Best Will & Testament Lawyers in Israel

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4 people in their team
English
PLK - Portnoy Lis Kalfa & Co. is an Ashdod-based law firm founded by attorneys Dan Portnoy, Roni Lis, and Nir Kalfa. The firm focuses its practice on four core areas - Family, Real Estate, Criminal Defense, and traffic-related criminal matters - to maintain depth and consistency across each...
Mor & Co.   Law Firm & Notary
Jerusalem, Israel

Founded in 2011
50 people in their team
Hebrew (modern)
English
Arabic
We specialize in the fields of civil and administrative law and provide comprehensive legal consulting and support services. The range of legal services we offer includes managing negotiations, drawing up agreements and managing lawsuits in all courts in Israel. All of this is offered under...
Kanir Law Office
Jerusalem, Israel

Founded in 1973
English
Kanir Law Office is a Tel Aviv based Israeli law firm with a long standing focus on family law. Led by Pesach Kanir and Yonathan Kanir, the firm has earned recognition as a leading Israeli family law practice and has been consistently ranked among the top firms in the field since the inception of...
Etti Hassid, Law Office
Jerusalem, Israel

English
Etti Hassid, Law Office concentrates on civil litigation, defamation and privacy law, and employment matters, delivering precise legal analysis and proactive strategies to protect clients' interests in complex disputes.The firm has a proven track record of representing high profile individuals and...
Hait Family Law
Jerusalem, Israel

Founded in 2009
10 people in their team
Hebrew (modern)
English
Arabic
The Hait Family Law MethodTaking the time to get to know youEncouraging you to consider marriage counselling before beginning divorce proceedingsDoing everything in our power to help you understand the systemProviding easily accessible educational materials so you’ll know your rightsGuiding you...

Founded in 1933
50 people in their team
Hebrew (modern)
English
Arabic
the firmThe Ben Ari Fish law firm is housed in a beautiful stone building for preservation in the city of Haifa. The firm employs over thirty outstanding female editors and lawyers who deal in diverse and broad areas of law. The firm prides itself on the in-depth, thorough and sharp legal...
ZELECHOWSKI LAW OFFICE & NOTARY
Hod HaSharon, Israel

Founded in 1995
English
Zelechowski Law Office & Notary is a full-service Israeli law firm offering integrated legal and notarial services with an emphasis on cross-border and commercial matters. The firm combines domestic practice and international reach through correspondent offices across Latin America, Europe and the...

Founded in 1988
2 people in their team
English
Yitzhak Goldstein, a law firm and notary based in Bnei Brak and serving Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and the central region, focuses on civil-commercial legal matters with particular strength in real-estate transactions, wills and estates, banking matters, corporate work and notarial services. The firm...
David Page Law
Jerusalem, Israel

Founded in 2017
10 people in their team
Hebrew (modern)
English
Arabic
BackgroundPreviously, David served in Israel as Senior Partner at the firm Woolfson Weinstein for half a decade, before which time he served for almost 7 years as General Counsel and Regulatory Compliance Director of the American Israeli high-tech company Cupron Inc.  Prior to making...

Founded in 2004
10 people in their team
Hebrew (modern)
English
Arabic
ANTOINE ABINADERLaw office and Notary in HaifaOur office, located on 6 shivat tsion street in the heart of the city of Haifa, near all the Government offices and Courthouse. Our office , founded in 2004 by Advocate Antoine Abinader who has over 20 years of experience in asset management....
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About Will & Testament Law in Israel

Will and Testament law in Israel is governed primarily by the Inheritance Law of 1965. This law outlines the procedures for creating a valid will and the distribution of an individual's assets after death. A will allows individuals to specify how their estate should be managed and distributed among survivors. In Israel, there are different types of wills, such as handwritten, oral (in specific situations), and those made in the presence of a legal authority. It is crucial for a will to meet specific formal requirements to be considered legally binding.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several reasons why an individual might need a lawyer when dealing with wills and testaments in Israel:

  • Complex Family Situations: Multiple marriages, estranged family members, or international family dynamics can complicate estate distribution.
  • Large or Complex Estates: If the estate includes a variety of assets, such as real estate, investments, or business interests, legal advice is recommended.
  • Disputed Wills: Disagreements among beneficiaries may arise, necessitating legal representation.
  • Non-Standard Requests: If the testator wishes for specific conditions to be met or has unique distribution plans, legal assistance ensures these are achievable and lawful.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensuring that the will meets all legal requirements to be recognized by a court.

Local Laws Overview

Understanding the key aspects of Israel's local laws regarding wills and testaments is essential:

  • Types of Wills: Israel recognizes several types of wills including handwritten (holographic), witnessed (created before two witnesses), official (made in a legal authority’s presence), and oral (under very specific circumstances).
  • Validity Requirements: For a will to be valid, it must be made voluntarily, without coercion, by a person of sound mind, and must comply with formal requirements specific to its type.
  • Intestate Succession: If a person passes away without a will, the estate is distributed according to the default order of inheritance as set by Israeli law.
  • Inheritance Rights: The law protects the rights of specific family members, and in some cases, spouses are granted special rights to inherit certain portions of the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die without a will in Israel?

Your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestate succession, meaning the distribution will follow a predetermined hierarchy of heirs as outlined by Israeli law.

Can I disinherit a spouse or child in my will?

While it is possible to alter the distribution to a spouse or child, some protections exist, especially for spouses, which may limit complete disinheritance.

Are foreign wills recognized in Israel?

In certain cases, foreign wills are recognized in Israel, but it is advisable to have them reviewed by a local lawyer to ensure they meet Israeli requirements.

How can I ensure my will is legally binding?

Ensure it meets all the formal requirements specific to the type of will you choose to create and consider having it reviewed by a legal professional.

Can I update or revoke my will?

Yes, a person can update or revoke their will at any time, as long as they are of sound mind and comply with the legal requirements for making such changes.

Is a lawyer necessary to draft a will in Israel?

While not legally required, having a lawyer can help ensure that the will is valid and effectively communicates your wishes, reducing the chance of disputes.

How are wills contested in Israel?

Wills can be contested in the family court or rabbinical court on various grounds including incapacity, undue influence, or non-compliance with formal requirements.

What is a living will in Israeli law?

A living will is a separate document that specifies an individual's preferences for medical treatment should they become unable to communicate their decisions.

What role does a notary public play in the wills process?

A notary public can assist in verifying the authenticity of wills and may serve as a legal authority in witnessing official wills.

Are there tax implications for inheriting in Israel?

As of now, there is no inheritance tax in Israel, but there may be other tax implications related to the estate, depending on the assets involved.

Additional Resources

For more information on wills and testaments in Israel, consider these resources:

  • The Israel Bar Association: Offers information about finding lawyers and legal rights.
  • Israeli Ministry of Justice: Provides guidance and legislation regarding inheritance laws.
  • Non-profit organizations like Yedid and others that offer legal aid and advice.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with drafting or disputing a will in Israel, consider the following steps:

  1. Consult with a Legal Expert: Reach out to a lawyer who specializes in inheritance law to discuss your circumstances and needs.
  2. Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare all relevant documents, including any existing wills, identification, and information on assets.
  3. Understand Your Rights and Options: Educate yourself on your rights and the potential implications of your decisions regarding your will.
  4. Take Action: If necessary, file the will or any claims with the appropriate court or legal body as advised by your attorney.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Israel through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Will & Testament, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.