משרד עורכי דין ואקנין יריב, Author at Adv

Technology has turned the computer and the smartphone into the central tools of our lives. We harness them for work, for the home, and for the public space. As the internet has become more sophisticated, these devices have also become a central arena for the spread of defamation. Defamation on the internet is not fundamentally different from a smear in a newspaper. However, the magnitude of the harm it causes is many times greater. In this article we explain the legal implications of online publication. We detail how we protect your reputation in 2026.

How Do You Identify Defamation in the Digital Space?

You read content directed against you and you wonder whether the law sees this as defamation. The law defines defamation as content whose purpose is to disparage, humiliate, or hold a person up to ridicule. It is important to understand a central point: the law does not grant blanket protection to every critical post as legitimate criticism. Freedom of expression does not permit unrestrained vitriol.

We identify defamation when the publication meets the following conditions:

Personal disparagement: publications that disparage a person on account of race, origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Harm to profession: humiliating publications that damage a person’s occupation or business.
Inciting hatred: content that seeks to make a person or group a target of hatred and contempt.

Common Examples of Online Defamation

The internet provides fertile ground for the rapid spread of malicious statements. We encounter a variety of scenarios on a daily basis:

Shaming on social networks: Facebook posts hurling false accusations.
Commenters publishing smears: malicious comments appearing under articles on news sites.
Blog smears: competitors writing disparaging content in order to harm your business.
WhatsApp groups: the courts define many large groups as a “public space” for all intents and purposes.

The Digital Damage: Why Is It More Dangerous?

The main implication of online defamation is the scope of exposure. In the past, traditional media limited the distribution of a book or newspaper. Today, a single publication reaches every corner of the world within minutes. News sites and social networks amplify the content. They create continuous and irreversible damage. Such harm can destroy social ties. It causes heavy financial damage to business owners and the self-employed.

Quick Action: Removing the Publication and Compensation

The most effective step against online smearing is a swift approach to the publisher. We send a professional warning letter demanding the immediate removal of the publication. A skilled attorney explains the seriousness of the offense to the publisher. They detail the legal steps the law imposes on them.

If the publisher does not remove the content, we act on two tracks:

Civil compensation claim: we demand financial compensation for the harm to the good name. The law allows you to claim up to certain amounts even without proof of damage.
Private criminal complaint: we file a complaint allowing for criminal proceedings against the publisher in serious cases.

Frequently Asked Questions – Online Defamation

Does the law define negative criticism of a business as defamation?

Not necessarily. Freedom of expression protects legitimate criticism that relies on true facts. However, the publisher may have written false criticism intended only to harm the business. In such a case, you experience defamation entitling you to compensation.

Does the law allow filing a claim against an anonymous publisher?

Yes. In cases that justify it, the court may order the digital platform to disclose the publisher’s details. Once we identify them, we can file a full claim against them.

How much time do I have to sue for defamation?

The limitation period for a defamation claim is only one year from the date of publication. Because of the short time frame, contacting an attorney early is critical. Don’t lose your legal right due to delay.

Why Choose the Defamation Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Managing an online reputation crisis requires speed and technological understanding. The department is led by Adv. Miriam Kanaan-Masalha. She brings extensive experience in defending victims and curbing shaming.

Adv. Yariv Vaknin builds the legal strategy for protecting your reputation in Israel and abroad. We represent you with professionalism and discretion through our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Please note: we offer the content on this site for enrichment purposes only. The information does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for binding advice.

Has someone published malicious statements against you online? Don’t let the damage accumulate. Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824. We are here to act on behalf of your good name and the realization of your rights.

The tax system in Georgia is considered one of the most foreigner-friendly in the world. The country has built a simple and efficient mechanism that encourages entrepreneurship and economic growth. For many Israelis running businesses or holding real estate in the country, understanding Georgian tax law is the key to safe investment. In this article we review the main types of taxes in 2026 and explain when you become a taxpayer in Georgia.

When Is an Individual Required to Pay Taxes in Georgia?

Georgian law sets out clear residency rules. Every citizen or permanent resident is required to pay tax on their income. The tipping point for foreign nationals (including Israelis) is a stay of more than 183 days within the country during a one-year period. Once you cross this threshold, you are considered a tax resident in Georgia and the local tax laws apply to you.

