changes in custody.
A divorce agreement must receive dual approval: from the Rabbinical Court (for the Get) and from the Family Court (for property and custody). After approval, the agreement is a binding document — enforceable as a court judgment.
Drafting a professional divorce agreement is the most worthwhile investment you can make. A poorly drafted agreement can cost tens of thousands of shekels later — when one party attempts to renege or interpret it differently. An attorney who guides you through drafting ensures your rights are protected.
Guides by Topic
The Get — Law and Process
Filing procedure, Get refusal, representation at Rabbinical Court
Child Custody
Court considerations, visitation arrangements, modifying custody
Child Support
Calculation, entitlement, modifying a support order
Property Division
Resource equalization, the family home, pension
Mutual Consent Divorce
Fast process, divorce agreement, advantages
Civil Divorce
Who is eligible, process, recognition in Israel
Frequently Asked Questions — Divorce Attorney
Answers to the most common questions we receive about divorce
Need a Divorce Attorney?
Free initial consultation — we will get back to you within one hour