Lawyer Advises Careful Handling of Divorce Cases Involving Active Family Businesses

Attorney Yosef Chaim Cohen, specializing in family law and also an experienced CEO, highlights the complexities when divorces involve active businesses. Unlike typical divorce cases focused on children, alimony, and asset division, cases with ongoing businesses require a nuanced approach to prevent business collapse. Cohen warns that traditional legal measures like asset freezes and bank holds can damage the business by scaring off suppliers and halting credit, potentially destroying years of built reputation and operations.

Cohen stresses the importance of managing such cases calmly and strategically, comparing it to shutting off a gas valve before addressing a leak. He advocates for negotiated agreements that preserve the business’s continuity post-divorce. His practical business experience allows him to understand the pressures business owners face from clients and banks, enabling him to read financial statements comprehensively.

Addressing concerns about rabbinical courts’ understanding of modern business terms, Cohen acknowledges the challenge but believes that ancient legal principles remain relevant when properly interpreted for today’s context. He also shares a case where an initially unfavorable divorce agreement for a father was improved through legal and social welfare intervention, resulting in shared custody and more practical financial arrangements.

While emphasizing negotiation, Cohen recognizes situations requiring firm legal action, drawing on his military negotiation experience. He advises against impulsive decisions and urges clients to seek comprehensive legal counsel that considers business, family, and legal perspectives to minimize damage and maintain control over the future.

Cohen’s law firm, based in Kiryat Ata and Bnei Brak, specializes in family law, labor law, and commercial contracts, prioritizing amicable settlements, client availability, and confidentiality.