Child Support – How Is It Calculated According to Court Rulings?

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## **Introduction**

The issue of child support concerns parents in Israel every day. **Child support** is a central topic in divorce and family proceedings whenever children are involved. It is not merely a transfer of money, but a guarantee of children's wellbeing and a response to all their needs — food, housing, education, health, leisure — even after the family unit has dissolved.

In the past, Israeli law placed the obligation of child support almost exclusively on the father, regardless of his income relative to the mother's or the time the children spent with him. However, in 2017 a revolution occurred following the Supreme Court ruling in case 919/15.

This ruling established a new standard of **equality between parents** with regard to child support for children aged 6 to 15. Unlike the old system, the new law requires courts to examine the financial capabilities of both parents and the actual division of custody time, aiming to reach a result that reflects modern family reality.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of child support calculation in the era following the 919/15 ruling.

**What is child support?**

**Child support** is a **monthly payment** made by parents **to cover children's needs**, designed to ensure the child's standard of living and basic necessities.

The support package includes two types of needs:

1. **Essential needs —** food, basic clothing, compulsory education, healthcare, and a proportional share of housing and maintenance costs.
2. **Needs under the law of charity —** extracurricular activities, leisure, enrichment, gifts, and clothing beyond the basics. These are determined according to the parents' financial capacity.

### **Who bears the obligation?**

Under Israeli law, the obligation is determined first and foremost according to the **personal law** of the parents. For Jews, up to age 6 the obligation rests absolutely on the father. From age 6 to 15, the obligation is shared between both parents.

### **Until what age is child support owed?**

Under the law, the child support obligation applies:

* **Until age 18** or completion of high school — full support (above age 15 it is support under the law of charity, based on both parents' financial capacity).
* During **military service** (compulsory) or national service — it is customary to reduce support to one third of the amount paid up to age 18.

## **The 919/15 Ruling and Its Consequences**

For years in Israel, the calculation of child support and [until what age child support is paid](https://www.lawreviews.co.il/en/article/until-what-age-is-child-support-paid) was based on Jewish law, which imposed an absolute obligation on the father to provide for the child's "essential needs," regardless of the mother's income or the time the child spent with him. This created inequality, particularly in shared custody cases where the father bore full support payments despite the children spending half their time with him.

The change came with a **landmark Supreme Court ruling** in 2017, which altered the rules for children aged 6 to 18.

**The key changes brought about by the ruling:**

1. **Abolition of the father's exclusive obligation —** For ages 6–15, the support obligation is no longer imposed solely on the father by duty of law, but on both parents under the law of charity.
2. **Calculation based on income ratio —** The amount of support is now determined according to the ratio between the father's income and the mother's income.
3. **Weighting of custody time —** Courts examine how many days per week the children spend with each parent. The more equal the custody time, the lower the support burden may be.
4. **Shared custody —** In cases where incomes are similar and custody time is equal, it is possible that no support will be paid at all, with each parent bearing the children's expenses while in their care, and extraordinary expenses shared equally.

**What about children under age 6?**
No change applies here. For young children, personal law still provides that the father bears an absolute obligation to provide for their needs.

## **What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid?**

A child support ruling is a binding document; failure to make payments carries sanctions.

**The main enforcement tracks:**

1. **Opening a file with the Enforcement Authority —** The entitled parent can open a file with the Enforcement Authority. There is a dedicated department where the Enforcement and Collection Authority acts proactively to collect the debt on behalf of the parent, without requiring constant attorney involvement.
2. **Sanctions and orders —** The Enforcement Registrar has broad powers to impose restrictions on the debtor, including:
   **Exit ban:** An exit ban order can be imposed immediately to prevent asset concealment or flight from obligation.
   **Attachments:** Attachment of a bank account, salary, vehicle, or real estate assets.
   **Driver's license restrictions:** Restriction on holding or renewing a driver's license.
   **Imprisonment orders:** In the case of child support debt, the Enforcement Registrar is authorised to order actual imprisonment of the debtor (for up to 21 days) if it is proven that they have the ability to pay and are wilfully evading it.
3. **Payment through the National Insurance Institute:** A parent who is not receiving support payments and does not earn above a certain ceiling can approach the National Insurance Institute. The Institute will pay them a monthly support allowance and will independently pursue collection of the debt from the owing parent.

