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Hod HaSharon, Israel Attorneys in related practice areas.
Private client law covers legal services for individuals and families rather than businesses. In Hod HaSharon this area typically includes estate planning, wills and succession, probate and administration of estates, powers of attorney, guardianship and incapacity planning, inheritance disputes, family property and spousal claims, tax considerations for personal assets, and advice for cross-border estates. Lawyers who handle private client matters combine knowledge of Israeli statutory law, court practice, tax rules and practical steps needed to protect assets and plan for incapacity and death.
Individuals often contact a private client lawyer for several common situations. These include drafting a clear and enforceable will, setting up powers of attorney for financial or medical decisions, planning how to pass assets to heirs while minimizing tax and administration burdens, handling probate and distribution of a deceased person s estate, resolving disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, arranging guardianship or conservatorship for an incapacitated adult, advising on the impact of marriage or divorce on property rights, managing cross-border succession when assets or heirs are abroad, and creating trusts or foundations when appropriate. A lawyer helps ensure documents are legally valid, represents you in court or negotiations, coordinates with tax advisors and banks, and reduces the risk of future disputes.
Succession and wills - Israeli succession law governs how estates are handled when someone dies. A valid will is essential to ensure your wishes are respected. Israeli practice recognizes written wills that meet formal requirements and other types of testamentary instruments in certain circumstances. If there is no will, intestacy rules determine who inherits.
Probate and administration - Estates typically go through a probate process supervised by the courts or relevant registry to identify assets, pay debts and distribute inheritances according to the will or law. Executors and administrators have legal duties and may need court approval for some actions.
Powers of attorney and incapacity planning - You can appoint someone to manage financial affairs and, separately, to make medical or personal care decisions if you lose capacity. Legal instruments should be precise about the scope and conditions of authority.
Guardianship - If someone lacks legal capacity and has no authorized representative, the court can appoint a guardian for personal or property matters. Guardianship proceedings are procedural and require medical and legal evidence.
Family and property relations - Marital property, inheritance claims and spousal rights can affect how assets are divided. Prenuptial or marital agreements can clarify property relations, while divorce or death may trigger statutory claims by a spouse or dependent.
Tax and reporting - There is no inheritance tax in Israel, but other taxes or reporting obligations may apply to certain asset transfers, capital gains on asset sales, real estate transactions, and cross-border assets. Proper planning with a tax expert is often advisable.
Cross-border issues - If you or your assets involve more than one country, you may face conflicts of law, the need for multiple wills or local probate procedures, and additional tax considerations. International estate planning requires coordination across jurisdictions.
To make a valid will you should prepare a written document that expresses your testamentary wishes and meets formal requirements. Many people use an attorney or a notary to ensure the will is clear and properly executed. There are recognized procedures for different types of wills, and a lawyer can advise on the form that best suits your situation and help prevent challenges later.
If a person dies intestate the estate is distributed according to statutory rules of succession. That means relatives such as a spouse, children and other next of kin inherit under the law. Intestacy can produce outcomes that differ from what a person might have wanted, and it often increases the risk of disputes among relatives.
Israeli succession and family law create rights for spouses and close relatives that can limit complete disinheritance in practice. While you can express your wishes in a will, those affected may still have legal claims depending on family circumstances. If you are considering partial or full disinheritance it is important to get specialist advice to understand the likely legal responses and to structure documents carefully.
There is no single answer since timing depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether there are clear assets and valid documents, whether heirs agree, and whether there are debts or cross-border issues. Simple estates can be handled in a few months while complex or contested matters may take a year or more.
A power of attorney lets you appoint someone to manage your affairs during your lifetime, while a will takes effect only after death. Powers of attorney can cover financial matters, property, or personal care decisions. They are essential for planning for incapacity because they allow an appointed agent to act on your behalf without court procedures.
Many disputes are resolved by negotiation among heirs or with the help of mediation. If negotiation fails, parties can bring claims in the civil courts for interpretation of the will, claims under intestacy rules, or claims for unjust enrichment or fiduciary breach. Early legal advice and clear documentation reduce the likelihood of costly disputes.
Start by identifying the assets and any wills in each jurisdiction. You will normally need to probate the estate according to local law where the deceased was domiciled or where the assets are located. Coordinating lawyers in the relevant countries helps avoid duplicate proceedings, resolve conflicts of law, and manage tax consequences.
Real estate transfers are subject to land registry and municipal procedures in Israel. Property that forms part of an estate must be identified, valued and transferred according to the probate process or by agreement among heirs. Municipal taxes, registration fees and any outstanding liens must be addressed as part of changing ownership.
Fee structures vary - common methods are hourly billing, fixed fees for specific documents or services, and success or percentage fees in some contexts. In addition to legal fees, expect court fees, notarization costs, tax advisory fees and expenses for valuations or translations. Ask for a clear fee estimate and engagement letter before work begins.
Look for lawyers with specific experience in estate planning, succession and probate. Ask about recent matters similar to yours, languages spoken, their approach to fees and whether they work with tax advisers and notaries. Verify membership in the Israel Bar Association and seek client references or initial consultations to judge fit and competence.
Ministry of Justice - departments that administer succession and registration matters can provide official guidance on formalities. Israel Bar Association - for referral to licensed advocates and to check professional standing. Tax Authority - for questions about capital gains, reporting and taxes that may affect asset transfers. National Insurance Institute - for benefits and survivor entitlements. Local municipal social services in Hod HaSharon - for information about local supports and eldercare resources. Notaries and certified translators - for authenticating documents and translating wills or foreign paperwork when needed. Specialized tax advisors and foreign counsel - for cross-border estates and international tax issues.
If you need legal assistance start by gathering basic documents - identity papers, marriage and birth certificates, titles or deeds for property, bank and investment statements, existing wills or powers of attorney, and any loan or mortgage records. Make a simple list of your assets and likely beneficiaries. Contact a local private client lawyer for an initial consultation and ask for a written engagement letter that describes scope of work, fees and estimated timelines. If the situation is urgent - for example where incapacity or disputes are already present - tell the lawyer so they can advise on interim protective measures. Keep copies of all signed documents in a safe place and tell the person you appoint as executor or agent where to find them.
