Israeli Court Denies Man's Claim to Ex-Partner's Apartment Citing Abuse and Invalid Agreements

The Family Court in Petah Tikva recently dismissed a man's claim to co-ownership of his former partner's apartment, ruling in favor of the woman who alleged a history of violence and intimidation during their relationship. The couple had been together for about 15 years, during which the apartment was purchased in 2007 and registered solely in the woman's name. Initially, a prenuptial agreement granted each party half ownership, but a second agreement two years later assigned full ownership to the woman.

After their separation, the man sought to enforce the first agreement and claimed a third agreement reaffirmed his rights, supported by an email he presented as evidence. The woman, represented by attorney Moti Yamin, contended that her signature on the third agreement was forged and that the second agreement was the valid one. She further alleged that the email was coerced under duress, with the man dictating its content aggressively.

The woman, who is battling cancer, described enduring emotional blackmail, control, and physical abuse throughout their relationship. She also filed counterclaims demanding the man vacate the apartment and repay approximately 142,000 shekels for a loan and scooter purchase. The judge, Moran Walach-Nissan, found substantial evidence supporting the woman's account, including contemporaneous messages revealing the man's violent behavior and threats toward her and her daughters.

The court noted the man's prior convictions for assault and threats and was influenced by his dismissive demeanor during testimony compared to the woman's emotional distress. Ultimately, the judge ruled the second prenuptial agreement superseded the first and invalidated the alleged third agreement. The man was ordered to leave the apartment within 30 days and repay the woman 142,479 shekels. Additionally, he was required to cover 100,000 shekels in legal fees for the three related proceedings.