Mother Wins Lawsuit Against Ex-Daughter-in-Law for Loan Repayment

A dramatic family dispute concluded in the Family Court, with a judge ordering an ex-daughter-in-law and her former husband to repay 380,000 shekels in loans to the mother. The mother had provided the couple with two significant loans during their marriage: 200,000 shekels as a down payment for a home and 180,000 shekels to cover bank loans and provide financial assistance. The agreement stipulated that the loans would be repaid upon the couple's separation or divorce.

Following the couple's separation, the mother demanded the full repayment. While the son admitted his mother's claims, the ex-daughter-in-law denied them. She contended that the first loan was already repaid in cash installments during her visits to her mother-in-law's home, and the second sum was a gift, not a loan, with the lawsuit filed in bad faith to pressure her during divorce proceedings.

The court rejected the ex-daughter-in-law's version, finding it highly questionable. Notably, it was revealed during the hearings that she did not know the address of the mother, the same address she claimed to visit monthly for cash payments. The judge ruled the sums were legally binding loans.

The former couple was jointly ordered to return the full 380,000 shekels to the mother. Additionally, the ex-daughter-in-law was ordered to pay her former mother-in-law 2,500 shekels in court costs and approximately 35,000 shekels in legal fees.

The ex-daughter-in-law's attorney stated she was ordered to repay half the sum and that evidence showed the plaintiff had registered a caution on the property with her consent. The mother's attorney welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the need for clear agreements even within families, noting that a collection of handwritten notes and documents proved the funds were loans, not gifts.