Q: Can a divorced father’s change of profession and personal circumstances, i.e. “Tshuva” justify an extension of visitation time with his children?
By: דיאנה שאלתיאל•Published on: 23 October, 2025A: Yes. In a judgement issued on 3.12.24, in the Nof HaGalil-Nazareth Family Court, (Case # 46187-09-22), the father’s visitation time with his minor daughter was extended by an additional night (overnight stay on Saturday night), contrary to the mother’s position and contrary to the assigned social worker’s position. The father requested to extend the time spent with his minor daughter, given a significant change in circumstances, following his resignation from his job as a police officer, his decision to lead a religious lifestyle, in a manner which allows him to spend more time with his minor daughter. The court did not accept the recommendation of the social worker on the issue and rejected the mother’s arguments against extending the time spent with her minor daughter, because of the distance (70 km) between the homes. The Family Court ruled that the minor will spend Saturday with her father and return to school on Sunday (i.e. an additional sleepover at her father’s).