Average Monthly Alimony Payments

The determination of average monthly alimony does not rely on cold tables, but on custom-tailoring a financial suit for each family. This calculation consists of a dynamic equation of four variables: the unique needs of the children, the personal needs of the wife and the joint standard of living to which she was accustomed, the financial capacities of each parent, and the division of actual custody times. Only a weighting of all these together creates the precise solution for you.

Table of Contents:

• How much is alimony?
• Average monthly alimony for the wife
• Average monthly child support for the children
• Average monthly alimony for additional family members
• How is child support determined?
• Minimum amounts for child support payments
• How much child support is paid for 1 child?
• How much child support is paid for 2 children?
• How much child support is paid for 3 children?
• How to guarantee a fair and accurate alimony calculation?

How much is alimony?

At the crossroads of family dissolution, one of the first questions that arises is the 'bottom line' question: how much alimony will I pay or receive each month? The desire to find an absolute number, a sort of 'national average' that dissolves uncertainty, is natural and human. However, it is vital to shatter the myth: in the Israeli legal world, there is no fixed 'price list' for alimony.

Average monthly alimony for the wife

Upon signing the Ketubah, the husband commits to providing his wife with her "food, clothing, and conjugal rights." The meaning is that he must take care of food, clothing, and marital relations as long as the two remain under the bond of marriage. Consequently, the man must pay his wife spousal support from the date of the rift between them (the separation date) until the date the Gett is granted, unless grounds arise that prevent the wife from receiving support.

Spousal support for the wife is paid, as stated, until the Gett or the divorce decree is received, and its purpose is to maintain, as much as possible, the standard of living to which the wife was accustomed during the marriage.

The scope of spousal support is based on two parameters: the wife's needs and the actual standard of living (housing, food, clothing, footwear, medical needs, grooming, leisure, etc.) and the financial capability of the husband.

The wife's entitlement to support may be compromised in several cases, such as if she is defined as a "rebellious wife" (Moredet), leaves the home without justification, and more. In other cases where the wife has an income that can fund the standard of living she was accustomed to, it might be possible to reduce the spousal support or deny it altogether.

Average monthly child support for the children

The law in Israel stipulates that a parent must bear the maintenance needs of their minor children – this is child support. If the parents divorce, the parent must bear child support payments. The amount of child support is calculated according to the child's age and is also influenced by the custody times and the income of the parents.

At the same time, we note that the Rabbinical Courts rule on child support payments according to Jewish law and not in line with the Supreme Court's precedent and the ruling in Family Appeal (FamA) 919/15. Although Rabbinical Courts can take custody times into account to decrease or increase child support, it is not as significant as it is in the Family Court.

Average monthly alimony for additional family members

In certain cases, one can be obligated to pay maintenance for other family members. The condition for receiving such maintenance is that the relative is indeed financially capable of paying it, and that the plaintiff (the person demanding the maintenance) has no other options.

How is child support determined?

In the past, upon divorce, the father was automatically obligated to pay for his children's support, and similarly, the wife was the one who would win custody of the children. However, in recent years this trend has shifted, and the tendency is to create equality between the parties both in raising the children – in terms of custody times – and in terms of payment for their upbringing.

Within the framework of FamA 919/15, it was established that regarding children over the age of 6, the parameters that will determine how child support is paid will be the parents' income, earning potential, the division of custody times, and the children's needs. As long as the incomes between the sides are similar, and as long as the custody times are equal, the tendency will be to reduce the child support payment.

We note that this ruling applies to children from the age of 6. This means that at present, children below this age are in the custody of the mother and are entitled to child support from their father, even though the court's trend is to strive for equality here as well.

Minimum amounts for child support payments

Minimum child support payments are updated over the years in line with the cost of living and rising prices. As of 2026, the minimum threshold ranges between 1,500-1,900 NIS, but courts decide on the issue according to the specific circumstances of the case.

How much child support is paid for 1 child?

How much child support is paid for a child under the age of 6?

The support payment for one child under the age of 6 is based on Jewish law, which dictates an exclusive child support obligation on the father.

How much child support is paid for a child over the age of 6?

When the child is over the age of 6, the payment will be based on the relevant parameters (custody times and income).

Ultimately, child support payments for one child can be very low, but in other cases, they can be high, especially if the child's needs are exceptionally high.

How much child support is paid for 2 children?

Is establishing child support for two children identical to establishing child support for one child? Do you simply double the payment for one child to get the total amount? The answer is no. The amount of child support for two children takes into account that some of the expenses (such as housing expenses) are shared by both children, so there is no reason to double them.

How much child support is paid for 3 children?

Usually, when it comes to three children, it will be determined that the father will bear about 50% of the housing (Mador) expenses, which will be added to the basic child support. Here too, there is no doubling or tripling of child support when dealing with payments for three children, since some of the expenses are shared. However, the calculation for each child is based on their age, the needs required for their upbringing, and the relevant parameters accordingly. For instance, one of the children might have unique medical needs. Additionally, one of the children might be over the age of 6 while the other two children are under that age, and therefore the calculation will be different for each of them.

This principle remains relevant even when examining how much child support is paid for 4 children, how much child support is paid for 5 children, or how much child support is paid for 6 children or more.

Alimony – Parents' Duty and Children's Right

Not without reason have alimony and child support payments become a major bone of contention between divorcing parents. The fact that there is no fixed and unambiguous formula for calculating the amount, the shifting needs of the children, and also the changing rulings (as well as the differences between the rulings of the Family Court and the rulings of the Rabbinical Court) – all of these have turned the decision on the level of child support into a significant challenge. But it is vital to remember that the amount determined for payment is intended for the children, for their benefit and well-being, and this is the primary thing that should be taken into account. It is important to put disputes aside and ensure that the needs of the shared children are met, as they deserve a good life even if their parents have separated.

How to guarantee a fair and accurate alimony calculation?

As we have seen, although there are guiding principles for calculating average monthly child support and until what age child support is paid, every family is a whole world with unique financial and personal circumstances. A small error in calculating the income ratio or an inaccuracy in defining the children's needs could lead to an arrangement that does not reflect reality and will affect your life for many years. Turning to a family law attorney who is an expert in the field will allow you to examine your specific case through professional eyes, build a correct strategy, and ensure that your rights are protected in the best possible way.

Especially when the question arises of how much child support is paid on average for large families, the computational complexity increases significantly. In such cases, an experienced child support lawyer will know how to apply the principle of 'economies of scale' correctly, to prevent a situation of financial collapse for one of the parties.

It is important to clarify: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not serve as legal advice or a professional opinion. To obtain an accurate result and protect your rights, it is recommended to contact an experienced lawyer specializing in the field for personal guidance adapted to the specific characteristics of your family.