Increase of Alimony in Ramat Gan

Increase of Alimony — Complete Legal Guide to Your Rights

Increase of alimony is a legal process that allows a parent or dependent to request an increase in the amount of alimony received from the other party when economic conditions or family maintenance needs have changed. Our law firm in Ramat Gan specializes in representing and personally guiding clients dealing with changes in their economic conditions and maintenance costs for children or former spouses.

In recent times, many families in Israel face high living costs, unexpected medical expenses, changes in education or employment, or significant changes in income. All of these can justify a request for increased alimony in family court. Attorney Rozil Amir provides comprehensive legal consultation, examines all aspects of your case, and represents you in a way that leads to the best possible outcome.

What is Alimony and Where is it Used?

Alimony is a sum of money that one person pays to another to support their basic needs — food, housing, health, education, and care. In families that have broken up or couples that have divorced, alimony is an integral part of the divorce agreement or court decision. In Israel, the family court determines the amount of alimony according to the needs of the recipient, the ability of the payer to pay, and the special circumstances of each family.

When Should You Request an Increase in Alimony?

• Increase in expenses: When living costs, education, health, or child or former spouse care expenses have increased significantly.
• Change in the payer's income: When the payer's income has increased, or when they have become wealthier, an increase in alimony can be requested accordingly.
• Change in personal circumstances: New medical expenses, special educational needs, change in health status, or new needs of the children.
• Non-update of previous agreement: When the previous alimony agreement was set years ago and has not been updated according to changes in circumstances.

Process of Alimony Increase in Family Court

A request for increased alimony is submitted to family court in the form of a claim or legal petition. The process includes filing financial evidence (income statements, bank statements, receipts for expenses), documents relating to needs (medical receipts, bank statements, valuations), and a written claim that details the legal reasons for the request. The court will review the evidence, receive testimony from both parties, and make a decision on the new amount of alimony.

Our law firm handles every stage of the process — assessing rights, collecting evidence, preparing the claim, representation in proceedings, and obtaining a final court decision.

What are the Criteria for Obtaining an Increase in Alimony?

The family court examines several criteria to decide whether to increase alimony. These criteria are based on alimony law, legal precedents, and legal principles established over the years.

1. Needs of the Recipient

The court examines the actual needs of the recipient — living standards, education expenses, medical care, housing, transportation, and social activities. If needs have increased, this can justify an increase in alimony. For example, if a child started music lessons or a private English course, or if the child requires special medical treatment, these expenses are considered additional needs.

2. Ability of the Payer to Pay

The court examines the income of the payer, their assets, their debts, and their expenses. If income has increased or if the payer has become wealthier, the court may decide to increase alimony. Conversely, if income has decreased, the court may reject the request or reduce alimony.

3. Change in Circumstances from the Previous Decision

The court examines the difference between the circumstances at the time of the previous decision and the current circumstances. If the change is significant, the court may increase alimony. The change must be substantial — not minor or temporary changes.

4. Legal Precedents and Legal Principles

The court applies legal principles established over the years, such as the "25% rule" (alimony should not raise the recipient's expenses to 25% of the payer's income), and other principles relating to the distribution of economic burden between the parties.

5. Age of Children and Their Status

If children have grown up, their needs may change. For example, an 8-year-old may need more expensive secondary education or special medical care. The court will consider these changes.

6. Changing Health or Personal Status

If the recipient or children face a new health condition (for example, chronic illness or disability), or if the payer faces such a condition, this can affect the amount of alimony.

Comparative Table: Child Support Increase Scenarios

In the table below, you will find examples of various scenarios and how a court may address them:

Important Note: The table above presents general examples only. Each case is unique, and the court will consider all the specific circumstances of your case. Attorney Rozil Amir will be able to evaluate your case according to your specific details.

Evidence and Financial Analysis in Alimony Increase Claims

To succeed in an alimony increase claim, it is essential to present strong and clear evidence. The Family Court requires accurate financial documents that prove your needs or the payer's ability to pay.

Required Financial Evidence

• Income Reports: The payer's income report from the last year, Form 106, an accountant's report (if the payer is self-employed), and bank statements showing regular or variable income.
• Bank Accounts: Bank accounts of both parties, showing cash flow, monthly expenses, and any other relevant data.
• Tax Reports: Annual tax reports from recent years to show long-term income.
• Expense Receipts: Receipts from doctors, hospitals, schools, extracurricular activities, and any other place with expenses related to children or the alimony recipient.
• Medical Documents: If there are special medical needs, present medical certification, treatment cost estimates, and details of the special care.
• Educational Documents: If there are special educational needs (courses, extracurricular activities, private school), provide price quotations, invoices, and any other relevant documents.
• Asset Valuations: If there are substantial assets (homes, vehicles, investments), provide professional valuations of these assets.

Professional Financial Analysis

Our law firm conducts an in-depth financial analysis of all evidence. We calculate the expected alimony amount in accordance with legal rules, predict the court's response, and assess your chances of obtaining a favorable decision. If necessary, we engage a financial expert (such as an accountant or financial analyst) to strengthen our arguments.

Strong Legal Arguments

In addition to financial evidence, it is essential to present strong legal arguments. We use established precedents, legal principles, and analysis of legal rules relating to alimony. Every argument is based on decisions of the Supreme Court and other courts.