The Tax Structure in Georgia: Simplicity and Uniformity

Unlike Israel, Georgia does not operate with progressive tax brackets. The system is based on flat tax rates, which makes business budget planning easier:

Personal Income Tax

The law sets a uniform tax of 20% on the gross income of the individual. This rate applies to salaries, business income, and rental income received from properties leased to local residents.

Corporate Tax

Corporate tax stands at 15%. Foreign companies operating in the country pay this tax only on income generated within Georgian territory.

Important to know: Georgia applies the “Estonian model,” under which a company may be exempt from tax as long as profits are reinvested back into the business and not distributed as dividends.

Taxation of Dividends and Interest

The tax on dividends (shareholder profits) and on interest income within Georgia stands at a fixed rate of 5% only. The tax is withheld at source, but may vary in accordance with the double taxation treaties to which Georgia is a party.

Real Estate Taxation: Significant Benefits for Apartment Buyers

One of the strongest engines for Israeli investment is the lenient taxation in the real estate field, anchored in the Georgian Tax Code:

No purchase tax: Georgia does not impose tax on the purchase of property.
Capital gains tax: the tax on profit from the sale of property stands at 5% only for individuals.
Exemption for long-term holding (two years): in accordance with Section 82 of the Tax Code, the sale of a residential property held for more than two years (24 months) is exempt from capital gains tax, provided that the property was not used for economic/business activity during this period.
Holding taxes: the taxation on land and property holding in Georgia is considered very marginal for private investors.

VAT and Social Contributions

VAT: stands at 18%. Companies are required to register and pay VAT once their annual turnover exceeds 100,000 GEL (Georgian Lari).
Pension contribution: the law mandates a “2+2+2” model – the employee contributes 2%, the employer adds 2%, and the government contributes an additional 2%.

Frequently Asked Questions – Taxes in Georgia

Is there double taxation between Israel and Georgia?

There is a treaty for the prevention of double taxation between the two countries. This means that taxes paid in Georgia may be credited in Israel. We recommend advance tax planning to maximize the benefits.

What is the “Estonian model” in corporate tax?

This is a model that allows a company not to pay corporate tax on profits it leaves within the business for growth purposes. Tax is paid only at the point in time when the company decides to distribute dividends to its shareholders.

Does the purchase of an apartment in Georgia require reporting in Israel?

Yes. As a general rule, Israeli residents are required to report assets and income generated abroad. Our legal services help you meet the reporting requirements in both countries.

Why Choose Vaknin Yariv Law Office for Guidance in Georgia?

Managing international taxation requires physical presence and a deep understanding of local dynamics. Vaknin Yariv Law Office operates an active branch in Tbilisi, giving our clients a major on-the-ground advantage.

Adv. Yariv Vaknin leads the comprehensive legal strategy for protecting our clients’ investments. We provide a professional and discreet service through our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Please note: the content on this site is for enrichment purposes only and constitutes general information. The information does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for binding advice.

Planning to invest in Georgia or in need of professional tax planning?

Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824

We are here to help you protect your money and maximize your investment returns.

You woke up in the morning and opened your phone, only to discover an offensive publication mocking you on social media. Know that you are not alone in this situation. In the digital age, online defamation has become a very common phenomenon. Thousands of Israelis suffer serious reputational harm every year. Nevertheless, the law provides you with tools to protect your good name. You can receive compensation for the damage caused to you. The following guide will explain your rights and the most up-to-date case law.

The Internet Has Become a Central Arena for Defamation

The internet has evolved significantly since the 1990s. Today, social networks constitute the modern “town square.” Every person can express themselves there with great freedom. However, it is very easy to harm others in the virtual space. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp enable rapid dissemination of information. The information reaches hundreds of thousands of people within seconds. A statement that was once made in private can now go viral. It can destroy a reputation built over many years.

Justice Rivlin described this well in the Rami Mor judgment. He defined social networks as a central arena for opinions. Unlike a physical square, the things written online remain forever. They also spread at the speed of light and reach a vast audience.

