When a Jewish marriage ends, the religious divorce process can raise questions that feel unfamiliar, emotional, and urgent. Often, divorcing Jewish spouses will wonder how disputes over a get are handled in Beis Din, as these are more than simple secular matters. Read on and reach out to a knowledgeable Rockland County to’en and lawyer to learn more about these cases and how 59Law.com can help you. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What is a get dispute and why does it end up in a Beis Din?

A get is the Jewish religious divorce document. Without it, a marriage is not considered dissolved under Jewish law, even if a civil divorce has already been finalized. Problems arise when one spouse refuses to give or accept the get, delays the process, or attaches conditions that the other spouse believes are unfair.

A Beis Din is a rabbinical court that applies Jewish law to resolve these issues. People turn to it because it has religious authority, cultural legitimacy, and established procedures for addressing get disputes. Common reasons a get dispute may be brought before a Beis Din are as follows:

  • One spouse refusing to participate in the get process
  • Disagreements about timing or conditions of the get
  • Claims that a get is being used as leverage in financial or custody matters
  • Concerns about religious status, remarriage, or future children

How does a Beis Din actually handle a get dispute?

A Beis Din does not operate like a civil court, but it is structured. The goal is resolution in accordance with halacha. The process typically includes the following:

  • Initiation of the case: One party petitions the Beis Din and explains the dispute.
  • Summons or invitation: The other party is formally asked to appear.
  • Hearings: Each side presents their position, sometimes with a to’en rabbinic advocate assisting.
  • Deliberation by the dayanim: The rabbinical judges review testimony and apply Jewish legal principles.
  • Guidance or rulings: The Beis Din may issue directives designed to move the get process forward.

While a Beis Din cannot force compliance in the same way a civil court can, it has tools that carry real weight within the community. These can include communal pressure, formal rulings, or written determinations that influence how the dispute is viewed by others.

What role do attorneys and to’en advocates play in Beis Din get cases?

Many people assume that religious divorce issues exist in a vacuum. In reality, get disputes often overlap with civil divorce, property division, and support issues, especially in New York.

A to’en rabbinic advocate understands Beis Din procedure and Jewish law. An attorney understands New York family law and how civil courts interact with religious agreements and decisions. When these roles work together, clients are often better protected. This combined approach can help with:

  • Coordinating civil divorce timelines with the get process
  • Avoiding actions that could complicate religious or legal outcomes
  • Ensuring agreements are enforceable under New York law
  • Reducing delays caused by missteps or misunderstandings

If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a knowledgeable to’en and lawyer about your situation, please don’t hesitate to contact 59Law.com today.