The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year in family law in Israel. The new rulings issued in recent months indicate a clear trend: the courts are no longer content with general slogans such as “the best interests of the child,” “equality between the parents,” or “fair division.” They are examining in depth the family reality, the financial conduct, the agreements that have been signed, the best interests of the minors, and the long-term implications of each decision..
Sharon Segal Law Firm, which deals with family law, divorce, alimony, residence periods, property division, financial agreements, public records, wills and inheritances, presents an overview of several prominent trends from the new court rulings of 2026 – and what can be learned from them from a legal and practical perspective..
Agreements between public figures – can they apply even after marriage??
One of the important rulings of 2026 concerns a common-law couple who sought to approve a property agreement between them, explicitly stating that the agreement would continue to apply even if they decided to marry in the future. The legal question was whether it was possible to approve in advance a single agreement that would apply both during the common-law period and after marriage, or whether the couple would be required to draw up a new agreement after marriage. The ruling noted that previous courts had held that this was not possible, but the Supreme Court considered the matter a question of principle that warranted a hearing on the merits..
The practical implications are clear: Many couples today live as public figures, purchasing properties, managing accounts, starting businesses, and sometimes having children before marriage. A professionally drafted financial agreement or cohabitation agreement can prevent serious disputes in the future. But it is important to understand: such an agreement must be carefully drafted, with a view to the future, and not as a general form downloaded from the Internet..
At Sharon Segal Law Firm, we see time and again how inaccurate wording of a property agreement causes disputes worth hundreds of thousands of shekels and even millions of shekels. In 2026, the legal message is reinforced: Whoever wants certainty must build it in advance..
Balancing resources, joint businesses and valuation in divorce
Another ruling from 2026 dealt with couples who divorced after reaching a divorce agreement, and within its framework, a mechanism was established for balancing the value of joint businesses, including a kindergarten and limited liability companies. The agreement included the appointment of an expert accountant, setting a date for the separation, questions of clarification, the possibility of questioning the expert, and provisions for index linkage..
This is an especially important ruling for anyone in a divorce proceeding where there are businesses, companies, stocks, self-employment, or complex financial assets. In a regular divorce, the parties fight over an apartment, a bank account, and a car. But in a more complex divorce, the real question is: How much is the business worth? Was the income fully reported? Is there personal goodwill? Did one party withdraw funds? Was there property smuggling? Does the date of the breakup affect the value??
The main lesson: In divorce proceedings with businesses, it is not enough to “feel” that you deserve half. You need documents, experts, a strategy, an examination of financial movements, and the legal ability to deal with financial opinions..
Child support in 2026 – still one of the most sensitive areas
Even in 2026, child support continues to be one of the most central and sensitive issues in family law. One of the court rulings published this year discussed a case of support for three minors over the age of 6, with one of them receiving a disability pension, and the court was required to address questions of needs, the parents’ income, and the father’s conduct in relation to temporary support..
Here it is important to understand: Since the passage of Law No. 919/15, the courts have been examining child support for children over the age of 6 based on a combination of the parents’ income, the length of stay, and the children’s needs. However, the reality is more complex than the formula. A child with special needs, significant income gaps, an independent parent, renting, unusual educational expenses, or an uncooperative parent – all of these can change the outcome..
Child support is not just a numbers game. It is a tool designed to ensure that children are not financially harmed as a result of their parents’ separation. Therefore, anyone who is in the process of divorcing must carefully examine what child support includes: alimony, education, health, classes, summer camps, extraordinary expenses, travel, private lessons, and more..
Parental responsibility, curfews and children’s posting on social media
One of the new and exciting issues in 2026 concerns the posting of minors on social media. A ruling published in March 2026 considered a father’s petition for a permanent restraining order prohibiting the mother from posting information, videos, or photos of the minors on social media, after a ruling had already been made regarding parental responsibility and visitation times..
This is an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant. In the past, parental disputes mainly dealt with the question of who picks up the child from kindergarten, who pays for classes, and who is with the child on holidays. Today, a new dimension has been added: the digital exposure of children. Is a parent allowed to upload photos of the child without the other parent’s consent? Is it permissible to publish family videos? Can a parent’s TikTok or Instagram account become a tool in the divorce battle??
The message is clear: Children are not a marketing tool, they are not a tool for revenge, and they are not part of an image battle between parents. When there is a dispute between parents, the court may intervene..
Parenting orders, same-sex couples and the best interests of the minor
In 2026, important rulings were also issued in the area of parenting orders. A ruling by the Jerusalem Family Court considered a request by a couple for a judicial parenting order, so that one of them would be recognized as the additional mother of a minor born in 2025, even though the biological mother is a foreign citizen who is in the process of regularizing her status in Israel. The court was asked to answer the question of whether the state’s position on the issue of “substantial residency” justifies rejecting the order, or whether the best interests of the minor and the family reality require recognition of parenthood..
This is a very important issue for new families, same-sex couples, public figures, shared parenting and surrogacy. Courts are increasingly realising that the law must meet real life: a child who grows up with two de facto parents needs legal certainty, security, parental responsibility and full rights..
Using frozen embryos after separation
Another particularly sensitive issue discussed in 2026 concerns the use of frozen embryos after a marital separation. A decision published in February 2026 discussed a request for further hearing after a dispute between former spouses, when the woman requested the use of frozen embryos through surrogacy, while the former spouse objected. The District Court ruled that without his consent, the embryos could not be used..
This is an area where law, medicine, parenting and emotion come together with enormous force. The practical recommendation is clear: when couples enter into fertility procedures, embryo freezing or surrogacy – it is mandatory to arrange in advance, in writing, what will happen in the event of separation, death, change of circumstances or future opposition..
The conclusion of Sharon Segal Law Firm
The new rulings of 2026 teach one thing clearly and unequivocally: There is no room for improvisation in family law. Every decision – financial agreement, divorce, alimony, time spent together, division of property, parenting order or running a family business – must be examined in advance and strategically..
A family proceeding is not just a legal case. It is your life, your children, your home, your business and your financial future..
Sharon Segal Law Firm Accompanying clients in divorce and family law proceedings in Netanya, Tel Aviv and the center, combining experience, legal thinking, strategy and determination.
Before you sign, submit, waive, or respond impulsively – get professional legal advice..
Sharon Segal Law Firm
Divorce lawyer in Netanya and the center
phone: 052-2226699
Free initial consultation | Complete discretion | Personal and professional support
Maximum investment. Maximum result..
Contact us – Sharon Segal Law Firm
Our office specializes in assisting parents in divorce, child support and custody proceedings, while providing strategic and legal advice at the highest level.
We bring with us over 15 years of experience, hundreds of satisfied customers, and a proven ability to achieve the maximum result for our clients.
If you are facing questions surrounding child support, if you are considering reducing or increasing an existing obligation, or if you are at the beginning of divorce proceedings – do not be alone.
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