Family Law — Child Relocation
Parent Moving Abroad with a Child from Israel
What the Law Requires
A parent in Israel wants to relocate abroad with the children. Adv. Liron Elmaliach explains exit permit requirements, the other parent's rights, and how Israeli courts decide whether to approve relocation.
Legal Requirements Before Taking a Child Abroad
Israeli law treats the permanent relocation of a minor abroad as one of the most significant decisions affecting a child's life. Every Israeli child under 18 is subject to an automatic exit restriction unless both parents have given written consent or a court has authorised travel. This rule applies equally to situations of divorce, separation, and couples who are still married.
When both parents agree to the relocation, they can sign a parental consent document and, ideally, formalise the arrangement in a consent order approved by the Family Court. This provides certainty and enforceability for both parties going forward.
When the other parent refuses — or cannot be located — the relocating parent must apply to the Family Court for approval. The court will schedule hearings, may appoint a child welfare officer (פקיד סעד) to prepare a report, and will ultimately issue a ruling based on the child's best interests. The process typically takes several months and should be initiated as early as possible.
In urgent cases — for example, where a parent fears the other will flee with the child — an interim departure ban (עיכוב יציאה) can be obtained on short notice. The ban is registered with the Population and Immigration Authority and blocks exit at all border crossings. Courts will issue such a ban if there is a credible risk, even before the main case is decided.
The Remaining Parent's Rights and Remedies
A parent who remains in Israel does not lose their parental rights simply because the other parent relocates abroad. The court will craft a detailed international parenting schedule that preserves the parent-child relationship across the distance.
Typical arrangements include regular weekly or bi-weekly video calls at agreed times; extended visits during school holidays (summer, Passover, and other breaks); and a requirement that the relocating parent fund round-trip flights for the child to visit Israel. The schedule is written into the court order and is legally enforceable.
Financial compensation for the additional costs borne by the remaining parent — such as travel, accommodation, and coordination — can also be ordered by the court. In practice, courts expect the relocating parent to demonstrate a concrete plan for funding the child's visits before approving a move.
If the other parent takes the child abroad without permission, the remaining parent can pursue emergency return proceedings both in Israel and — if the destination is a Hague Convention country — under the international abduction treaty. Acting immediately with qualified legal representation gives the strongest chance of return. Adv. Elmaliach handles both the local and the international dimensions of these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions — Parent Moving Abroad
Common questions about child relocation and parental rights in Israel
Planning to Relocate — or Need to Protect Your Child?
Free Initial Consultation — Child Relocation Cases
Adv. Liron Elmaliach — Family Law, Jerusalem