Law Office for Alimony Increase Consultation

Alimony Increase Consultation — Understanding Your Rights and the Legal Process

Alimony increase is one of the complex and sensitive matters in Israeli family law. When life circumstances change — income increases, living costs rise, or children's needs change — the right to petition for alimony increase is a vital legal tool for protecting children's welfare. Attorney Rozil Amir's boutique law office specializes in consultation and personal representation in alimony increase claims, with a deep understanding of prevailing case law, statutory formulas, and the emotional aspects of each case.

Under Israeli family law, alimony is a periodic payment made by one parent to the other (or sometimes between both parents under special agreements) to support the basic needs of children. Alimony increase refers to a legal claim to raise the amount of existing alimony, in accordance with changes in economic circumstances, children's needs, or the payor's economic ability.

Our law office provides comprehensive legal consultation at all stages of the alimony increase process — from initial assessment of prospects, through claim preparation, to full representation in the Family Court. We understand this is a sensitive matter directly affecting children's welfare and the family's economic situation, and therefore we provide personal and discreet representation at every stage.

When Can You Petition for Alimony Increase?

An alimony increase petition can be filed when there are changed circumstances since the alimony was set or approved by agreement. These changed circumstances may include:

• Increase in the payor's income — when the payor received a promotion, substantial income increase, or a new income source that did not exist when alimony was set.
• Increase in children's needs — expenses for education, healthcare, social or cultural activities that grow as children grow.
• Change in cost of living — significant increases in expenses such as housing, transportation, or food.
• Change in child's health status — special needs or treatments requiring additional expenses.
• Change in custody or visitation arrangements — if the time the child spends with the payor increased, there may be additional expenses.

What is the Difference Between Existing Alimony and an Increase Request?

When alimony exists that was set by a court order or by an agreement approved by the court, and there is a request for increase, the court will examine the new circumstances. The court will not start from scratch, but will examine whether the changed circumstances justify an increase in the alimony amount. This differs from an initial alimony petition, in which the court sets alimony for the first time.

When examining an increase request, the court will also examine the payor's ability to pay — if his income increased but he faced other financial difficulties (such as new family obligations), the court may limit the increase or reject the petition.

Child Support Increase Process — Legal Steps and Expectations

The process of filing a child support increase claim involves several legal stages that you should understand before submitting your petition. Our law firm guides you through each step, from preparing the required documentation to obtaining a court decision.

First Stage: Legal Assessment and Strategy Development

In the first stage, we examine all details of your case: the original court decision or agreement in which child support was established, the changed circumstances, the current income of both parents, the children's needs, and the payor's financial capacity. Based on this examination, we assess the prospects of the claim and develop a legal strategy tailored to your case.

Second Stage: Evidence and Document Collection

To succeed in a child support increase claim, convincing evidence of a change in circumstances is required. These include:

• Current pay stubs of the payor (last 6–12 months).
• Tax income report (current income tax return).
• Bank statements or bank confirmation of new income or assets.
• Documentation of children's expenses (school bills, medical treatments, activities).
• Records of changes in children's needs (detailed expense list).
• Previous agreements or court decisions regarding child support and custody.

Third Stage: Filing the Petition

At this stage, we file a formal petition with the family court. The petition must contain a clear description of the changed circumstances, citation of the original court decision or agreement, and a calculation of the revised amount we claim should be paid. The petition is accompanied by supporting evidence.

Fourth Stage: Court Proceedings

After filing the petition, the court may summon both parties to a hearing. During the hearing, we present our evidence, present witnesses if necessary, and argue for the payor's increased income. On the other side, the payor (or their attorney) will present their arguments and evidence regarding their financial capacity.

The court may also appoint an expert (for example, an accountant) to assist in assessing income or expenses. In some cases, the court may offer a settlement or resolution — a process in which both parties reach a mutual agreement.

Fifth Stage: Court Decision

Following the hearings, the court issues a decision on the child support increase (or rejection of the request). The decision is based on examination of all evidence, the statutory formula, and the principles established by case law. If either party is dissatisfied, an appeal may be filed with the Supreme Court.

The Legal Formula for Determining Child Support in Israel

In Israel, child support is determined in accordance with the Child Rights Law (Maintenance), 5737–1977 (hereinafter: the Child Support Law). The law provides a clear mathematical formula but also grants the court discretion based on the unique circumstances of each case.

The Basic Formula

The basic formula for determining child support is:

Child Support = Obligor's Net Income × Fixed Percentage (based on number of children)

The percentages are fixed by law:

• One child: 21% of net income.
• Two children: 29% of net income.
• Three children: 35% of net income.
• Four or more children: 40% of net income.

What is "Net Income"?

Net income is income after deduction of taxes, national insurance, and health insurance. When calculating net income, the court takes into account:

• Salary from primary employment.
• Income from self-employment or business.
• Income from dividends, interest, or investments.
• Income from rental of property.
• Economic benefits received by the obligor (such as a company vehicle).

Exceptions and Deviations from the Formula

The court is not required to strictly adhere to the formula prescribed by law. The court may consider additional factors:

• Special needs of the children — medical treatment, special education, or activities requiring expenses higher than average.
• Payment capacity of the obligor — if the obligor faces significant financial difficulties, the court may reduce the amount.
• Standard of living of the child prior to divorce — the court seeks to maintain a standard of living similar to that which the child enjoyed before the divorce.
• Income of the recipient — if the recipient has independent income, the court may reduce the child support.
• Custody and visitation arrangements — if the obligor spends substantial time with the children, housing and maintenance costs may be lower.

Updating Child Support After Determination

Under Israeli family law, child support may be automatically updated in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, if there are substantial changed circumstances (such as an increase in income or needs), one may petition the court for an increase or decrease in child support.

Comparative Table: Typical Scenarios of Child Support Increases

Below is a table presenting typical scenarios of child support increases in Israel, to give you an idea of the possible amounts and changes:

Note: The table reflects estimated scenarios only. Actual amounts may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, court decisions, and consideration of additional factors such as special needs, payment capacity, and income of the recipient.