משרד עורכי דין ואקנין יריב, Author at Adv

In an important and timely interview, Adv. Yariv Vaknin, founder and managing partner of the firm, explains everything you need to know about the new compensation framework introduced in the wake of the war.

The interview covers the critical points for every business owner and employee in Israel:

Eligibility for compensation: who is included in the framework and what are the threshold conditions (turnover, level of harm).
The claims process: how to prove harm and how to submit the application to receive funds.
Employee rights: what relief measures are available to employees placed on unpaid leave and how their rights are protected.
Unique challenges: legal handling of complex issues such as international surrogacy proceedings during an emergency situation.

Need advice on realising your rights? Vaknin Yariv Law Office is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

For most private individuals, buying an apartment is the most significant financial transaction of their lives. Yet many fail to exercise their legal rights when purchasing a home or investment property. Having a real estate attorney alongside you provides a critical layer of protection against developers, sellers, and tax authorities. In this article we explain exactly what a real estate lawyer offers private buyers.

We recommend coordinating legal involvement before entering any legal process. Professional guidance from the earliest transaction stages helps protect your interests and ensures the outcome meets your requirements.

Why Do Private Individuals Need a Real Estate Lawyer?

Real estate investment is extremely common in Israel, but it carries many legal risks. Unlike developers or contractors who retain permanent legal advisers, private individuals often turn to an attorney only when a problem arises.

The right solution is to engage a real estate attorney from the negotiation stage. Your attorney will verify that the transaction is safe and that your rights are protected throughout.

Real Estate Legal Services for Private Buyers

We offer private individuals a comprehensive service package covering every stage of the transaction:

Reviewing sale and purchase contracts: we read the contract terms with the seller or developer in depth. The firm identifies gaps in the agreed terms and bridges them proactively to prevent future harm.
Preliminary property checks: we review Land Registry title, verify the absence of liens, and check for building violations.
Tax advice and planning: we examine purchase tax and capital gains tax liability and maximise the statutory exemptions available to you.
Investment accompaniment: we guide you in decisions that require mobilising significant financial resources.

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Attorney

It is important to consult an attorney who offers dedicated services to private individuals. Not every firm that represents property companies or developers knows how to provide a personal response to the needs of a single apartment buyer.

Verify the attorney’s experience in working with the private sector. Checking prior successes and obtaining references increases the chances of a safe transaction. With close legal involvement from an attorney who centralises all services under one roof, you extract the full value of your rights and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions — Private Sector Real Estate Lawyer

Are we legally required to use an attorney when buying from a developer?

The law does not require it, but we strongly recommend it. The developer’s attorney represents only the developer’s interests. Your own attorney will ensure the contract contains no unfair clauses and will secure the required statutory guarantees on your behalf.

What happens if we discover a building violation after the purchase?

Late discovery of violations can lead to heavy fines and registration problems. That is why we carry out all preliminary checks before the contract is signed — to prevent you from ending up in that situation.

Does an attorney help with selling a property too?

Absolutely. We assist sellers in preparing the sale agreement, reviewing capital gains tax issues, and securing the safe transfer of payments from the buyer.

Why Choose the Real Estate Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Vaknin Yariv Law Office provides a professional, reliable, and experienced service to private clients. The Real Estate and Property department is headed by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings unique expertise in accompanying complex transactions.

A meeting with Adv. Yariv Vaknin will give you professional guidance tailored precisely to your needs. We act with determination to protect your money and your rights. The firm operates from offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Please note: The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and constitutes general information. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for binding legal counsel.

Planning to buy or sell a property? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to ensure your legal security in every real estate transaction.

Workplace accidents are a shattering event that affects both the ability to earn a living and quality of life. Unfortunately, many victims are unaware of the full extent of their rights and therefore forgo enormous sums that the law entitles them to receive. Professional legal guidance allows you to fully exercise your rights before the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) and insurance companies. In this article we detail the three layers of rights available to work-injury victims and explain how to begin the rehabilitation process.

The Three Layers of Work-Injury Rights

We divide the rights available to you into three main categories:

Treatment and rehabilitation: coverage of medical expenses and vocational retraining.
Injury benefits: compensation for lost earnings in the short term.
Disability grant or monthly disability allowance: long-term financial compensation in the event of permanent disability.

