How to Get a Jewish Divorce

When most marriages come to an end, the traditional route is to go through a civil divorce. For those who are Jewish, the process looks quite different. Most people know how contentious can be, and that conflict can become magnified in a Jewish divorce.

In Judaism, for spouses to be released from the bonds of matrimony, they must not only go through civil proceedings, but they must obtain a “get.” Only then is the marriage viewed as dissolved in the eyes of the religious doctrine.

What is a “Get?”

A get is an official document that terminates a marriage. It is a 12-line document, written by a professionally trained scribe under the proper supervision of a Bet Din, or Rabbinic Court, and signed by two witnesses.

A get plays a significant role in Jewish faith and relationships. Under Jewish law, marriages are not only an agreement between two parties but a union of two souls, making it difficult to swiftly separate.

If you are Jewish and are seeking a divorce, it’s important to obtain a get for your future. You may want to remarry in one day in a Jewish ceremony but a rabbi may not officiate unless you have proof that the previous marriage has ended through a get. In addition, according to traditional Jewish law, a child born to a woman whose previous marriage did not terminate with a get may be considered illegitimate, potentially depriving them of the opportunity to marry within the community.

The process of filing for and obtaining a Jewish divorce is not easy. For this reason, it’s important for couples to seek legal aid to protect their rights during the process. At Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C., we can assist you with both your civil and religious divorce proceedings, and you can rest easy knowing your divorce will be handled with respect for your beliefs.

Contact Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. at (312) 487-2795 to get started on a consultation with one of our Jewish divorce attorneys today.