Increase in Maintenance - Expert Legal Representation

Increase in Maintenance - Comprehensive Legal Guide for Obligor and Obligee

Increase in maintenance is a legal claim that pertains to updating the amount of maintenance payments made to a child or spouse, when a change in family or financial circumstances justifies such an increase. In Israel, maintenance is a legal statutory obligation that requires the non-custodial parent to provide financial support to the child, and may also be an obligation between spouses in certain periods.

When economic circumstances change—whether due to an increase in the payer's income, a decrease in the obligee's income, new needs of the child, or changes in cost of living—the amount previously determined may no longer be appropriate. At this point, the party seeking an increase in maintenance can file a petition with the Family Court to update the previous decision.

Our firm provides professional legal consultation and personal accompaniment throughout the entire process, from the initial stage of assessing entitlement to full representation in court. We understand that maintenance is a sensitive and vital issue for families, and therefore we handle each case with maximum discretion and high professionalism.

When Should You File a Request to Increase Maintenance?

There are several circumstances that may justify a request to increase maintenance:

• Increase in payer's income: If the person paying maintenance experiences a significant increase in income—whether due to a promotion at work, business opening, inheritance, or new income sources—there may be grounds for increasing maintenance.
• Decrease in obligee's income: If the obligee loses their job or experiences a significant decrease in income, while expenses for the child remain fixed or increase, this may justify an increase in maintenance.
• New needs of the child: Children grow and their needs change. Education in junior high or high school, educational activities, medical treatments, or psychological therapy may constitute grounds for increasing maintenance.
• Changes in cost of living: Inflation, increases in housing, health, or education costs may justify updating the maintenance amount.
• Changes in custody or visitation arrangements: If there is a change in the custody arrangement or visitation time of the non-custodial parent, this may affect the maintenance amount.

The Process of Increasing Maintenance in Court

The legal process for increasing maintenance begins with filing a petition with the Family Court. The petition must be supported by evidence and documents proving the change in circumstances. These may include:

• Current salary slips and/or income statements
• Tax returns from recent years
• Bank statements and bank certificates
• Employer certifications
• Assessments of the child's needs (education, medical, and activity bills)
• Medical or therapeutic certificates if relevant
• Affidavits or witness statements

In court, arguments are presented by both sides. The court will examine the evidence, hear the arguments, and consider the economic situation of both parents, the child's needs, and other parameters as determined by law. Subsequently, the court will issue a decision updating the maintenance amount.

Cost of Alimony Increase - What You Should Know

One of the most common questions asked by people interested in increasing alimony is: how much does it cost? The answer depends on many factors, and it is important to understand the cost structure before starting the process.

Cost Components of Alimony Increase

When discussing the cost of alimony increase, several components must be distinguished:

• Attorney's Fees: This is the primary cost. Our firm, like most law offices specializing in family law, offers several pricing options: hourly rates, fixed fees per case, or contingency fees. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
• Court Fees: The court charges filing fees for petitions. These fees vary according to the subject matter value (at the time of writing, filing fees for alimony increase petitions are typically in the range of hundreds of shekels, but you should verify with the court or your attorney).
• Ancillary Costs: Such as document printing, registered mail, court copies, or expert/appraiser fees if required (rare for alimony increase alone, but may be relevant if there is a dispute over income).
• Court Representation Costs: If the proceedings are prolonged or require multiple court appearances, attorney's fees may be higher.

Typical Cost Ranges

Based on our experience, typical cost ranges for alimony increase are:

• Simple and Uncontested Case: If both parties agree to the alimony increase and there is an agreement, costs are lower. In this scenario, attorney's fees may be in the range of 2,000–5,000 shekels, plus court fees.
• Moderately Disputed Case: If there are disagreements over the alimony amount or the justification for the increase, but no complex legal disputes, attorney's fees may be in the range of 5,000–12,000 shekels, plus court fees and court appearances.
• Complex Case: If there are significant disputes over income, needs, or if third parties are involved (such as the payer's new spouse), costs may reach 15,000–30,000 shekels or more, depending on the number of court appearances.

Attorney's Fee Pricing Models

Our firm offers flexibility in choosing a fee arrangement:

• Hourly Rates: Typically in the range of 400–800 shekels per hour, depending on experience and area of specialization. This option is suitable for cases where the volume of work cannot be estimated in advance.
• Fixed Fee: For a specific case, we can offer a fixed fee that covers all stages until the court decision. This provides budget certainty for the client.
• Contingency Fee: In some cases, we are willing to work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are paid only if the alimony increase is approved by the court. This option is suitable for cases with a high likelihood of success.

In any case, our firm offers free legal consultation at the initial stage to assess your case, understand the circumstances, and discuss with you the expected outcome and anticipated costs.

Comparison of Scenarios - What Affects the Amount of Alimony?

The Family Court uses several criteria when determining the amount of alimony. Below is a table comparing different scenarios and their impact on the alimony amount:

As can be seen from the table, there are several factors affecting the amount of alimony. The court weighs all these factors together to reach a fair and appropriate decision.

Why Choose a Specialized Attorney for Spousal Support Increase?

Spousal support increase is a complex legal process that requires deep knowledge of Israeli family law, understanding of current case law, and experience in handling similar cases. Choosing a specialized attorney can significantly impact the outcome and the overall costs of the proceedings.

Advantages of Working with Our Office

Experience and Professionalism: Our office has extensive experience in family law, divorce, financial agreements, and spousal support. We are familiar with Israeli family courts, judges, local procedures, and the most effective legal arguments.

Personal Representation: Each client receives personal representation by Attorney Rozil Amir. We do not handle cases "on the line" — each case receives full attention and care.

Discretion and Professionalism: We understand that spousal support matters are sensitive and relate to family. We handle each case with complete discretion and professionalism, while maintaining the dignity of all parties.

Smart Legal Strategy: We do not merely file petitions — we develop a legal strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Agreements and Mediation: In some cases, we can negotiate with the other party and reach an agreement, saving both parties time and money.

Legal Updates: We follow changes in the law, new Supreme Court decisions, and evolving practices in Israeli family law.

What We Guarantee

We guarantee:

• Free legal consultation at the initial stage
• Honest assessment of your entitlement to spousal support increase
• Clear legal plan and estimated budget
• Regular communication and updates on the progress of proceedings
• Professional representation in court
• Complete discretion and professionalism