What Is Defamation? The Legal Definition

Not every piece of content that users publish against you is considered defamation. The Defamation Prohibition Law (1965) defines a prohibited publication. A publication is considered defamation if it is liable to:

Humiliate a person in the eyes of others or disparage them.
Make a person a target of hatred or ridicule.
Disparage a person on account of acts attributed to them.
Harm a person’s office, business, or profession.
Disparage a person on the basis of origin, religion, or gender.

It is important to emphasize one central point. Defamation is not only a false statement. Even publishing true facts may be considered defamation. This is the case if the intent was to disparage you. You may have a cause of action even for a “true” publication.

The New Case Law: Sharing a Post Is Defamation (LCA 1239/19)

The Shaul v. Nidaily Communications judgment (LCA 1239/19) changed the rules. The case dealt with liability for sharing an offensive post. The court examined whether the sharer is responsible for someone else’s content.

These are the central determinations in the judgment:

Sharing: the justices held that sharing constitutes a defamatory publication. The act of sharing creates a new “copy” of the original publication. The sharer disseminates the material to their own new followers. For this reason, the sharer bears full legal responsibility.
Liking: the act of liking is not considered a prohibited publication. The justices view a like as a mere expression of position. There is no active repetition of the defamatory statements.

The court emphasized that sharing contributes to the virality of the publication. The sharer significantly increases the harm caused to the injured party.

The Balances and Defenses in the Law

The justices also addressed the importance of freedom of expression online. Therefore, sharers can rely on the traditional defenses of the law:

Good faith defense: the sharer truly believed the content was true. Moreover, there was a legitimate public interest in sharing.
Fair expression of opinion: the sharer added a comment that constitutes legitimate criticism.
Social duty: the sharing was done to expose a serious social wrong.

Real Test Cases from the Courts

We will examine concrete cases to understand the law in practice:

Case 1: Shaming a Police Officer (Small Claim 34895-04-19) A truck driver published a false video on Facebook against a police officer (Small Claim 34895-04-19). The video portrayed the officer as a violent and aggressive person. The court found that the video was not credible at all. The driver lied about the precise circumstances of the incident. The result was that the driver was ordered to pay significant compensation to the officer. The justices held that the “truth in publication” defense did not apply.

Case 2: Publication in a Difficult Mental State (Family Case 11171-09-15) The defendant published harsh defamatory statements on social media (Family Case 11171-09-15). The Family Court examined her mental state. Due to her mental state, the judge decided not to award damages. However, this case represents a one-off defense only.

Case 3: Image Without Identification (Small Claim 7353-05-19) The defendant published an image of a lower body section (Small Claim 7353-05-19). The plaintiff argued that the publication constituted defamation against her. The court rejected the claim with a clear reasoning: the image could not be objectively attributed to her. Without identification, there is no legal cause of action.

What Do You Do When Your Good Name Has Been Harmed?

If users have published defamatory content against you, act as follows:

Step 1: Immediate documentation of the publication – quickly take a screenshot of the post. Make sure the screenshot includes the publisher’s exact name. Document the date and time of the offensive publication. Also save the full URL of the page. Do this immediately, before the publisher deletes everything.

Step 2: Direct contact with the publisher – send the publisher a private message or a demand letter. Demand that they remove the publication immediately. In addition, demand a public apology and a commitment to correct the wrong. Sometimes a letter from an attorney resolves this quickly.

Step 3: Demand from the platform to remove the content – approach the management of Facebook or Google as needed. Demand removal in accordance with the accepted “notice and takedown” procedure. The platforms are required to remove defamatory content following a complaint.

Step 4: Initiating legal proceedings – two main legal tracks are available to you:

A. Private criminal complaint: the citizen files a complaint with the magistrates’ court. This procedure can lead to a criminal conviction of the publisher. The penalties include fines or suspended imprisonment.
B. Filing a civil claim: the main objective is to receive appropriate financial compensation. The major advantage is that there is no need to prove damage. It is enough that the publication is considered defamation.

Compensation in such claims generally ranges up to NIS 75,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a WhatsApp group considered a publication? Yes. A publication in a WhatsApp group is considered defamation in every respect. The condition is that at least one other person was exposed to it. The larger the group, the higher the compensation may rise.

