Child support: what are children entitled to under the law in Israel?

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

What does child support include?

Child support includes:

Basic needs: food, clothing, footwear, housing (accommodation) and household upkeep

Measured needs: preschool, formal and informal education, medical treatment, extracurricular activities and more

Exceptional expenses: holidays, special equipment, eyeglasses, dental treatment and so on, 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 determine that each parent will bear the children's expenses during the time they are with that parent, without an obligation to pay ongoing support. Even so, each case is examined according to its own circumstances.

A support claim: what is important to know?

A claim for child support may be filed in the Family Court or in the Rabbinical Court (according to the place where the first proceeding was opened). At our office we represent both mothers and fathers, while protecting their rights and the children's best interests.

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 deliberately reduces his income, he may still be required to pay regular support.

From when is support set?

Usually from the date the claim is filed. Even so, temporary support may also be claimed for the interim period until a decision is given.

Can a support judgment be changed?

Yes. If substantial changes have occurred (in income, health condition, or parenting time), a request to change support may be filed.