Parental Coordination After Divorce — Legal Guidance and Personal Counseling | Attorney Rozil Amir

What is Parental Coordination After Divorce?

Parental coordination after divorce is a legal and social process that enables two parents to continue supporting their children jointly, despite no longer being a couple. In Israel, the Property and Matrimonial Law (Amendment No. 5), together with prevailing case law in family courts, places considerable weight on the principle of "joint custody" — meaning two parents with equal rights and responsibilities toward their children.

Parental coordination after divorce addresses several critical matters:

• Custody and Visitation — which parent cares for the child on certain days and how the other maintains contact.
• Educational and Medical Decisions — who decides on school choice, medical treatment, and social activities.
• Child Support — each parent's financial contribution to the children's maintenance.
• Parental Communication — how both parents share information about the children and make decisions together.

Parental coordination after divorce does not automatically establish two parents with equal rights — it depends on circumstances, agreement between parties, and court decision. Nevertheless, the trend in Israel is to prefer joint custody, where both parents participate in the child's life.

Parental Rights and Obligations After Divorce

After divorce, both parents have clear legal rights and obligations toward their children. These are defined by the Youth Law (Care and Supervision), the Property and Marriage Law, and court decisions. Understanding these rights is essential to protect your children and yourself.

Parental Rights

• Right to custody and visitation — Each parent is entitled to spend time with the child at times determined by agreement or court order. If no agreement exists, the court establishes a schedule that serves the child's best interest.
• Right to participate in major decisions — If there is joint custody, both parents must agree on major decisions such as school selection, non-routine medical treatment, and psychological care.
• Right to receive information — A parent is entitled to receive educational and medical information about the child, even if the child primarily resides with the other parent.
• Right to communicate with the child — Each parent may communicate with the child by phone, email, or in-person visits, within the boundaries established by agreement.

Parental Obligations

• Duty of care and education — Both parents must provide the child with food, clothing, education, and medical care according to their financial capacity.
• Duty to pay child support — If there is an income disparity between parents, the parent with higher income must contribute to the child's maintenance.
• Duty to cooperate — Both parents must work together for the child's best interest, even if there is tension or disagreement between them.
• Duty not to alienate the child from the other parent — Israeli courts impose an obligation on a parent not to attempt to estrange the child from the other parent ("parental alienation").

Parental Coordination Process in Israel — Step by Step

Parental coordination following divorce can occur in two ways: through a mutual agreement between the parents, or through the court. Generally, a mutual agreement is faster, more cost-effective, and more acceptable to both parties.

First Option: Mutual Agreement (Recommended)

If both parents are able to sit together and discuss the matter in relative calm, a mutual agreement can be reached. Typically:

1. Initial meeting with your family — We understand the situation, the children's needs, and the views of both parents.
2. Preparation of a draft agreement — We draft a clear legal agreement covering custody, visitation, child support, and joint decisions.
3. Negotiations between parents — If there are disagreements, we assist in mediation between the parties to reach a solution satisfactory to both.
4. Court approval — The final agreement is submitted to the family court for approval. This makes the agreement legally enforceable.

Second Option: Court Proceedings (When No Agreement Is Reached)

If the parents cannot agree, or if one refuses to cooperate, court proceedings are necessary:

1. Filing a petition with the court — We file a formal petition to determine custody, visitation, and child support.
2. Notice to the other parent — The other parent receives a copy of the petition and has the right to respond.
3. Court hearings — Both parents appear before a judge or qualified expert (family expert or social worker).
4. Testimony and evidence — Each party can present evidence, such as testimony from relatives, teachers, or healthcare providers.
5. Court judgment — The judge determines the child's custody, visitation schedule, and child support payments in accordance with the child's best interests.

Factors the Court Considers in Its Decision

The family court in Israel considers several factors when deciding on custody and visitation:

• The child's best interests — This is the primary factor. What is best for the child in terms of stability, education, and relationship with both parents?
• The child's age — Younger children require a closer relationship with the parent who provided more care in the past.
• Relationship with each parent — What is the quality of the healthy relationship between the child and each parent?
• Each parent's ability to care for the child — How much time does the parent have, what is their emotional state, and can they provide a safe environment?
• The child's consent — If the child is above a certain age (typically 14), their opinion influences the decision.
• History of violence or neglect — If there is suspicion of harmful behavior, the court will place significant weight on this factor.

Child Support — Calculation and Arrangement

Child support is a monthly payment made by one parent to the other to cover the child's needs (food, clothing, education, medical care). In Israel, child support calculation is based on a legal formula established through case law and legislation.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Child support calculation in Israel takes several factors into account:

• Income of each parent — gross income, including mortgage, taxes and national insurance (if applicable).
• Number of children — the more children there are, the lower the payment per child may be.
• Custody arrangement — if joint custody or equal custody, each parent contributes according to their income.
• Child's needs — if the child has special needs (medical treatment, private education), this affects the amount.
• Standard of living — the court considers the family's standard of living before the divorce.

Generally, the parent with higher income pays child support to the child. If both parents have similar incomes and equal custody, there may be no child support payment (or a lower payment).

Child Support Reference Table (General Guideline)

Important Note: This table is a general guideline only. Actual child support calculation depends on specific circumstances, applicable case law, and the court's discretion. We calculate child support with high precision according to your specific data.

Changes to Child Support Payments

If circumstances change (for example, a parent loses a job, receives a promotion, or a child finishes school), you can request a modification of the child support amount. We assist you in submitting a petition to the court for adjustment of the amount.

Values and Principles of Rozil Amir Law Office in Parental Coordination

In parental coordination, we believe that children come first. Every decision we make focuses on their best interests — their relationship with both parents, their emotional security, and their development.

• Personal and Professional Guidance — We are not just lawyers; we listen to you, understand your difficulties, and guide you through every stage of the process.
• Complete Confidentiality — Everything you share with us is protected by attorney-client privilege. We do not share information without your consent.
• Mutual Resolution — We strive to help both parents reach an agreement that satisfies both parties, rather than fighting in court.
• Professionalism and Experience — Attorney Rozil Amir has many years of experience in family law and divorce. We know how courts think and what they expect.