What is the limitation period for such claims? The limitation period is seven years from publication. Remember that every new share starts a new count. Therefore, an old post that is shared today creates a new cause of action.

Does deleting the post nullify the claim? No. Deletion is regarded only as a mitigating step in the eyes of the judge. It may reduce the final amount of compensation. However, it does not nullify the wrong.

What do you do if the publisher is anonymous? You can apply to the court for a disclosure order. The justices balance anonymity against the right to a good name. In serious cases, the court will order disclosure.

Summary and Conclusions

Online defamation is a common but solvable phenomenon. The law gives the injured very strong tools to deal with it. Case law holds that those who share posts also bear responsibility.

Key points to remember:

Sharing is publication – liking is not.
Document the offensive publication immediately.
Approach the publisher and the platform before filing a claim.
No need to prove damage in a civil claim.

Don’t remain indifferent if you have been harmed online. Turn to an expert attorney who can build a strategy.

Contact Vaknin Yariv Law Office

Our firm specializes in defamation cases nationwide. We provide professional advice and full guidance through proceedings. We conduct negotiations and act to remove content.

What Is Considered Defamation Under the Law?

The legislator has anchored an explicit prohibition in law against publishing defamatory content in order to protect a person’s dignity. Defamation is defined as any content published against a person, company, or organization with the aim of disparaging them. That said, it is important to distinguish between defamation and legitimate criticism or expression of opinion.

The law defines as defamatory content publications whose purpose is:

To disparage a person or to make them an object of ridicule.
To harm a person’s occupation, profession, or position.
To humiliate a person on the basis of origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Choosing the Legal Track: Civil or Criminal Proceeding?

When defamatory material has been published against you, the decision arises whether to take legal action. There are two main tracks, each with different characteristics in terms of evidence and penalties:

Track One: Civil Legal Proceeding

This is the most common track. In a civil defamation proceeding, the injured party is not required to prove actual damage in order to receive compensation (up to a certain amount set by law). You only need to prove the fact of publication and that it constitutes defamation.

The amount of compensation sought determines which court the claim will be filed in: small claims, magistrates’ court, or district court. In most cases, the judge will propose that the parties turn to mediation at the start of the proceeding. If mediation fails, the claim will continue until a decision is reached based on evidence and testimony.

Track Two: Criminal Legal Proceeding

Although criminal proceedings are generally conducted by the State, the law allows the injured party to file a “private criminal complaint” independently. The complaint is filed with the magistrates’ court. If the prosecution decides to intervene, it may take over the conduct of the proceeding itself. The penalties on this track are more severe and may include heavy fines and even imprisonment.

Professional Guidance from a Defamation Attorney

On both tracks, the law affords you the right to professional guidance. Adv. Miriam Kanaan-Masalha, head of the Labor Law and Defamation department at our firm, brings extensive experience managing reputation crises.

Adv. Kanaan-Masalha’s expertise enables her to identify the right strategy for each case – from sending a pre-suit demand letter to determined representation in court. Professional guidance significantly increases your chances of having the offending publication removed and obtaining appropriate compensation.

Why Choose Vaknin Yariv Law Office to Manage a Defamation Claim?

Experience in sensitive files: handling with full discretion the cases of public figures, business owners, and private individuals.
A winning combination: deep understanding of both labor law and defamation, particularly relevant when the harm occurs in an employment context.

Has your good name been harmed? Don’t stay silent. A properly conducted defamation claim can restore your dignity. Contact our defamation department at our offices in Afula or Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4). Leave your details on the site or call now: 052-2288824.

In every country you look at, you will find it hard not to come across a tax system, including a tax authority that enforces the country’s various tax laws. Georgia has a tax authority and tax laws, but unlike other countries, Georgia has built a legal system that supports and accommodates foreign investors from various countries, including Israel. This is done out of a belief that doing so promotes the local economy. In the following article we explain tax planning in Georgia from various angles.

Foreign Investment in Georgia

Georgia is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries in Europe for foreign investors. As far as the Georgian government is concerned, it views foreign investment as a potential growth engine for its economy. It recognizes that citizens from foreign countries can bring in significant capital that will stimulate various sectors of the Georgian economy such as real estate, business, and tourism.

