The Divorcify child support calculator is based on the formula established by Israeli Supreme Court ruling HCJ 919/15 (2017), also known as the 'equality in child support' ruling. Below is a detailed explanation of each calculation step.
Legal Basis — HCJ 919/15 Ruling
Child support in Israel is calculated based on Supreme Court ruling HCJ 919/15 (2017), which established that from age 6, both parents share financial responsibility for their children proportional to income and custody time. For children under 6, the father has an absolute obligation under personal religious law.
In 2017, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling (HCJ 919/15) establishing that from age 6, child support is a shared obligation of both parents — not just the father, as was previously the practice. The ruling is based on the principle of gender equality and the Women's Equal Rights Law.
For children under 6, personal religious law (Jewish Halakha, Sharia, or civil law) mandates that the father has an absolute obligation — regardless of the mother's income or custody arrangements.
Read the full HCJ 919/15 ruling (Nevo Legal Database)Calculation Steps
Israeli child support is calculated in 5 steps: determine base needs by age (₪1,400–₪2,000), calculate children's share of housing (33%–50%), split by parental income ratio, offset custody days, and apply the self-support reserve (₪5,500 minimum).
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Step 1: Determine Base Needs
Each child's base needs are set according to their age group. These amounts cover food, clothing, footwear, basic education, and daily necessities.
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Step 2: Calculate Housing Component
The children's share of housing costs is calculated as a percentage of total housing expenses (rent/mortgage, property tax, building fees, utilities). The percentage depends on the number of children.
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Step 3: Calculate Income Ratio
For children aged 6+, the obligation is split by income ratio. If Parent A earns ₪18,000 and Parent B earns ₪12,000, the ratio is 60%/40% — meaning Parent A bears 60% of the child's needs.
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Step 4: Offset Custody Days
The parent who has the child covers direct expenses during those days. If the child stays 10 of 14 days with Parent A, that parent already covered 71% of needs directly. The monetary transfer accounts for this.
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Step 5: Apply Self-Support Reserve
If the calculated support would bring the paying parent below the self-support threshold (₪5,500/month), the amount is reduced so the parent retains the minimum. This mechanism prevents the paying parent from falling into poverty.
Base Needs Table by Age
| Age Group | Monthly Amount | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years | ₪1,400 | Food, clothing, diapers, early education |
| 6-11 years | ₪1,700 | Food, clothing, education, basic activities |
| 12-17 years | ₪2,000 | Food, clothing, education, youth activities |
Housing Percentages by Number of Children
| Number of Children | % of Housing Costs | Example (₪5,000 housing) |
|---|---|---|
| One child | 33% | ₪1,650 |
| Two children | 40% | ₪2,000 |
| Three or more | 50% | ₪2,500 |
Self-Support Reserve Mechanism
The court established that the paying parent must retain a minimum amount for dignified subsistence. The self-support threshold is approximately ₪5,500 per month. If the calculated support would bring the parent below this threshold, the amount is reduced accordingly.
Example: A parent earning ₪7,000 with calculated support of ₪2,500 — the parent would be left with only ₪4,500 (below minimum). The amount is therefore reduced to ₪1,500 to leave ₪5,500.
What the Calculator Does Not Include
- Special needs — medical, special education, or unique treatments that courts may add
- Prior standard of living — courts may consider the lifestyle the child was accustomed to
- Debts and liabilities — mortgages, loans, or other financial obligations
- Additional income — income from assets, investments, gifts, or inheritances
- Judicial discretion — courts may deviate from the formula in special circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support Calculation
How is child support calculated in Israel?
Child support in Israel is calculated based on the HCJ 919/15 ruling. The formula follows 5 steps: determining base needs by the child's age, calculating the children's share of housing costs, splitting by parental income ratio, offsetting custody days, and applying the self-support reserve (₪5,500).
How does shared custody affect child support?
In shared custody (50/50), the parent with the child covers direct expenses during those days. The financial transfer accounts for actual days — the more equal the time split, the lower the transfer. If incomes and time are both equal, the transfer may approach zero.
What if the paying parent cannot afford the calculated amount?
The calculator applies a self-support reserve — if the support amount would bring the paying parent below ₪5,500 per month, the amount is automatically reduced. This mechanism prevents the paying parent from falling into poverty.
When was the calculator data last updated?
The data is based on the HCJ 919/15 ruling (2017) and was last updated in February 2026. Base needs amounts, housing percentages, and the self-support threshold reflect current court practice.
Content reviewed and verified by family law attorneys in Israel.
Last updated: February 2026