Navigating Israeli Divorce Law: Understanding Procedural Timelines and Fees
Israeli law mandates a mandatory "request to resolve a dispute" before filing for divorce, child support, or custody. This initial application, costing 120 shekels, triggers a 15-day exclusive window for the applicant to file a lawsuit in their chosen court, either family court or rabbinical court. This procedural advantage is independent of the application's content.
Following the application, parties must attend four mandatory, free mediation sessions through the court's assistance unit within 45 days, extendable by 15 days. While the first session requires personal attendance, lawyers can join from the second. These sessions aim to inform parties about proceedings and help them plan dispute resolution. Parties can also use this period to reach an external settlement, potentially avoiding higher court fees and legal costs.
The entire process, from filing the initial request to the end of the exclusive filing window, can extend up to 95 days with extensions. During this period, urgent requests like asset preservation orders or travel bans can still be filed. This time is also crucial for financial preparation, gathering documents like pay stubs and pension statements, and mapping joint assets and liabilities.
Court fees vary significantly based on the type of claim. For instance, a spousal property claim costs 601 shekels, while a non-spousal property claim jumps to 3,481 shekels. Approving a settlement agreement costs 541 shekels. These fees are indexed to inflation and updated twice yearly. Exemptions are available for the state, the general trustee, families of fallen soldiers, and those represented by legal aid.
Failure to attend mediation sessions can result in court-imposed costs or dismissal of a party's application. Reaching a full agreement outside of court, particularly through a prenuptial agreement, significantly reduces costs, with only 541 shekels required for formalizing the settlement. If the initial applicant fails to file within their 15-day exclusive period, the other party gains the right to file first.