**What if there is genuinely no ability to pay?**
A child support debt is never erased. A parent who has fallen into severe financial hardship must act immediately:
**Filing a claim for support reduction —** Apply to the court and prove a material change in circumstances.
**Request for an instalment payment order —** Apply to the Enforcement Authority to settle past debts.

**Important to know:** You must not stop paying on your own initiative. Every passing month accumulates interest that can inflate the debt rapidly.

## **Important Tips**

### **For the Paying Parent**

#### **1. Pay on time —** Even if you believe the amount is unfair, **pay**, and then **apply to the court** for a reduction.

#### **2. Document everything —** Keep **payment receipts**, bank transfers, and proof of payment.

#### **3. If your salary has changed — act immediately.** Do not wait. If your salary has decreased, **apply immediately** for a reduction. The longer you wait, the more debts will accumulate.

### **For the Receiving Parent**

#### **1. Ensure enforcement —** If the other parent is not paying, **do not stay silent**. Apply to the Enforcement Authority, request an exit ban.

#### **2. Update the court on changes —** If the paying parent's income has increased, or if the children's needs have grown, **request an update**.

#### **3. Keep records —** Document **expenses** for the children. This will help if a dispute arises.

### **For Both Parents**

#### **1. Try to reach an agreement —** An **agreement** saves time, money, and stress. Try to negotiate fairly, with the help of [attorneys](https://www.lawreviews.co.il/en/search/family-law) or a mediator.

#### **2. Put the children first —** Every decision must be made with **the children's best interests** in mind.

#### **3. Be flexible —** Be **flexible** when there is a genuine need; things change.

## **Summary**

The 919/15 Supreme Court ruling brought about a transformation in child support law in Israel. It replaced the traditional approach with a modern one that strives for equality.

Today, the determination of child support is not arbitrary, but is derived from a norm that balances the child's needs, the financial capacities of both parents, and the actual division of custody time.

**If you are dealing with questions relating to child support — seek professional legal advice. Proper preparation and familiarity with the updated law will ensure that your rights and your children's wellbeing are protected in the best possible way.**

---

## **LawReviews – The Leading Platform for Finding Expert Family Law Attorneys**

If you need help with child support matters — **LawReviews** will help you find the right expert. Read genuine reviews of family law attorneys, compare specialists, and receive the representation that will ensure your rights and your children's are protected. Visit **LawReviews**!

Family law

A comprehensive and up-to-date guide to child support in Israel: how the amount is calculated, the impact of custody arrangements, and sanctions for non-payment

Divorce Agreement: What to Include to Minimize Future Disputes?

## **Introduction**

A **good divorce agreement** is a **plan for the future** — a clear roadmap that prevents misunderstandings, disputes, and future claims. It should be **detailed, clear, and comprehensive**, covering all relevant topics — not only those that seem important now, but also those that may become relevant in the future.

This article provides a **comprehensive and detailed guide** to divorce agreements: the mandatory clauses, what should be included to prevent disputes, common mistakes, and how to write an agreement that will stand the test of time.

**What is a divorce agreement and why is it so important?**

A [**divorce agreement**](https://www.lawreviews.co.il/search/service/divorce-claim) (or relationship dissolution agreement) is a **binding agreement** in which both spouses reach agreements on **all matters** related to the divorce: division of property, alimony, custody and visitation arrangements (if there are children), and any other relevant issue.

### **Why is it so important?**

#### **1. Prevents future disputes -** A clear and detailed agreement **prevents misunderstandings** and disputes in the future.

