* This text was translated automatically using AI; the linked sources are in Hebrew.
One legal decision can affect years to come
There are moments in life when a single legal decision can affect the years ahead. Divorce proceedings, disputes over children, a fight over property, alimony and child support, an inheritance dispute or dealing with debts are all situations in which it is important to understand, right from the start, what your rights are, what the risks are and what the right legal path is. Sivan Ohana Law Office – Attorneys, Notary & Mediation provides legal advice, guidance and representation in family law and divorce, divorce mediation, inheritance and wills, debt collection (Execution Office) and insolvency, drawing on professional experience, strategic thinking, thoroughness and determination, together with sensitivity to the complex situation the client is facing. The main office is located in Afula, and a branch in Tel Aviv serves clients from the Center, allowing meetings and legal support for clients from both the North and the Center.
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Divorce and Family Law Attorney – The Right Strategy from the Start
No two divorce proceedings are alike. Behind every case there are spouses, children, assets, rights, obligations and different life circumstances. That is why, when choosing a divorce lawyer or a family law attorney, it is important to choose someone who can see the full picture and build a strategy tailored to the specific case. Adv. Sivan Ohana represents and accompanies clients in divorce proceedings, in Family Courts and in Rabbinical Courts, from the initial consultation and strategy planning through to the conclusion of the proceedings. From the very beginning we examine all the issues: the children, parental responsibility and parenting time, child and spousal support, property and financial rights, the family home, debts and obligations, the ketubah, as well as the possibility of resolving the disputes through negotiation, divorce mediation or a divorce agreement. When a fair agreement can be reached – we will work to achieve it. When a legal battle is needed to protect the client's rights – we will conduct it with determination and sound judgment. The goal is not to wage war at any cost, but to know which rights must be protected, which battles are worth fighting and which legal path will best serve the client's interests.
Family Law Attorney
Family law covers many legal issues that affect one another and can impact the family unit for years. Our office provides advice and representation in divorce, child support, spousal support, parental responsibility, child custody, joint custody, parenting time, parental alienation, division of property in divorce, equalization of assets, dissolution of joint ownership, ketubah, divorce agreements, prenuptial agreements, dispute resolution, divorce mediation, marital reconciliation (Shalom Bayit), domestic violence and protective orders.
We believe that a family lawyer should not only know the law and case law thoroughly, but also understand the practical meaning of every decision and its effect on the children, the property and the client's financial future. That is why, in every case, we emphasize planning, thoroughness, a broad perspective and thinking several steps ahead.
Parental Responsibility, Child Custody and Parenting Time
When a couple has children together, arranging the parental relationship after the separation is one of the most significant issues. Our office handles proceedings concerning parental responsibility, child custody, joint custody, parenting time, visitation arrangements, relocation, the education and health of minors, violation of parenting time and parental alienation. Whenever circumstances allow, Adv. Sivan Ohana advocates keeping the children out of the legal battle and avoiding their involvement in their parents' conflict. It is possible to firmly protect a parent's rights while remembering that the children are not a party to the dispute.
Parental Alienation and Refusal of Contact
Cases of parental alienation, refusal of contact or harm to the relationship between a parent and a child require a professional and sensitive approach, and sometimes swift legal action. In disputes of this kind, time can be of great significance. The office represents parents in proceedings concerning parental alienation, violation of visitation arrangements and parenting time, prevention of contact and complex parenting disputes, while examining the legal and therapeutic tools appropriate to the circumstances of each case.
Child Support and Spousal Support
Child support is one of the central issues in separation and divorce proceedings. The amount of support is determined according to the circumstances of the case and the relevant data, including the children's ages and needs, the parents' incomes and financial capacities, and parenting time.
Our office represents clients in child support and spousal support claims, in setting temporary and permanent support, and in claims and motions to increase or reduce support, in accordance with the law and the circumstances. In every case the full financial picture is examined, with the aim of presenting the relevant data to the court thoroughly and accurately.
Division of Property in Divorce, Equalization of Assets and Dissolution of Joint Ownership
One of the most complex issues in divorce proceedings is the division of property and arranging the spouses' financial future. The family home and real estate, bank accounts, savings and investments, pension and social benefits, businesses and companies, vehicles, loans and debts – all of these may be part of the property dispute. Our office represents clients in division of property in divorce, equalization of assets, dissolution of joint ownership of the family home, rights in an apartment, business assets and complex property disputes.