The Right to Treatment and Vocational Rehabilitation

Those injured in workplace accidents or diagnosed with occupational diseases are entitled to full reimbursement of their treatment expenses.

We assist you in obtaining reimbursements for:

Hospitalisations and treatments at medical institutions.
Purchase of medical equipment (hearing aids, assistive devices, etc.).
Vocational rehabilitation: if the injury prevents you from returning to your previous work, the National Insurance Institute funds retraining courses. The aim is to prepare you for work that suits your new limitations.

Injury Benefits: The Financial Bridge After the Accident

If the accident prevents you from working, you are entitled to “injury benefits” for a period of up to 91 days from the date of the incident.

Important: to receive payment, you must present a special “incapacity certificate.” Not every ordinary sick note is accepted; the certificate must explicitly state that it was issued pursuant to the National Insurance Law.

Injury benefits amount to 75% of your average wage in the three months preceding the injury (up to the statutory ceiling). We ensure that the National Insurance Institute correctly calculates your “determining wage,” including all wage components on which tax was deducted, so that you do not lose money.

Disability Grant and Monthly Disability Allowance

Upon completion of the injury-benefit period, we examine your eligibility for long-term compensation. The decisive stage is an appearance before the Medical Committee, which determines your disability percentage.

Financial rights map (as of 2026):

9%–19% permanent disability: entitles you to a significant one-time grant.
20% disability and above: entitles you to a monthly disability allowance for life.
Temporary disability rating (5% and above): may qualify for a temporary allowance until your medical condition stabilises.

Frequently Asked Questions — Work-Injury Rights

What happens if the Medical Committee set my disability percentage too low?

In that case, the law allows you to file an appeal to the Medical Appeals Committee within 60 days. We represent injured parties in appeal proceedings, present counter-medical opinions, and work to have the determination corrected to reflect the client’s actual medical condition.

Are salaried employees and the self-employed entitled to the same work-disability rights?

In principle yes, but there are differences in how they are exercised. A salaried employee is entitled to injury benefits from day one (with the employer paying the National Insurance for the first days). A self-employed person, by contrast, does not receive compensation for the first 12 days of injury. Our legal guidance assists both groups in fully exercising all financial rights.

What is the maximum injury-benefit ceiling?

Injury benefits are capped by a statutory ceiling that is updated every January. As of 2025, the maximum daily ceiling was ILS 1,241.25. In 2026 the amount is expected to increase in line with average-wage updates. We verify that the National Insurance Institute’s calculation is accurate and does not shortchange you.

Why Choose the Tort Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Appearing alone before medical committees is a mistake that can cost you dearly. Our firm specialises in representing work-injury victims and realising complex medical rights. The Tort and Medical Negligence department is headed by Adv. Bashar Qudsi, who brings extensive experience in litigation against the National Insurance Institute.

The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the legal strategy for helping clients exercise their rights. We accompany you from gathering your medical documents, through representation in committee hearings, to filing appeals when needed. The firm operates from offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Injured in a workplace accident? Don’t give up what you are entitled to. Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to help you exercise your rights and secure the support you need to rebuild your life.

A workplace accident is a sudden event that occurs during and as a result of work. For a salaried employee, it is an accident that happens on the employer’s premises or on the employer’s behalf. For the self-employed, it is an accident during the course of their trade. But when does such an injury officially become “work disability”? In this article we explain the connection between the accident and the disability rating, and how we protect your interests in 2026.

The Direct Link: From Workplace Accident to Permanent Disability

Not every workplace accident results in disability. Some injuries are minor and allow a quick return to normal routine. Serious accidents, by contrast, leave permanent or temporary medical traces.

The law grants a range of rights to those who suffer disability as a result of work. We recommend consulting an experienced attorney in every case of injury. Professional guidance helps examine the circumstances of the incident and maximise the benefits you are entitled to receive.

