Child Support 2026 – Everything You Need to Know

Child support is one of the most central and sensitive issues in any separation or divorce proceeding. Contrary to what is sometimes thought, in 2026 there is no uniform “child support price list” in Israel and there is no single mathematical formula that suits every family.

The amount of child support is determined according to the totality of the circumstances of each case: the age of the children, their needs, the parents’ income, the true financial capacity of each of them, the length of stay, the expenses of the section, education and health expenses, and the standard of living in which the children lived before the separation.

In addition, following the legal changes that have occurred in recent years, and especially the change in the authority of rabbinical courts that took effect at the end of 2025, it is important to obtain legal advice before initiating proceedings or signing an agreement.

What is child support?

Child support is payments intended to meet the ongoing needs of children after their parents separate.

Foods may include:

Food, clothing and footwear.

Hygiene products and personal needs.

Living and dining expenses.

Electricity, water, property taxes and home maintenance expenses.

Education, after-school care, summer camps and private lessons.

Medical treatments that are not fully covered.

Emotional, psychological or paramedical treatments.

Classes and leisure activities.

Travel and special expenses.

Needs arising from the child’s medical or educational condition.

The goal is not to enrich one of the parents, but to ensure that even after the separation, the children will continue to receive an adequate response to their needs.

How is child support calculated in 2026?

The court or tribunal typically considers four main factors:

1. The needs of the children

A true and detailed picture of the children’s expenses must be presented. It is not enough to claim in general that the child’s expenses are high. It is advisable to attach invoices, credit printouts, payment confirmations, receipts, rental agreements, and references to education and health expenses.

2. Income of both parents

The examination is not limited to the salary listed on the payslip.

The court may examine:

Wage income.

Income from a business or company.

Bonuses, commissions and benefits.

Rental income.

Fixed allowances and payments.

A car from work and financial benefits.

Savings and assets.

Unrealized earning potential.

Actual standard of living.

Unusual deposits or transfers.

When a parent claims a low income but continues to live a high standard of living, the court may examine his true financial ability and not be satisfied with the figure appearing on the pay stub.

3. Spending time with the children

The longer the children stay with each parent, the more each parent directly bears a larger portion of their expenses.

However, equal residence times do not automatically eliminate alimony. Income disparities, non-residence-related expenses, and the question of who actually pays most of the fixed expenses still need to be examined.

4. The age of the children

The child’s age has a significant impact on how the payment is divided.

Food for children up to age 6

In proceedings involving Jewish parents, the starting point in the case law is that the father is responsible for the essential needs of children under the age of six. In addition, the courts may also consider the mother’s income, the length of stay, the expenses paid by both parents, and the family’s circumstances as a whole.

Therefore, even in cases involving children under the age of six, it is not correct to rely on an automatic calculation or on an amount awarded to another family.

Child support from age 6 to age 18

Following the ruling of the Ministry of Justice 919/15, when it comes to children aged 6 to 18, the following are examined, among other things:

Both parents’ income from all sources.

The ratio of disposable income.

The children’s time spent with each parent.

The needs of the children.

Expenses that depend on the stay.

Expenses that are not dependent on stay.

The identity of the parent who coordinates and pays the fixed expenses.

The ruling in case 919/15 determined that at the relevant ages, responsibility for child support lies with both parents, according to their financial capabilities and the division of time spent together.

This does not mean that each parent necessarily pays half. It is possible for one parent to be charged a significant amount even when there are extended periods of stay, especially when there is a large income gap.

What happens after the age of 18?

In many cases, it is determined that during the period of regular military service or national service, a reduced amount will be paid, and sometimes it is customary to set it at one-third of the amount previously paid.

However, the exact wording of the divorce decree or agreement should be checked. Eligibility, payment duration, and amount may vary depending on the circumstances and the wording of the decision.

Does joint custody eliminate child support?

not.

Joint custody or equal residence times do not necessarily result in the cancellation of alimony.

When the parents’ incomes are similar, the length of stay is equal, and each parent directly finances the children’s needs while they are with them, a relatively low amount may be determined, a mechanism for accounting may be established, or even no fixed monthly payment may be established.

On the other hand, when one of the parents earns significantly more, alimony may be determined even if the time spent together is divided equally, in order to prevent an extreme gap in the children’s standard of living between the two homes.

What are the expenses related to stay?

These are expenses that occur mainly when the child is with the parent, for example:

Food at home.

Daily hygiene products.

Routine pastimes.

Local travel.

Regular use of electricity and water.

Each parent usually bears these expenses while the children are staying with them.

What are expenses that are not dependent on stay?

These are expenses that do not vary significantly according to the number of nights the child is with each parent, for example:

Clothing and footwear.

School supplies.

Mobile phone.

Insurance.

Fixed payments to frameworks.

Classes.

Medical or emotional treatments.

Special education expenses.

In the agreement or judgment, it is important to determine who will be the parent responsible for the expenses, which expenses require prior consent, and how the settlement will be carried out.

What is a children’s section?