The goal is to identify and examine all rights and obligations, to understand their financial significance and to act to protect the client's rights from a long-term perspective as well.
Divorce Mediation – It Can End by Agreement
Not every divorce has to end in a long court battle. In suitable cases, divorce mediation allows the spouses to reach agreements on the issues that matter to them and their children, and leaves in their hands the ability to shape the arrangements that will apply to their family after the separation.
As an attorney and divorce mediator, Adv. Sivan Ohana accompanies couples through mediation and in drafting a consensual divorce agreement, arranging parental responsibility and parenting time, child support, education and health expenses, division of property, the family home, social benefits and financial obligations. Mediation is not giving up on rights. Proper mediation enables the parties to make informed decisions based on an understanding of their legal position and to build an agreement that suits their family.
Divorce Agreements and Prenuptial Agreements
A good divorce agreement is not meant only to end today's dispute. It should minimize tomorrow's disputes as much as possible. Our office drafts divorce agreements, prenuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and reconciliation-or-divorce agreements, with careful attention to clear and precise legal wording and to tailoring the agreement to the parties' needs. When drafting the agreement we also take into account possible future changes: parenting time, children's expenses, education and health, relocation, sale of assets, repayment of obligations and mechanisms for resolving disputes. A good agreement should resolve the dispute – not create the next legal proceeding.
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Divorce Lawyer in Afula and the North
The main office of Adv. Sivan Ohana is located in Afula and provides legal services to clients from Afula, the Jezreel Valley and the northern region. The office also has additional branches in the North, including in Rosh Pina and Nahariya, where meetings can be held by appointment. For clients looking for a divorce lawyer in Afula, a family law attorney in Afula, a divorce lawyer in the North, a divorce lawyer in Nahariya, a family lawyer in the North or a divorce mediator in the North, the office provides comprehensive legal support from the consultation stage through to the conclusion of the proceedings.
Divorce Lawyer in Tel Aviv and the Center
For clients from the Center, the office's Tel Aviv branch is available, where meetings can be held by appointment. The branch also enables clients looking for a divorce lawyer in Tel Aviv, a family law attorney in Tel Aviv, a divorce lawyer in the Center, a family lawyer in the Center or a divorce mediator in the Center to receive legal advice and support from our office.
Inheritance and Wills
Inheritance and wills combine legal and property questions with sensitive family relationships. When a dispute arises, it can quickly turn into a serious conflict between family members. Our office provides advice and representation in inheritance, wills and estates, including drafting wills, succession orders, probate orders, objections to a will, annulment of a will, inheritance disputes, disputes between heirs and estate administration. The office also handles objections to probate orders and cases involving claims of undue influence, the testator's capacity, the circumstances in which the will was made, or disputes over the scope of the estate's assets.
Drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Proper legal planning can prevent many disputes in the future. A professional and precise will allows a person to determine how their property will be divided after their death and to clearly express their wishes. Our office also provides services for lasting (enduring) powers of attorney, which allow a person to decide in advance who will handle their personal, medical and property affairs should they, in the future, be unable to make decisions on these matters themselves. Adv. Sivan Ohana provides services for drafting wills, mutual wills and lasting powers of attorney, alongside representation in inheritance proceedings and disputes between heirs.
Execution Office Proceedings and Debt Collection
Dealing with an Execution Office (Hotza'a LaPoal) file, whether as a debtor or as a creditor, requires an understanding of the legal tools available to each party. Our office provides advice and representation in enforcement proceedings and debt collection, including opening and managing Execution Office files, enforcement of judgments, enforcement of promissory notes and checks, collection of support payments through the Execution Office, objections to enforcement of a promissory note, a claim of payment, liens, restrictions, means investigations, payment orders and debt settlements. For creditors, we help examine the appropriate legal means of collection; for debtors, we help examine the options for settling the debts and dealing with the collection proceedings taken against them.
Insolvency, Debt Settlement and Financial Rehabilitation
When a person struggles to cope with the extent of their debts, it is important to examine all the options before choosing a legal path. Opening insolvency proceedings is not always the solution, and sometimes a debt settlement, a creditors' arrangement or negotiations with creditors can be considered as a suitable alternative. Our office provides advice and representation in insolvency and financial rehabilitation, debt settlements, creditors' arrangements and discharge proceedings, while examining the client's overall financial situation and the implications of each path. When insolvency proceedings are the right path, we accompany the client throughout the process and work to advance financial rehabilitation in accordance with the law.
