Court Rules on Divorce Date, Impacting Asset Division

A family court judge in Israel has determined that a couple's marriage officially ended on March 4, 2025, a ruling that significantly impacts the division of their assets. The husband had argued for this earlier date, coinciding with his filing for conflict resolution. The wife, however, contended the marriage lasted until August 2, 2025, after a reconciliation attempt and a trip to Paris.

The judge, Hila Ohayon Gliksman, based her decision on the wife's own statements. In her lawsuit, the wife stated that the husband was in "complete disconnect" from her after their return from France. During a hearing, she testified that upon returning from Paris, she understood "that it ends there, it's over, I understood there is no trust anymore." The wife returned from Paris on February 28, and the husband contacted his lawyer four days later.

Further evidence cited by the court was the wife's financial behavior in April 2025. She opened a separate bank account and transferred approximately NIS 200,000 (about $54,000 USD) from her social benefits to her mother without informing her husband. The judge interpreted this action as the wife understanding "that the die was cast on the parties' marriage."

Despite the wife's claims of continued marital efforts, including couple's counseling and the husband sending affectionate messages in May 2025, the court found these insufficient. The judge noted that the husband's continued payment of household expenses was an act of responsibility towards their four children, not a sign of continued partnership. The draft divorce agreement from May 2025, which dealt with asset division and alimony, also indicated a final separation.

The determination of the divorce date is crucial under Israel's Spouses' Property Relations Act. Assets accumulated by either spouse before the official separation date are subject to division, while those acquired afterward belong solely to the individual. The husband, who was the sole breadwinner and owned companies, benefits from the earlier date, as it limits the assets subject to division. The wife, conversely, would gain from a later date, increasing her potential share. The next step involves appointing an expert to value the couple's assets, businesses, and earning potential as of March 4, 2025.