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Home / My wife and I are Roman Catholics living in Israel. I would like to divorce but am forbidden from doing so by the principles of our church. Can I apply to the Family Court for permission to marry another woman ?

My wife and I are Roman Catholics living in Israel. I would like to divorce but am forbidden from doing so by the principles of our church. Can I apply to the Family Court for permission to marry another woman ?

By: דיאנה שאלתיאלPublished on: 07 June, 2022
No ! Under Israeli Law the Roman Catholic Church has its own court system which has sole jurisdiction over matters of personal status, such as yours, where both parties are of its religious affiliation. Where divorce is not an option, there is a process of Nullification of Marriage, whereby a union can be nullified or cancelled, as if it were never valid in the first place. This may or may not be relevant , according to your particular circumstances .
In any case, the court system of the Roman Catholic Church will have exclusive jurisdiction over any issues concerning your marriage , including its validity/cancellation or ways of ending it. Accordingly, the family court (the civil system) has no jurisdiction over the matter and cannot dissolve your marriage, or give any permission for you to marry another woman.

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