#### **2. Saves time and money -** Divorce **by agreement** is **faster and cheaper** compared to divorce involving conflict.

#### **3. Control over the outcome -** With an agreement, **you decide** the terms — not the rabbinical court or the family court.

#### **4. Protects the children -** A good agreement reduces conflict between the parents, thereby protecting the children.

#### **5. Legally binding -** Once the agreement is **approved** by the rabbinical court and the family court — it is **binding like a court ruling**. Failure to comply with it is a legal violation.

## **Clauses included in a divorce agreement**

A good divorce agreement must include **the key topics**. If one is missing, or not clearly worded — there is a chance of future disputes.

### **1. Details of the parties**

**What to include:** Full names of both spouses, ID numbers, addresses, marriage date, separation date (if relevant).

**Why is it important?** Accurate details identify the parties and clarify who the agreement applies to.

### **2. Declaration of consent to divorce**

**What to include:** A declaration that both spouses declare and agree that they wish to divorce of their own free will and agree to the terms detailed in the agreement.

**Why is it important?** Clarifies that the agreement was made voluntarily, without coercion or pressure.

### **3. Division of property**

This section should cover **every single asset** in detail.

#### **a. The apartment/residence**

**What to include:** **Exact address** of the property, **ownership**: who the official owners are, **decision**: what happens to the apartment? **Sale**/**transfer to one party**/**temporary use**, **details of compensation payment**: if one spouse keeps the apartment, how much must they pay the other? When? **Mortgage**: who pays the mortgage? If the apartment is sold, how is the proceeds divided after paying off the mortgage?

#### **b. Bank accounts and savings**

**What to include:** A **detailed list** of every bank account: bank name, account number, who the account holder is, balance (as of a specific date), **decision**: how is it divided? Does each party keep their own accounts or are they balanced between them?

#### **c. Pension and provident funds**

**What to include:** Details of **every pension fund**: fund name, policy number, current value, **decision**: whether and how it is divided.

#### **d. Vehicles**

**What to include:** Details of **every vehicle**: license plate number, model, year, registered owner, **estimated value, decision**: who keeps the vehicle? If there is more than one vehicle — how are they divided?

#### **e. Furniture and household items**

**What to include:** A list of **significant items** (air conditioners, TVs, mattresses, refrigerator, etc.), **who gets what.**

It's possible to write "each party keeps the items in their possession at the time of signing the agreement" — if there is agreement on this.

#### **f. Debts**

**What to include:** A list of **all debts**: mortgage, loans, credit cards, bank debts, **who is responsible for each debt.**

**Important**: If there is a joint debt (e.g., a joint loan), it must be clarified who pays it, and what happens if one party doesn't pay.

#### **g. Additional assets**

If there are additional assets (land, businesses, investments) — they must be included in detail.

### **4. Alimony – who pays how much and until when?**

#### **a. Child support**

**What to include:** Exact amount, payment date, until when, division of special expenses.

#### **b. Spousal support**

**What to include:** Exact amount, period, **conditions**: are there conditions under which the support ends? (for example, if the wife starts working full-time).

### **5. Custody and visitation arrangements**

#### **a. Custody**

**What to include:** **Type of custody**: joint custody/sole custody, **primary residence**: where the children will live most of the time.

**b. Visitation arrangements**

**What to include:** Detailed schedule, pickup and drop-off arrangements, communication.

#### **c. Decision-making**

**What to include:** **Day-to-day decisions**: who decides on everyday matters? (the parent who is with the children at that time), **substantive decisions**: who decides on education, health, religion? (both parents together or one of them).

### **6. Future residence – what happens if someone wants to move?**

**What to include:** **Restriction on relocation**: "The spouse will not relocate outside the [area name] area without the other party's written consent or court approval."

**Why is it important?** One parent relocating to a distant location can **disrupt** visitation arrangements. Agreeing on a restriction in advance prevents disputes.