National Insurance vs. Tort Claim: The Question of “Fault”

It is important to understand the legal difference between the two main compensation tracks:

National Insurance Institute (no-fault): your rights before the National Insurance are not dependent on responsibility for the accident. Even if you were entirely at fault, you are entitled to a disability allowance. The Medical Committee determines only your disability percentage.
Claim against the employer (fault-based): if you choose to sue your employer, your contribution to the accident carries decisive weight. A percentage of “contributory negligence” will be deducted from the final compensation awarded by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions – Work Disability

Is an occupational disease considered work disability?

Absolutely. The law recognises diseases that developed as a result of working conditions as a “work injury.” Common examples include back problems from carrying heavy loads or hearing loss from noise. An occupational disease entitles you to the same rights as a sudden workplace accident.

Can I receive compensation from the National Insurance and also sue my employer?

Yes, you can pursue both tracks simultaneously. However, there is an offset mechanism: the compensation you receive from the National Insurance Institute will be deducted from the damages awarded to you in the civil lawsuit against your employer.

What is the difference between “injury benefits” and a “disability allowance”?

Injury benefits are designed to cover lost earnings in the short term (up to 91 days from the accident). A disability allowance is a fixed payment or one-time grant — we seek to obtain this only after the Medical Committee has determined a permanent disability percentage.

The Critical Rule: The One-Year Time Limit

The law sets a strict deadline for filing a claim with the National Insurance Institute. You must submit your claim no later than one year from the date of the accident. Filing promptly prevents the Institute from arguing that the disability stems from a different cause.

Why Choose the Tort Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Managing a disability claim requires legal precision and medical understanding. The Tort and Medical Negligence department is headed by Adv. Bashar Qudsi, who brings many years of experience accompanying injured parties before the National Insurance Institute and in claims against employers.

The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the legal strategy for realising medical rights. We represent you with professionalism and discretion from our offices in Afula and Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4). The firm also provides dedicated support to Israelis on relocation through our New York and Tbilisi branches.

Injured in a workplace accident and concerned about disability? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to protect your rights and your financial future.

Globalisation is posing new legal challenges in the field of estate law. A growing number of Israeli citizens hold assets or foreign citizenships, creating significant legal complexity in the administration of estates. Is your Israeli will valid abroad? What are the tax implications? And how do you locate unknown assets overseas?

In a fascinating conversation with Attorney Yariv Vaknin, an expert in international inheritance law, conducted as part of an interview on “Layla TALK” on Channel 13, the most critical issues surrounding cross-border estates were reviewed.

Key Issues Discussed in the Interview:

Validity of Israeli wills abroad: Is a will made in Israel valid for foreign assets? And when is an additional will required?
Dual citizenship implications: How multiple citizenships affect international inheritance law and taxation.
Digital assets and insurance policies: What happens to Bitcoin or insurance policies held in other countries in the event of an inheritance.
Locating unknown assets: How to trace property left abroad, and how jurisdiction over the estate is determined.

For comprehensive information and a deeper understanding of the issues — and guidance on handling international inheritances correctly — we recommend watching the full interview with Adv. Yariv Vaknin.

For professional legal advice and guidance in international estate and inheritance proceedings, contact Vaknin Yariv Law Office.

What Is an Estate Division Agreement and What Does the Law Provide?

The Inheritance Law (Section 110a) provides that heirs may divide the estate’s assets by agreement among themselves or by court order. The law therefore grants heirs the right to alter the manner of asset distribution as it appears in the will. This option is valid as long as the asset in question has not yet passed into the joint ownership of the heirs.

For the agreement to have legal force, it must be made in writing. In the agreement you must explain the deviation from the original distribution in the will. The agreement may be submitted for approval to the Family Court to give it the force of a court judgment — but the law does not require this. The division agreement is then attached to the probate order, making it an inseparable part of the estate distribution instructions vis-à-vis all relevant parties.

Does the Estate Distribution Have to Be Equal?

The answer is no. An estate division agreement may set any distribution the parties choose, provided all the heirs involved agree. Indeed, heirs sometimes enter into such agreements when they feel the original will is unjust or disadvantages one party.

Even if the new distribution is unequal, it will be considered fully legally binding if all parties agreed to it. This flexibility allows families to resolve internal disputes amicably and to adapt the inheritance to the heirs’ actual life circumstances.

Why Is It Important to Involve a Lawyer in Drafting the Agreement?