A section is the children’s share of the cost of living.

Department expenses may include:

Rent or a certain component of the cost of living.

property tax.

House committee.

electricity.

water.

gas.

Basic maintenance expenses.

The component of the section is not determined solely by the amount of rent. The court may examine the number of children, the length of stay, the parents’ income, the size of the apartment, the reasonable cost of living in the area, and the financial situation of both parents.

When each parent has a suitable apartment and the children spend significant time in both homes, this may affect the calculation of the section, but does not automatically eliminate it.

What are halves?

The term “half-and-half” generally refers to extraordinary educational and medical expenses that both parents are required to share.

Despite the name, the split does not always have to be 50%–50%. It is possible to set a split proportional to income, for example 60%–40% or 70%–30%.

Possible education expenses

Noon.

Camps.

School payments.

Trips.

Textbooks.

Diagnoses.

Private lessons.

One or more circles.

A special educational framework.

Possible medical expenses

Dental care.

Teeth straightening.

Glasses.

Psychological treatment.

Emotional therapy.

Speech therapy.

Occupational therapy.

Uncovered medications.

Medical diagnoses.

It is recommended to establish a clear mechanism in advance: when consent is required, within what time frame the request must be responded to, how receipts are sent, and when the refund must be made.

Is there a minimum amount of child support?

There is no uniform minimum amount in the law that is appropriate for every child and every family.

Amounts awarded in other cases are not necessarily relevant. Even when lawyers or websites present an average amount, it is at most a general reference point.

Each case is decided based on the financial data, the age of the children, the length of stay, their needs, and the family’s standard of living.

Is there an official child support calculator?

There is no official, binding state calculator that can determine the exact amount of child support.

Online calculators cannot examine:

Hidden income.

Earning capacity.

Assets and savings.

Special expenses for children.

Actual standard of living.

Future changes in stay times.

Extraordinary section expenses.

Medical or educational circumstances.

Therefore, a calculator can be used for an initial assessment only and not as a substitute for legal advice and individual examination.

Temporary food

The legal process for determining child support may take some time. So that the children are not left without a solution in the interim period, a temporary child support order can be requested.

The provisional decision is usually made on the basis of initial documents, such as:

Payslips.

Account sheets.

Expense breakdown.

Rental agreement.

Loan or mortgage documents.

Actual stay times.

The other parent’s reaction.

A temporary decision may affect the continued management of the case, so it is of great importance to present a complete and accurate picture at the beginning of the procedure.

In exceptional and urgent cases, urgent relief may be requested even during the period of suspension of proceedings, subject to the conditions set forth in the law.

Can alimony be increased?

A claim for an increase in alimony can be filed when there is a substantial change in circumstances that justifies it.

Possible examples:

A significant increase in the child’s needs.

Medical or emotional change.

Moving to a more expensive educational setting.

Significant reduction in the paying parent’s stay times.

A significant increase in the paying parent’s income.

An unexpected and justified decrease in the receiving parent’s income.

New expenses that did not exist at the time of the ruling.

Not just any small change will suffice. Real, lasting, and substantial change must be presented.

Can alimony be reduced or eliminated?

Reducing alimony also generally requires proof of a substantial change in circumstances.

Possible examples:

Moving from limited stay times to equal stay times.

A significant and not artificial decrease in income.

Permanent change in the children’s place of residence.

A child who has moved to live with the paying parent.

A significant increase in the other parent’s income.

A fundamental change in the needs of children.

Change in the age of the children and the payment structure.

The mere issuance of the judgment in Ltd. 919/15 does not alone constitute grounds for reopening a final judgment. The Supreme Court clarified that a material change in circumstances must still be proven.

It is especially important not to unilaterally reduce the payment. As long as a new decision is not made, the existing charge remains in effect.

What happens when a parent does not pay child support?

When there is a judgment or an agreement that has received the force of a judgment and the debt is not paid, collection may be considered through:

Opening a case for enforcement.

Bank account seizure.

Wage garnishment.

Seizure of funds or rights.

Restrictions vary according to law.

Contact the National Insurance Institute, subject to eligibility conditions.

The National Insurance Institute may pay alimony to eligible persons who hold a judgment and do not receive payment from the debtor, according to residency, income, and other eligibility conditions.

The new law and the authority of rabbinical courts in 2026

At the end of 2025, a temporary order was approved for a period of two years, allowing the Rabbinical Court to consider child support that was involved in a divorce lawsuit even without the consent of both parents, subject to the provisions of the law and the circumstances of the proceeding.

This is a significant change that has returned the issue of child support to the center of the race for authority between the Family Court and the Rabbinical Court.

This means that decisions made at the beginning of the process — including the date of opening the dispute resolution process, the date of filing the claims, the court in which the divorce claim is filed, and the manner in which the binding agreement is drafted — may affect the court that will hear the alimony case.

Therefore, in 2026 it is especially important not to initiate proceedings independently before receiving focused legal advice.

Family Court or Rabbinical Court?

