Court Awards Mother 380,000 Shekels in Loan Dispute Against Ex-Daughter-in-Law

A family court has ruled in favor of a mother who sued her son and his ex-wife, ordering the return of 380,000 shekels in loans. The mother claimed she lent the couple money twice during their marriage: 200,000 shekels for a down payment on an apartment, with the condition that it would be repaid if they separated or divorced, and another 180,000 shekels to cover bank loans and provide financial assistance, also contingent on their separation.

When the couple separated, the mother demanded repayment. Her son agreed to her terms, but his ex-wife contested the claims. She argued the 200,000 shekel loan had been repaid through monthly installments and that the second sum was a gift, not a loan, with related documents allegedly created without her knowledge.

The court found the ex-daughter-in-law's testimony unconvincing. She claimed to have repaid part of the loan in cash during visits, but could not provide the mother's address or specific dates of these alleged visits. Judge Gila Gurvitz-Ovadia stated the loans were binding and their repayment terms were triggered by the couple's separation.

Consequently, the court ruled that the former couple must jointly repay the 380,000 shekel loan. Additionally, the ex-daughter-in-law was ordered to pay 2,500 shekels in court costs and approximately 35,000 shekels in attorney fees. The ex-daughter-in-law's lawyer indicated she would repay her share, calling the lawsuit excessive. The mother's lawyer highlighted the ruling's importance in demonstrating the need for formal agreements even within families, confirming the funds were loans despite the ex-daughter-in-law's denials.