Jewish Divorce (Get)
JWI would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank the following organizations and individuals for their important contributions to this section:
- WomensLaw.org with support from Altria Group, Inc.
- JOFA (Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance)
- Rabbi Andy Bachman, Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, NY
- Emily Barton
- Roxanne Formey, Esq.
- Rabbi Eli Ostrazynski
- David Singer, Rabbinical Intern, Congregation Beth Elohim, Brooklyn, NY
This section contains terminology that may be unfamiliar to you. As you read through the section, you can view the glossary from the top of each page or the sidebar.
In reading this section, please keep in mind that there is a wide variety and diversity of Jewish movements around the world-Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform to name the major ones-and there is a certain level of fluidity among these movements. Families may have members who belong to different movements; for example, a Reform family whose daughter marries an Orthodox man may now consider herself Orthodox yet still have meaningful ties to the Reform movement. The fluidity between movements compels the questions of what happens when a Jewish woman wants to obtain a Jewish divorce but her husband will not grant her a get. The plan of action may depend on whether she wants to have children in the future; to avoid the problem of having mamzerim (children borne to a woman who does not have a get) the get issue has to be resolved. The issue of get refusal is further heightened in cases in which there is domestic violence in the relationship and the husband is refusing the get as a way of further abusing and controlling his wife.
It is highly recommended that a Jewish woman consult with her rabbi to discuss her specific situation in trying to secure a get. Before having a consultation with her rabbi, a Jewish woman will want to ensure that her conversations are confidential.
To learn more about Jewish Divorce and obtaining a get, review JOFA's Guide to Jewish Divorce & the Beit Din System.
Information contained on this website should not be construed as legal advice. Read full disclaimer.