There is no single answer that fits everyone.

The choice may be influenced by:

Parents’ income.

The age of the children.

Distribution of stay times.

The existence of a property gap.

The existence of a written claim.

Circumstances of the initiation of the procedure.

Place of residence.

How to manage the desired procedure.

The additional proceedings between the spouses.

Choosing a court should be done as part of an overall strategy, and not solely based on the question of where a higher or lower amount will be awarded.

Do we have to start a dispute resolution process first?

In most family disputes, a request for dispute resolution must first be opened before filing substantive claims, subject to exceptions set forth in the law.

If the parties reach an agreement, it can be submitted for approval and have the force of a judgment. If no agreement is reached, claims can be filed after the end of the stay of proceedings and in accordance with the deadlines set by law.

Even during the conflict resolution phase, it is important to understand the power struggle and the deadlines for filing claims.

What documents are important to prepare for a child support claim?

It is recommended to collect:

At least 12 payslips.

Bank account statements.

Credit card details.

Tax returns for the self-employed.

Company documents, if any.

Lease or mortgage documents.

Property tax, electricity, water and gas bills.

References to educational expenses.

Receipts for classes and treatments.

Medical documents.

Details of actual stay times.

References to additional assets and income.

Correspondence concerning the distribution of expenses.

Partial presentation of data may harm credibility and the legal outcome.

Common mistakes in child support cases

Relying on an amount paid by a friend or relative

Every family is different. An amount determined in another case does not necessarily indicate the outcome in your case.

Hiding income or assets

The courts examine the full economic picture. Concealment could damage credibility and lead to a difficult outcome.

Creating artificial dwell times

Stay periods should reflect the best interests of the children and the actual reality. Attempting to use them solely to reduce child support may be exposed.

Signing a general agreement too

Sentences such as “the parents will share all expenses” can create endless disputes. The types of expenses and the reimbursement mechanism should be detailed.

Stop payment without decision

A change in financial status does not automatically invalidate a judgment. You must contact the competent court and receive a decision.

Opening a procedure without a strategy

Following the changes in authority in 2026, the first step may have a significant impact on the continuation of the case.

Questions and Answers about Child Support 2026

How much child support is paid for one child?

There is no fixed amount. The charge is determined by the child’s age, needs, length of stay, income of both parents, and the expenses of the section and education.

Is a father obligated to pay child support when the children are with him half the time?

Not necessarily the same amount that would have been paid during shorter stays, but equal stays do not automatically eliminate the charge. Income gaps and the distribution of expenses should also be examined.

Can a mother be obligated to pay child support?

Yes. Especially for children over the age of six, the charge is assessed according to the financial capabilities of both parents and the duration of stay.

Does a new partner affect alimony?

The mere existence of a new spouse does not eliminate the obligation to pay alimony. However, in some cases, cohabitation and changes in household expenses may be part of the overall financial picture.

Does the birth of another child justify a reduction?

Not automatically. The birth of another child may be a consideration, but a substantial change in circumstances must be proven and all of the data must be examined.

Does unemployment justify stopping alimony?

No. Temporary unemployment does not invalidate a judgment. The court will examine the cause of the unemployment, its duration, earning capacity, efforts to find work, and the overall financial situation.

Is it possible to claim retroactive alimony?

In certain cases, it is possible to demand alimony or reimbursement of expenses for a period prior to the filing of the lawsuit, but this depends on the circumstances, the conduct of the parties, and the discretion of the court.

Can a child support agreement approved by the court be changed?

Yes, but an appropriate legal infrastructure is required. When it comes to child support, the best interests of the child are at the center, but a substantial change in circumstances must still be proven in accordance with the law and the circumstances of the agreement.

Is it possible to determine alimony by agreement?

Yes. A detailed agreement can be drawn up that includes the amount of alimony, the section, the halves, the expense mechanism, the linkage, and the duration of payment. For the agreement to be enforceable, it must be submitted for approval to the competent court and receive the force of a judgment.

Why is it important to get advice before opening a case?

A premature and incorrect decision may affect the court that will hear the case, the evidence that will be presented, the temporary alimony, and the financial outcome for many years.

Representation in child support claims

The Sharon Segal Law Firm represents mothers and fathers in complex child support claims, including:

Child support claims.

Requests for temporary alimony.

Claims for reduction of alimony.

Claims to increase alimony.

Cancel or change charges.

Disputes over division and halves.

Locating income and assets.

Alimony in joint custody.

Collection of alimony debts.

Representation in family court.

Representation in the Rabbinical Court.

Appeals in child support matters.

The firm manages each case based on a thorough economic and legal examination, building a tailored strategy, and understanding that a decision on alimony may have a cumulative impact of hundreds of thousands of shekels over the years.

Sharon Segal Law Firm – Maximum investment. Maximum result.

To schedule a consultation: 052-2226699

Branches in Tel Aviv, Netanya and Haifa | Representation throughout the country

The information on this page is general information only, as of 2026, and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for examining the individual circumstances of each case.