### **7. Insurance**

**What to include:** Life insurance, health insurance.

### **8. Higher education**

**What to include:** Who will bear the costs of the children's higher education.

**Why is it important?** If not agreed in advance, a dispute can arise in the future when the child goes to university.

### **9. Miscellaneous**

#### **a. Waiver of claims**

**What to include:** A declaration by the spouses that the agreement settles all accounts between them, and they waive future claims regarding the agreed-upon matters.

#### **b. Amendments to the agreement**

**What to include:** For example, a provision stating that any change to this agreement must be made in writing and approved by both parties.

#### **c. Jurisdiction**

**What to include:** In the event of a dispute, which court has jurisdiction to handle the matter.

## **Common mistakes to avoid**

### **Mistake 1: Vague wording**

Vague wording such as "the property will be divided equally," instead of precise details on how assets are divided (such as the date of sale of the apartment or bank account numbers), is a sure recipe for future disputes.

### **Mistake 2: Failing to include assets or debts**

If you **forget an asset or debt**, it can cause a future dispute. Make sure every asset and debt **appears in the agreement**.

### **Mistake 3: Not addressing the future**

A good agreement should include **future scenarios**: what happens if one spouse wants to move? What happens if income changes (increase or decrease in support)? What happens if a child is sick and there's an unexpected medical expense?

### **Mistake 4: Agreement under pressure**

If one spouse was **coerced** or subjected to unreasonable pressure to sign — the agreement may be void in the future. Make sure the agreement is made of **free will**.

### **Mistake 5: Failure to approve the agreement**

An agreement that is not **approved** by the rabbinical court and the family court — is **not binding**. Official approval must be obtained.

## **How to prepare a good divorce agreement?**

### **Step 1: Consult with [family law attorneys](https://www.lawreviews.co.il/search/family-law)**

A lawyer will help you understand your rights, draft the agreement, and ensure it protects your rights.

### **Step 2: Gather information**

Collect **every relevant document**: property ownership documents, bank statements, pay slips, pension reports, debts.

### **Step 3: Negotiation**

Try to reach agreements on every issue. If it's difficult — consider **mediation** (a professional mediator who helps reach agreements).

### **Step 4: Drafting the agreement**

The lawyers draft the agreement **in writing, in a detailed and clear manner**.

### **Step 5: Review and signing**

Read the agreement **carefully**. Make sure you understand every clause. If something is unclear — ask. Only after you're sure — **sign**.

### **Step 6: Approval by the rabbinical court and family court**

Submit the agreement to the **rabbinical court** or the **family court** for approval. Only after approval is the agreement **binding**.

## **How much does it cost to prepare a divorce agreement?**

**Average cost**: **NIS 7,000-25,000** (depending on complexity and the lawyer).

## **Important tips**

### **1. Don't rush -** Don't sign an agreement **hastily**. Take the time to understand, review, and ask questions.

### **2. Be honest -** Detail **all assets and debts**. Non-disclosure can work against you.

### **3. Think about the future -** Try to think about future scenarios, and include them in the agreement.

### **4. Don't waive rights without understanding -** If you're waiving something, make sure you **understand** what you're giving up, and that it's **worth it** to you.

### **5. Keep a copy -** Keep a **copy** of the approved agreement in a safe place.

---

## **LawReviews – The leading platform for finding expert family law attorneys**

If you need help drafting a divorce agreement, **LawReviews** will help you find the right expert. Read genuine reviews of family law attorneys, compare experts, and find the lawyer who will help you prepare your divorce agreement. Visit **LawReviews** now!


A comprehensive guide to divorce agreements in Israel: what must be included, essential clauses, property division, alimony, custody, and how to avoid disputes.

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Legal Articles in Family law | Page: 2

Found 17 articles

Child Support – How Is It Calculated According to Court Rulings?

Divorce Agreement: What to Include to Minimize Future Disputes?

Family Lawyers