Why Choose Sivan Ohana Law Office?
A legal proceeding in family law, inheritance or debts requires much more than knowing the sections of the law. It requires the ability to build a strategy, identify risks, negotiate, think outside the box and know when it is right to reach an agreement and when determined legal representation is needed. At Sivan Ohana Law Office we emphasize personal and thorough handling, availability, strategic thinking, attention to detail and a broad view of the legal, financial and family implications of every decision. We believe that a client should understand their legal position, the options available to them and the advantages and risks of each path – and only then make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Before You Start – It Is Important to Know Where You Stand
If you are facing divorce proceedings, dealing with a dispute over support, child custody, parental responsibility, parenting time, parental alienation or division of property, need mediation or a divorce agreement, are dealing with an inheritance or an objection to a will, or need advice on Execution Office proceedings, debts or insolvency – the first step is to understand your legal position and the options available to you. Adv. Sivan Ohana and the office team provide professional, personal and strategic legal support – from the initial consultation through to the conclusion of the proceedings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Family Law, Divorce and Inheritance
🔴 Questions about divorce and family disputes
Where is it better for me to open my divorce case – in the Rabbinical Court or in the Family Court?
This is one of the most important questions, and the answer depends entirely on the specific circumstances of your case. In the past it was commonly thought that men would always prefer the Rabbinical Court and women the Family Court, but today reality is far more complex. A wrong strategic decision at this stage can dramatically affect the division of property, child support and parenting time. Therefore, you should not act without prior legal advice that examines the facts and determines the most suitable forum for you.
What is the "mandatory mediation law" and how does it affect me?
Under the Family Dispute Resolution Law, a divorce claim cannot be filed directly with the court or the Rabbinical Court without first going through a "dispute resolution" procedure at the Assistance Unit attached to the court. These are mandatory meetings intended to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement. Even at this stage, the behind-the-scenes support of an attorney is critical so that you do not commit to things that may harm you later.
How is property divided in a divorce? Is everything split fifty-fifty?
As a rule, Israeli law provides for "equalization of assets", meaning that assets accumulated during the marriage (an apartment, savings, pensions, businesses) are divided equally, regardless of whose name they are registered in. However, there are many exceptions – such as assets received by inheritance or as a gift, or assets that belonged to one of the parties before the marriage. Legal expertise is required to protect your assets or, alternatively, to uncover assets that were hidden or transferred away by the other party.
📜 Questions about wills, inheritance and powers of attorney
Why do I need a will if the law already determines who my heirs are?
The Succession Law sets a fixed default (for example: half to the spouse and half to the children). However, the bare law does not recognize the complexities of life. A professionally drafted will is necessary if you want to secure your spouse's future after you are gone (so that the children do not immediately demand their share of the apartment), if you are in a second marriage or relationship, if you have a child with special needs whose care you want to secure, or if you wish to exclude a certain person from the inheritance. A will is the only way for you to control the fate of your property.
What is a lasting power of attorney and who is it suitable for?
A lasting power of attorney is one of the most important and sensitive legal tools available today. It allows you to decide in advance, while you are fully lucid, who will handle your personal, medical and property affairs if, heaven forbid, you reach a situation in which you can no longer make decisions yourself (for example due to dementia, an accident or illness). This tool replaces the need for the court to appoint a guardian – a bureaucratic and cumbersome process that may create serious conflicts within the family.
📍 Service, location and availability
Where is the office located? Do you represent clients in both the North and the Center?
Absolutely. The office offers broad and flexible service, understanding that many clients need full accessibility. We maintain active branches both in Afula (for residents of the Jezreel Valley and the North) and in Tel Aviv (for residents of the Center). Legal representation is provided in all Family Courts and Rabbinical Courts in the Northern, Haifa and Tel Aviv–Central districts.
How do we start the legal process with you?
The first and most important step is a strategic consultation meeting at the office (or via Zoom, whichever is more convenient for you). In this meeting we will map out the legal and factual situation, define your goals (protecting the children, preserving property, peace of mind) and build a personalized plan of action – whether that means conducting a determined legal battle or leading the way to a respectful divorce or prenuptial agreement.