An estate division agreement is a complex legal document. Imprecise wording can lead to future disputes or problems with the tax authorities and the Land Registry. We therefore recommend consulting an attorney who specialises in wills and estates.

An attorney assists you on several levels:

Building consensus: mediating between heirs to reach an agreed distribution.
Legal drafting: ensuring the agreement’s legal validity and preventing loopholes.
Tax implications: examining the financial consequences of transferring assets between heirs — particularly important to avoid unnecessary tax charges.

You may engage a single attorney to represent all the heirs jointly, or each party may bring their own attorney. Either way, professional involvement ensures the process is carried out correctly.

Please note: The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and constitutes general information. It does not constitute legal advice, is not a substitute for binding legal counsel, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In any specific case, seek personalised legal advice from an attorney.

Want to change the distribution of the estate by agreement? Do not leave loose ends that could lead to family disputes. Vaknin Yariv Law Office, with offices in Afula and Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), is at your service. Leave your details on the website or call now to schedule a consultation: 052-2288824.

Making a will is the only way to ensure your assets are distributed exactly as you wish after your death. Without a will, the estate is divided according to the rules of “intestate succession” set out in the Inheritance Law — rules that do not always match your family reality or personal preferences. Israeli inheritance law recognises four main methods of making a will in 2026. In this article we explain the conditions for validity under each method.

Why Make a Will?

The primary advantage of a will is control. It prevents future family disputes and establishes a clear order of priorities:

Designating specific beneficiaries: leaving assets to people who are not statutory heirs (friends, charities, or common-law partners).
Distribution conditions: creating mechanisms for asset distribution (for example, inheriting an apartment only upon reaching a certain age).
Avoiding the “default”: the Inheritance Law attempts to estimate blood proximity, but a will always overrides it and expresses your explicit wishes.

The Four Legal Methods of Making a Will

The law defines a closed list of ways to make a valid will. Meeting the formal requirements of each method is critical to avoid invalidation in court.

1. Handwritten Will

This is the simplest and cheapest method, but also the most vulnerable to challenge. For it to be valid:

It must be written entirely in the testator’s own handwriting (not typed or printed).
It must bear a date and the testator’s handwritten signature. Our firm’s warning: such a will is exposed to claims of forgery or lack of capacity, and we therefore recommend depositing it with the Registrar of Inheritances.

2. Will with Witnesses

The most common method. The will is drawn up in writing (usually printed) and signed in the presence of at least two witnesses.

Witnesses: must be over 18 and legally competent.
The prohibition: a beneficiary under the will (or their spouse) may not serve as a witness. Their involvement may void their share of the estate.

3. Will Before an Authority

A will submitted to or made before an official body — the Registrar of Inheritances, a religious court judge, a civil court judge, or a notary. The testator declares their wishes before the authority, which confirms that the will was read out to them and that they understood its contents. Legal guidance through this process saves considerable time and gives the will the highest degree of legal immunity.

4. Oral Will (“Deathbed Declaration”)

This method is reserved for extreme cases only: a person who is about to die or who perceives themselves as facing imminent death. They must state their wishes before two witnesses who understand their language. The witnesses are required to draw up a “memorandum” and deposit it with the Registrar of Inheritances as soon as possible. This will is automatically revoked if the testator survives one month after the mortal danger has passed.

Preserving the Testator’s Wishes and Overcoming Defects

The principle of “the testator’s wishes” is the backbone of inheritance law. However, formal defects (such as a date error or missing signature) can complicate the realisation of the will. In such cases we deploy our expertise to persuade the court of the testator’s true intentions and to overcome the technical shortcomings.

Why Choose the Estates Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Making a will is an act of responsibility toward those you hold dear. The family and property department is headed by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings rich experience in drafting complex wills that prevent disputes from the outset.

The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the legal strategy for protecting client assets in Israel and abroad. We represent you with professionalism and discretion from our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Want to ensure your will is legally sound and challenge-proof? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to help you protect your legacy.

When a person dies without leaving a will, the law determines how their property is divided. We must follow the provisions of the Inheritance Law, 5725-1965 and act to realise the estate according to the rules of “intestate succession.” This process requires deep legal understanding. For each heir to receive what they are entitled to, it is important to act correctly and promptly.

