Free Consultation
Family Law

Until what age must a parent pay child support in Israel?

Full child support is owed until the child turns 18 under the Family Law Amendment (Maintenance) Law 5719-1959. From 18 until the end of compulsory military or national service, commonly around age 21, the obligation continues at a reduced rate of roughly one-third of the regular amount. There is no general legal duty to fund an adult child's university studies or living costs beyond that point unless the parents agreed to it. The Family Court or the Rabbinical Court sets the amount, and unpaid support is collected through the Execution Office.

The duty to maintain a child sits in the Family Law Amendment (Maintenance) Law 5719-1959, which for Jewish parents directs the court to the parents' personal religious law and otherwise applies a general statutory duty. In every case the practical outcome is the same threshold: a parent owes ordinary maintenance until the child reaches majority at 18. The amount reflects the child's documented needs, the standard of living, and each parent's income, and since the Supreme Court ruling in bA"M 919/15 (2017) the courts weigh both parents' earnings and the division of physical custody far more evenly than the old maternal presumption did. Support can also be ordered retroactively to the date of separation in appropriate cases.

After 18 the obligation does not stop abruptly. Israeli courts routinely continue a reduced payment, typically one-third of the pre-18 figure, for the period of mandatory IDF or national service, which usually ends near age 21. Beyond that, an adult child is expected to support themselves, and there is no statutory right to have a parent finance higher education or rent. Foreign parents should note two things. A maintenance order made in Israel is enforceable here regardless of where the paying parent lives, and the National Insurance Institute can advance payments to the resident parent and then pursue the debtor abroad. See our full guide to child support in Israel for how amounts are calculated.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Family Law Amendment (Maintenance) Law 5719-1959; landmark ruling bA"M 919/15 (2017)
  • Competent authority: Family Court (Beit Mishpat LeMishpacha) or Rabbinical Court (Beit Din Rabani)
  • Full support: until the child turns 18
  • Reduced support: roughly one-third of the amount from 18 until the end of compulsory military or national service, commonly to about age 21
  • Enforcement: through the Execution Office; the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) can advance support and recover it from the debtor

From the full guide: Child Support in Israel: Rules for International Families

Related Questions

Related Guides

Need legal help with this topic?
Get a Free Consultation with Adv. Eli ShimonyPrepared under the direction of Adv. Eli Shimony, Eli Shimony Law Office · Editorial policy

← Browse all Q&A