Child Support – What Are Children Entitled to Under Israeli Law?

Parents of minor children are obligated to provide for their needs, even after divorce or separation. In Israel, the obligation to pay support falls mainly on the father, in accordance with Jewish religious law, but in recent years a trend has been evident in case law toward setting a more equal division – according to the parents' incomes, the parenting time, and the circumstances of the case.

What does child support include?

Child support includes:

Basic needs: food, clothing, footwear, housing (residence), and household maintenance

Measured needs: preschool, formal and informal education, medical treatments, extracurricular classes, and more

Exceptional expenses: vacations, special equipment, eyeglasses, dental treatments, etc. – usually divided between the parents according to financial ability

When is support not owed?

In cases of full joint custody, with equal parenting time and similar incomes – the court may rule that each parent bears the children's expenses during the time they are with them, without an obligation to pay ongoing support. That said, each case is examined according to its circumstances.

A support claim – what is important to know?

A child support claim can be filed in the Family Court or in the Rabbinical Court (depending on where the first proceeding was opened). At our office we represent both mothers and fathers, while safeguarding their rights and the best interests of the children.

Frequently asked questions

Can support be reduced if the father earns less?

Not always. The courts take into account the parent's potential income, and not only the actual income. If the father reduces his income intentionally – he may still be required to pay ordinary support.

From when is support set?

Usually from the date the claim is filed. That said, temporary support can also be claimed for the interim period until a decision is reached.

Can a support judgment be changed?

Yes. If material changes have occurred – in income, health condition, or parenting time – a request to modify support can be filed.