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Preparing for a Jewish Divorce: What to Expect During the Get Process
Are you seeking a Jewish divorce lawyer in Illinois to handle both the legal and religious aspects of your divorce? At Anderson Boback & Marshall, we know that finalizing a civil divorce is only part of the process. You also need a Get, the religious document required by Halachic law.
Our divorce attorneys serving the Chicagoland have experience guiding clients through these sensitive matters. We have even worked directly with local rabbis to ensure your divorce is handled with efficiency and care. Let us provide the legal expertise and support you need to achieve both civil and religious closure.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- Why the Get is essential under Jewish law.
- The steps to obtain a Get in Illinois.
- Common challenges like Get refusal and how we help you overcome them.
- How our legal team works with religious authorities to protect your rights and peace of mind.
What Is a Jewish Divorce and Why You Need a Lawyer in Illinois?
A Jewish divorce addresses the requirements of Jewish law in addition to the legal steps of ending a marriage. The core of a Jewish divorce is the Get, a document that formally dissolves the union in the eyes of Jewish law.
Without a Get, a marriage remains intact religiously, even if the courts have legally ended it. This can create obstacles for remarriage and future family dynamics, particularly in the Jewish community.
What Is a Get and Why Is It Necessary?
A Get is a document prepared according to specific religious requirements that is presented by the husband to the wife to end the marriage under Jewish law. It is supervised and officiated by a Beit Din, a Jewish religious court.
The Importance of a Get in a Jewish Divorce
- Religious Freedom: Without a Get, you may be unable to remarry within the Jewish faith, or to certain Jewish people.
- Emotional Closure: A Get provides closure and allows both spouses to move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
- Avoiding the Agunah Issue: Women who cannot obtain a Get are known as Agunot (“chained women”), leaving them unable to remarry.
Steps in the Jewish Divorce Process
The process for obtaining a Get includes several steps:
- Mutual Consent: Both spouses must agree to proceed with the Get.
- Finding a Beit Din: Contact a rabbi or local Beit Din to officiate the process. The Chicago Rabbinical Council (CRC) is a primary resource in Illinois for facilitating Jewish divorces.
- Writing the Get: The husband commissions the Get under the supervision of the Beit Din.
- Delivery and Acceptance: In the presence of witnesses, the husband hands the Get to the wife, who formally accepts it.
Illinois Resources: Organizations like the CRC provide guidance, connect you with rabbis, and oversee the ceremony, which is conducted privately and respectfully.
How Does a Get Differ From a Civil Divorce?
A civil divorce and a Get address different aspects of ending a marriage.
- Civil Divorce: Ends the marriage legally, resolving issues like property division, custody, and financial support.
- Get: Ends the marriage religiously, freeing both spouses to remarry within the Jewish faith.
It’s crucial to complete both processes to ensure full closure and prevent future conflicts for those who are very observant in the Jewish faith.
Challenges Jewish Couples Face When Obtaining a Get in Illinois
While many couples complete the process without difficulty, challenges can arise:
- Refusal by One Spouse: If one spouse refuses to cooperate, the other may be unable to finalize the Get.
- Balancing Civil and Religious Requirements: Managing the legal divorce alongside the Get process can feel overwhelming.
- Logistical Issues: Finding an appropriate Beit Din or scheduling the ceremony may delay the process.
How to Overcome These Challenges:
- Mediation: A skilled mediator or rabbi can help address conflicts and encourage cooperation.
- Legal Support: Attorneys familiar with Jewish divorce can assist with legal strategies to resolve disputes. It is possible that certain requirements and consents for obtaining a Get can be put into the legal documents dissolving the marriage, to ensure no future issues arise after the legal divorce is finalized.
- Community Resources: The CRC and other organizations can provide support for individuals facing obstacles like Get refusal.
Steps to Obtain a Get for Jewish Divorce in Illinois
If you’re ready to move forward, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Contact the CRC or a Rabbi: Reach out to the Chicago Rabbinical Council or a trusted rabbi in your community to start the process.
- Prepare Your Documents: You may need your civil divorce decree or other relevant paperwork.
- Schedule the Ceremony: The Beit Din will arrange a private ceremony where the Get is written and delivered.
- Finalize the Get: Once the wife accepts the Get, the marriage is officially dissolved under Jewish law.
How Our Jewish Divorce Lawyers Can Help You Can Help
At Anderson Boback & Marshall, we understand the unique challenges of Jewish divorce. Our team works to ensure your civil and religious divorce processes are handled smoothly, which may include working closely with a local rabbi to ensure same.
Why Work With Us as you
- Experience: While an attorney is not necessary for obtaining a Get, we have successfully guided many clients through both civil and religious divorces in Illinois.
- Compassionate Support: Divorce is a difficult time, and we’re here to provide the guidance and understanding you need.
- Comprehensive Assistance: We coordinate with religious authorities to make sure every aspect of your divorce is completed.
Ending a marriage can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing civil and religious obligations. By securing both a civil divorce and a Get, you can ensure full closure and move forward with confidence. If you’re facing challenges or have questions about the Get process, the experienced divorce attorneys at Anderson Boback & Marshall are here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward completing your Jewish divorce with dignity and care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Jewish Divorce
Do I need a Get if my spouse refuses to cooperate?
Yes, refusal can complicate the process, but rabbis and attorneys can provide solutions through mediation or legal action.
Can I remarry without a Get?
Whether you can remarry without a Get ultimately depends on your Jewish affiliation and personal level of observance. While Reform Judaism generally considers civil divorce sufficient, Conservative and Orthodox traditions maintain that remarriage without a Get is prohibited and carries serious religious consequences.
For individuals navigating Jewish divorce, an important step is consulting with a rabbi from your specific denomination to understand the requirements and implications for your particular situation. This ensures you make informed decisions that align with your religious beliefs and community standards.