Family members sometimes raise disputes about the distribution of assets. Vaknin Yariv Law Office places at your disposal the legal tools needed to navigate the process successfully.

Wills, Inheritances, and Estates — Key Concepts

To understand the process, it is important to know the central terms:

Estate: the totality of assets, funds, and rights left behind by the deceased.
Will: a document in which a person determines in advance to whom they will leave their assets and on what conditions.
Intestate succession: the statutory mechanism that operates when there is no valid will.

Most people in Israel do not write a will. In such cases the law transfers ownership of the estate to the nearest heirs. The aim is to protect the family unit and the financial stability of the heirs.

The Statutory Order of Heirs: Who Is Entitled to What?

The Inheritance Law establishes a clear order of priority. Generally the estate is divided between the spouse and the children. If there are no children, the right passes to parents, siblings, or more distant relatives.

Spouse’s Rights — Dependent on Family Composition

The distribution of the estate varies according to the other heirs:

When there are children: the spouse is entitled to half the estate, plus a life right of residence in the family home and the household movables.
When there are no children but there are parents or siblings: the spouse’s share rises to two-thirds of the estate.
When there are no children and no parents: the spouse inherits the entire estate. Given this complexity, we recommend examining each case individually with a specialist attorney.

Common-Law Partners — A Critical Point

Common-law partners do not automatically inherit from each other by law. Even after decades of shared life, a partner may receive nothing from the estate without an explicit will. Making a will is critical for every unmarried couple. Our firm also assists in adoption cases when examining the unique particulars of each matter.

How to Proceed When There Is No Will

Realising an estate without a will requires the guidance of a specialist attorney. We accompany heirs through the following stages:

Filing an application for an inheritance order: applying to the Registrar of Inheritances for an official order declaring the identity of the heirs.
Identifying heirs and checking disqualification: identifying the statutory heirs and checking whether any disqualified heirs exist. A disqualified heir is one convicted of killing or murdering the testator, or of forging their will (Section 5 of the Inheritance Law).
Realising the spouse’s rights: defining the precise share in the assets, including rights in the family home and the household movables.

An experienced attorney shortens complex bureaucratic processes and acts on your behalf with determination before the authorities and banks.

Objecting to and Revoking an Inheritance Order

Family members or third parties sometimes file an objection to the granting of an inheritance order — when a later will is found, or when doubt arises about the identity of the heirs. Family members who are emotionally involved sometimes find it difficult to make sound decisions during this period.

In such cases we recommend involving an attorney well versed in family and inheritance law. Our firm examines the facts and represents you in applications to revoke an inheritance order, centralising all questions and proceedings under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions — Inheritance Without a Will

When should an application for an inheritance order be filed?

The application may be filed at any time after death. There is no statutory deadline, but we recommend acting promptly. Swift action prevents disputes and enables faster realisation of the assets.

What is the difference between an inheritance order and a probate order?

An inheritance order confirms the identity of the statutory heirs when there is no will. A probate order confirms the validity of an existing will. The Registrar of Inheritances issues both orders.

How long does it take to obtain an inheritance order?

In straightforward cases with no objections, the process typically takes several months. In complex cases with disputes it may take considerably longer. Professional legal representation substantially shortens the process.

Does a common-law partner inherit their partner?

Not automatically. Unlike married couples, common-law partners may receive nothing without a will. This is one of the primary reasons why making a will promptly is so important for such couples.

Is there an inheritance tax in Israel?

Currently there is no general inheritance tax in Israel. However, other taxes may apply to some asset transfers — such as capital gains tax on the sale of a residential apartment. Proper estate planning significantly reduces tax exposure.

Why Choose the Estates Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Vaknin Yariv Law Office combines multidisciplinary legal knowledge with high human sensitivity. The department is headed by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings unique expertise in realising complex estates in Israel and abroad.

A meeting with Adv. Yariv Vaknin will give you the confidence and professional tools you have been waiting for. We represent you before the authorities in complex cases and operate from our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Need legal advice on an inheritance without a will? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to ensure your rights as an heir are fully protected.