In English · For olim and Israelis abroad
Your legal matter is in Israel.We can talk about it in English.
You may live in Israel and think in English, or live abroad with family, property or debts here. Either way, you get clear advice in English, and the work with the Israeli system is done in Hebrew.
People come when…
- “We made aliyah, and now we are separating”
- “My father died in Israel. I live in London”
- “We have a will in the US. Does it cover our apartment in Israel?”
- “I just found out about an enforcement file opened while I was abroad”
- “My ex wants to move abroad with the children”
- “The court papers are in Hebrew, and I need to understand every word”
Chapter I
Advice in English, filings in Hebrew
Advice in English, filings in Hebrew
Israeli courts, the rabbinical courts, the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs and the Enforcement and Collection Authority all work in Hebrew. Applications, pleadings and hearings are in Hebrew.
You do not need to work in Hebrew. Each step is explained in English, and before you sign anything, we go through it together in English, clause by clause.
Documents from abroad, such as a will, a court decision or a bank statement, usually need a Hebrew translation, sometimes a certified one. It is worth checking this early, so translation does not hold up the process.
Chapter II
Separation and divorce across borders
Separation and divorce across borders
When a family lives between two countries, courts in more than one country may be able to hear the case. In Israel, family matters are heard by the family courts and by the religious courts. For Jewish couples, the divorce itself is handled by the rabbinical court, while property, support and children may be heard by either court, depending on the circumstances.
Where and when the first case is filed can shape everything that follows. That is why early advice matters, before either of you files anything, in Israel or abroad.
A foreign divorce, custody or support ruling does not always take effect in Israel automatically. Depending on the case, it may need to be recognised or enforced by an Israeli court, and the same can apply in the other direction. If a child is taken to or kept in another country without the other parent's consent, the Hague Convention on child abduction, which Israel has joined, may apply.
Chapter III
Wills and inheritance across borders
Wills and inheritance across borders
Under Israel's Succession Law, an estate is generally governed by the law of the place where the deceased was domiciled at the time of death, meaning the place that was the centre of their life. There are exceptions, and some assets may be governed by the law of the country where they are located.
An estate can generally be handled in Israel when the deceased's centre of life was in Israel, or when they left assets here. When there are assets in more than one country, each country may have its own rules and its own procedure.
A will signed abroad may be valid in Israel as to its form, for example if it meets the law of the country where it was signed. Even so, wills in different countries should be coordinated, so one does not revoke or contradict the other. If you have a will abroad and assets in Israel, it is worth checking whether that will is enough, or whether a coordinated Israeli will makes sense.
Chapter IV
An enforcement file in Israel while you live abroad
An enforcement file in Israel while you live abroad
An enforcement file (hotza'a la-po'al) can be opened in Israel while you are not here. Some people only learn about it later, after deadlines have passed and the debt has grown with interest and linkage.
The creditor can ask for steps such as an attachment of an Israeli bank account, or an order that stops the debtor from leaving Israel. These may only come to light on your next visit.
If you suspect there is a file, the first step is to check it: what the debt is based on, how it was calculated and which deadlines still apply. Depending on the case, the options may include an objection, a payment arrangement or a claim that the debt was already paid. If the debts are more than you can pay, insolvency proceedings may also be worth considering.
Chapter V
Working remotely
Working remotely
Meetings can take place by video, in English, at a time that also works in your time zone. Documents are exchanged by email or a shared folder.
Some documents can be signed electronically. Others must be signed in person: before an Israeli consul abroad, or before a local notary, sometimes with an apostille. It depends on the document and the country.
Court hearings are a separate question. Sometimes you will need to attend, and sometimes the court allows participation by video. This is checked at the start, so you can plan travel if it is needed.
Chapter VI
Questions
Questions
01Do I need to come to Israel?
Often, much of the work can be done from abroad: meetings by video, and documents signed where you live. Some steps, such as certain court hearings, may require you to be here. It depends on the matter and on the court.
02Is a will I signed abroad valid in Israel?
It may be. Israeli law treats a will as valid in form if it meets, among others, the law of the place where it was signed or the law of the testator's domicile. Even so, it is worth having it checked, especially if you also have a will in Israel.
03My parent died in Israel and I live abroad. Where do we start?
First, check whether there is a will. Then an application is filed with the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs for a succession order or a probate order. Much of this can be done from abroad, with documents signed before a consul or a notary.
04I found out about an enforcement file against me. What is the first step?
Check the file before doing anything else: what kind of file it is, what the debt is based on and which deadlines apply. In a file based on a cheque or promissory note, the deadline to object is short. It is better to act early, before restrictions are imposed or the debt grows further.
05Can everything be done in English?
Conversations, explanations and correspondence are in English. Filings and hearings are in Hebrew, and before anything is filed or signed, we go through it together in English.
Counsel, with care.
It can start with a conversation.
Write or call to arrange a first conversation in English, at the Tel Aviv office or by video.