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Marriage

Below are readers' questions about 'Marriage', which we have chosen to answer. Further , and more detailed information on the issue is found on our main site, Family Law in Israel , at:

  • http://www.family-laws.co.il/marriage-options-in-Israel
  • http://www.family-laws.co.il/marriage-options-abroad
    • Will a divorce judgment obtained in Israel from the Greek Orthodox Church court in Israel be sufficient for me to remarry in the
    Firstly, the Israeli divorce judgment should bear the 'Apostille seal' to show that it was a genuine document. Both the United States and Israel recognize each other’s documents as being genuine if they bear this seal, according to a Hague Convention on the issue. Secondly, assuming that the divorce judgment was given by an Israeli court with jurisdiction, according to law, and that it is final (i.e. no longer appealable), then, because Israel and the United States recognise one another's judgments, it should be recognisable in the United States. However, whether it would be sufficient for you to be married there, without the need for a civil divorce, or a judicial process of recognition, depends upon the laws of the state where you intend to marry, and you would be advised to check this out in the state where you wish to remarry.
     
    What are the options for an Israeli who wants to marry, but whose foreign partner is non-Jewish,and cannot leave Israel to get

    A civil marriage ceremony in Paraguay - where only one party need be present. The Israeli partner can travel out there for the wedding,and the non-Israeli partner can remain in Israel,and give a special power of attorney allowing someone else to represent/him her at the ceremony. The necessary arrangements and proper documentation must be arranged beforehand,and co-ordinated between lawyers experienced in handling such matters in Israel and Paraguay,for the ceremony to be fully legal and valid, and be recognised in Israel, and registered at the Israeli Ministry of Interior upon the couple's return. 

    Many years ago 'postal marriages' were frequently carried out for couples in Israel,neither of whom would leave Israeli soil. These were later held to be invalid in Israel - and it was made clear that only civil ceremonies carried out in accordance with the laws of Paraguay , and where one side actually travelled out there for the wedding and can prove it, will be recognised.

    What are the legal options for two Lesbians in Israel who wish to marry?

    Single sex marriage (between Lesbians or Homosexuals) does not exist in Israel.However, it is possible for single-sex couples who wish to marry to do so in a ceremony abroad, in a country where such a union is legal,and then register the marriage at the Ministry of Interior in Israel. At least one of the two sides to the marriage should be a resident or citizen of Israel.

    What is the most convenient option for two Israelis wishing to marry in a civil ceremony ?

    Most probably Cyprus - where both parties are Israeli citizens or residents,the couple is heterosexual (comprises a man and a woman) and neither of them have complications regarding re-entry into Irsael. The marriage can be registered at the Ministry of Interior in Israel upon the married couple's return to Israel.

    I am Christian(Church of England) and my boyfriend is Jewish. Can we get married in Israel?

    No ! Under as Israeli law stands today, there is no framework for allowing  you to marry in Israel. The simplest option is to get married in a civil ceremony abroad, with Cyprus being the nearest option, providing that you do  not have visa problems.

    I am Moslem. Can I marry a woman who is not , in Israel?

    Yes, you can marry in Israel according to Islamic law if she is a member of a religion that believes in one God, such as Judaism or Christianity.

    I am in love with a Jewish man whose surname is Cohen. He says we have no long term future together even if I convert to Judaism

    He means that under Jewish law he is forbidden from marrying  you because as a descendant of the priestly tribe 'Cohen', he cannot marry a convert to Judaism. If he is religiously observant this is what he means by saying you have no future together. If he is not religiously observant,  he could well be open to considering other options, such as marriage in a civil ceremony overseas, or living together, without being married at all.

    I want to marry a divorced woman but the rabbi told me I cannot because I am a 'Cohen'. What are my legal options?

    Under Jewish law as a descendant of the priestly Cohen tribe, you are forbidden from marrying a divorce woman. You have two options - one is marrying her in a civil ceremony abroad, and the second is just cohabiting with her, without marriage at all.

    What are the possibilities in Israel for a Jewish man and woman who want to get married?

    Under Israeli civil law, which incorporates Jewish religious law regarding Jews, the only ltruly legally valid option is an Orthodox Jewish wedding ceremony.  In practice, many Jewish couples in Israel who do not want to get married via the rabbinical court, or who are  not eligible to marry under Jewish law (e.g. a Cohen and a divorced woman) choose to marry in a civil ceremony, abroad.

    How can an Israeli and a non-Jewish foreigner, whose visa to remain in Israel has expired, get married ?

    In Paraguay, in a civil weddng ceremony, where only one party need be present . The Israeli partner can travel to Paraguay and the non-Israeli partner can remain in Israel, and can be represented at the ceremony by someone with a power of attorney. All relevant  documentation , translations and authorisations must be arranged beforehand. Our legal practice can do so, in conjunction with lawyers in Paraguay.

    Although Cyprus is the nearest civil marriage option, it is not recommended because of the risks associated with the foreigner's expired visa, and the risk that re-entry into Israel could be refused.

    Does civil marriage exist in Israel?

    No!