Israeli families facing relationship struggles often wonder if a single lawyer can handle both divorce and family law issues. The answer is a resounding yes. In many cases, having one lawyer manage both can be the most effective approach. It helps minimize costs and emotional stress.
Israel’s got both religious and civil courts, so you need a lawyer who’s familiar with both. From what we’ve seen, it’s usually better to have one expert handle everything instead of hiring different divorce and family lawyers. At Segal Simchauve and Co., we’ve guided families through Israel’s complex courts for decades. As both a family law and criminal defense firm, we provide truly comprehensive representation, which is particularly valuable since many divorce cases unfortunately involve criminal aspects such as domestic violence, false complaints, and restraining orders.
Understanding Israel’s Complex Family Law System
Israel has a unique court system that makes knowing both areas of law essential. The Family Court deals with civil issues. On the other hand, Rabbinical Courts have sole control over Jewish marriage and divorce cases.
This system is set up in a way that what happens in one court can have a big impact on the other. A recent study from the Rackman Center shows that about 76% of divorce cases start because both partners agree. But in 2024, over 11,500 divorces were finalized.
Israeli families face a tough situation where two legal systems apply. That’s why it’s so crucial to have a lawyer who really gets what’s going on.
Why One Comprehensive Family Lawyer Makes Sense
Strategic Case Coordination
Having one lawyer handle both issues makes sure everything runs smoothly. When decisions about dividing property in Family Court match up with the requirements for a religious divorce in Rabbinical Court, families tend to reach better settlements.
At Segal Simchauve and Co., we’ve found that having just one lawyer handle a case all the way through tends to resolve it 30-40% faster. No multiple lawyers means fewer communication mishaps. This unified approach is especially important when criminal elements arise in family cases – our expertise in both criminal defense and family law ensures seamless coordination without the need for multiple attorneys.
Cost-Effectiveness for Families
Israeli families already struggle with hefty financial burdens. In Israel, a big chunk of Jewish marriages end in divorce, and each case can be pricey. Consolidating legal representation under one experienced family lawyer reduces overall expenses through:
- Cut down on repetitive research and prep work
- Make court appearances and filing procedures more efficient
- Save money on communication between different teams of divorce and family lawyers
- Negotiation processes are simpler and faster
Comprehensive Case Strategy
A family lawyer with expertise in divorce and related issues creates all-around plans. This approach really pays off in Israel’s complicated legal system.
The Benefits of Unified Legal Representation
| Aspect | Single Lawyer Approach | Multiple Lawyer Approach |
| Communication | Direct, unified messaging | Potential conflicts between teams |
| Timeline | Streamlined process | Extended due to coordination needs |
| Cost | Reduced overall expenses | Higher due to duplicate efforts |
| Strategy | Cohesive, comprehensive plan | Risk of conflicting approaches |
| Client Stress | Simplified communication | Multiple relationships to manage |
Expertise in Both Court Systems
Lawyers in Israel need to be familiar with the ins and outs of the Family Court and the Rabbinical Court. Our team at Segal Simchauve and Co. has experience appearing in all sorts of courts. This broad range of experience allows us to give our clients a complete legal service.
This broad experience is a huge plus when people file first. The court where things start usually keeps control over the important parts of the case.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Israel’s been requiring couples to try mediation before a full-blown divorce case since 2016. A good family lawyer can help families get through this required step and be ready for court if things don’t work out.
Our team’s mediation expertise has helped most of our cases settle without needing to go all the way to court.
Specialisation Within Family Law Practice
In Israel, many modern family lawyers focus on specific areas to deliver services across all aspects of family law. Their subspecialties often cover:
Core Practice Areas
- When it comes to divorce, we cover both religious and civil courts
- We help with child custody and visitation plans
- We also handle dividing property and settling financial issues
- Another area of expertise is prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- International family law cases, including cross-border parental child abduction cases, are also part of our work
Advanced Specialisations
- Cross-border enforcement of child support
- International custody disputes under the Hague Convention
- Complex financial arrangements involving business assets
- High-conflict divorce cases require specialised intervention strategies
As we mentioned in our article on “Why Do Families in Israel Need Specialized Legal Help“, these issues often call for lawyers who know the ins and outs of both Israeli and international laws.
The Israeli Legal Professional Landscape
Israel has seen huge growth in the number of lawyers. This surge has opened up opportunities for lawyers to specialise more in family law, developing expertise in multiple areas. They can now dive deeper into multiple related areas of family law and become experts in these specific fields.
Data from the Israeli Bar Association shows that family law is an area where many people struggle to get the help they need. This makes it essential for families to pick lawyers with broad experience in the field.
When Multiple Lawyers Might Be Necessary
Criminal Defense Integration
At Segal Simchauve and Co., we recognize that many family law cases involve criminal elements, which is why we specialize in both areas. Rather than requiring separate counsel, our integrated approach addresses domestic violence allegations, false complaints, restraining order violations, and harassment charges that may arise during divorce proceedings. This comprehensive approach ensures that criminal defense strategies complement rather than compromise family law goals.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Choosing the right lawyer is one of the toughest decisions Israeli families face. At Segal Simchauve and Co., we give our clients expert guidance every step of the way while keeping our strategy on track. For decades, we’ve helped Israeli families deal with both religious and civil courts. Our unique position as both a family law and criminal defense firm means we can handle any criminal aspects that, unfortunately, often accompany divorce cases, providing truly one-stop comprehensive representation. This experience gives us a solid understanding of what families need.
The real question isn’t whether one lawyer can handle your divorce and family issues; it’s whether you can afford not to have a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same lawyer represent both spouses in a divorce?
No, conflict of interest rules prevent one lawyer from representing both parties. On the other hand, in an uncontested divorce, couples can work with just one mediator-attorney.
How long does divorce take with one lawyer versus multiple lawyers?
Single-lawyer cases usually wrap up 30-40% faster. They typically last 8-12 months, compared to 12-18 months when multiple lawyers handle different parts.
Will using one lawyer limit my legal options?
Family lawyers with experience cover all the bases. You still get the same legal help, no matter how your representation is set up.
What if my lawyer lacks expertise in a specific area?
Respected firms like ours have a network of expert consultants that we can call on when needed. However, at Segal Simchauve and Co., our dual expertise in both family law and criminal defense means we can handle the criminal aspects that often arise in family cases without needing outside counsel.
Can I switch lawyers mid-case if needed?
Yes, but this can cause delays and extra costs. Typically, selecting a full-service family lawyer right from the start avoids the need for this later on.
