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Is mediation mandatory before filing for divorce in Israel?

In effect, yes, there is a mandatory first step. Under the Family Dispute Resolution Law 5775-2014, a spouse cannot immediately file a contested divorce or related claim. They must first submit a request to open family dispute resolution proceedings, after which both parties are invited to up to four information and assessment meetings at a court-based unit, with a waiting period during which neither side may file competing claims.

The Family Dispute Resolution Law 5775-2014 (Hok LeHesder Hitdaynut BeSichsuchei Mishpacha) redirects couples toward early resolution before litigation begins. Instead of filing a divorce or custody claim outright, a party files a short request to open proceedings, and the matter goes to a Family Dispute Resolution Unit (Yehidat Siyua) staffed by social workers attached to the Family Court. The parties attend up to four meetings (pgishot MeHut) that explain their options, screen for urgent risks, and explore settlement or mediation. During a statutory waiting period, commonly several weeks, neither spouse may file substantive claims in either the Family Court or the Rabbinical Court. The meetings are free and confidential.

For an international couple, this front-loaded process affects both timing and forum strategy. Once the waiting period ends, the party who originally filed the request usually gets a short window of priority to choose the forum, which matters because the Family Court and the Rabbinical Court can reach very different results on issues like property and a religious divorce (get). A spouse living abroad can often join the meetings remotely, but missing them without good cause can forfeit the timing advantage. If genuine urgency exists, such as a risk of a child being removed from the country, the law allows immediate interim applications without completing the meetings. Plan the sequence with counsel before you file anything.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Family Dispute Resolution Law 5775-2014 (mandatory pre-litigation meetings)
  • Competent authority: Family Dispute Resolution Units (Yehidot Siyua / MeHut) attached to the Family Courts (Beit Mishpat LeMishpacha)
  • Process: up to 4 free, confidential meetings plus a waiting period before substantive claims may be filed
  • Forum advantage: the applicant typically gets a brief priority window to choose Family Court vs Rabbinical Court after the period ends
  • Urgent exception: interim relief, such as preventing child removal, can be sought immediately without completing the meetings

From the full guide: Divorce in Israel for Foreigners: A Practical Guide

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Get a Free Consultation with Adv. Eli ShimonyPrepared under the direction of Adv. Eli Shimony, Eli Shimony Law Office · Editorial policy

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