Parental Responsibility and Parenting Time with the Children Under Israeli Law

When spouses separate or divorce, one of the central issues that arises is arranging parental responsibility and parenting time with the children (also called "visitation arrangements"). Israeli law provides that even after the separation, both parents continue to bear joint parental responsibility. That is, they are partners in making important decisions concerning the children's lives: health, education, religion and welfare.

At the same time, the parents must determine, on their own or through a judgment, the children's living arrangements and parenting time. In recent years the case law in Israel has been moving toward a more equal division of parenting time, especially where school-age children are concerned, and in cases where both parents are able and willing to take an active part in raising their children.

Even so, there is no uniform solution, and the court examines each case on its merits, with emphasis on the child's best interests, the child's emotional stability and the parental functioning of each of the parties.

Sensitive and professional legal support

At the Halevi • Levi law office, we support parents in sensitive situations of separation, divorce or a change in parenting arrangements. We act to protect your rights while attending to the children's best interests, and we offer creative and effective solutions that can spare unnecessary legal battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between custody and parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility refers to substantive decisions about the child, regardless of where the child lives. Custody concerns the division of residence time. Today the legal emphasis is on joint parental responsibility, even when the division of residence is unequal.

Can parenting time be changed after it has been set?

Certainly. If there has been a change in circumstances, such as a move to a new home, a change in health condition or in the child's needs, a request to change the parenting-time arrangements may be filed. This proceeding requires professional legal advice.

Does equal parenting time cancel child support?

Not always. Even when time with the children is divided equally, child support may still be awarded, mainly according to the income gaps and the children's financial needs.