As a result, Georgia offers various forms of relief, for example in the area of taxation. Georgian tax law favors foreign investors, which naturally attracts them to invest in Georgia across various life domains.

Real Estate Taxes in Georgia

Investments through real estate assets are an example of very common investments worldwide. In Georgia, investing through the purchase of real estate is a popular practice among foreign investors, including Israelis. The low cost of living in Georgia allows for the purchase of a respectable property at a price considered cheap relative to its price in Israel, for example.

In Georgia, there is no purchase tax on the acquisition of an apartment. This means that even if you are buying multiple apartments in order to generate rental yield from real estate – for example by renting them out to local residents – you can purchase the apartments with no purchase tax. There is real estate taxation in Georgia that is relatively negligible, applying to the actual holding of the property and the size of the land on which the property sits.

How to Lawfully Avoid Paying Capital Gains Tax

A real estate tax that does exist in Georgia is the capital gains tax. Decided to sell a real estate property you own in Georgia? The capital gains tax stands at 5% of the profit generated upon sale. Nevertheless, it is possible to sell an apartment or other real estate property without paying capital gains tax. If you sell your apartment within the time frame set by Georgian law, the capital gains tax will be zero. Under Georgian law, this can be done by selling the apartment within two years from the day it was purchased. Selling after this period will require the seller to pay capital gains tax.

Corporate Tax in Georgia

A company, as a legal entity separate from its owners, can generate various profits as a result of its activities. The owners of the company can enjoy these profits when the company distributes dividends to them, or pays them a salary as officeholders in the company, such as CEOs or VPs. Corporate tax is imposed on the profit generated by the company as a result of its activities. Georgia’s corporate tax is considered particularly friendly for foreign companies that wish to invest in Georgia. The tax rate stands at 15%. By comparison, it is lower than the income tax imposed on individuals in Georgia.

Corporate Tax Planning

The central advantage of corporate tax in Georgia is the ability to avoid paying tax on profits generated. A company can generate profits as a result of its activities and still not pay 15% corporate tax in Georgia. Georgian law provides that if a company decides to reinvest its profits back into the company instead of paying out dividends, it does not have to pay corporate tax at all. This allows the company to invest more funds in Georgia on the one hand, and to expand its activity on the other hand.

Professional Assistance

Tax planning in Georgia can be very attractive for various investors. Georgian tax laws naturally lean toward foreign investors, in line with the government’s vision of encouraging foreign investment. Therefore, tax planning can be carried out efficiently with professional assistance from attorneys or other professionals specializing in Georgian taxation.

For a free initial consultation call 052-2288824

The Family and Inheritance Law department is led by Adv. Shlomit Asraf, who guides clients in drafting wills, managing inheritance proceedings, and complex estate disputes throughout central and northern Israel – integrating the family, proprietary, and business aspects of every case.Need a professionally drafted will, guidance through an inheritance proceeding, or representation in an estate dispute? Adv. Yariv Vaknin Law Office, with extensive experience in family law, inheritance, and wills, provides discreet and professional service to clients in Afula, central, and northern Israel, including cross-border files involving assets in Israel and abroad.

Yariv Vaknin Law Office specializes in inheritance and wills and has accompanied clients over the years through complex files, often where significant amounts are at stake. Together, we will help you ensure that your estate is distributed in precise accordance with your needs and lifestyle, and in a manner that respects your wishes.

Why Do You Need an Inheritance and Wills Attorney?

We devote a significant part of our lives to accumulating assets and building an economic foundation for our families: savings, real estate, investment portfolios, and businesses. After years of work and planning, most of us want to ensure that the estate will be distributed in a fair, responsible manner that aligns with our values and wishes.

The Inheritance Law of 1965 establishes a default for the distribution of the estate, but it does not always reflect the testator’s wishes or the unique needs of family members. To allow for flexible and personalized distribution, advance planning and professional drafting of a will and inheritance agreements are required.

Why Is It So Important to Draft a Will?

The will is one of the oldest and most important documents in law, and it allows the testator to determine who will receive what, under what conditions, and in what manner. Beyond the distribution of assets, it can include directives for ceremonies, special instructions regarding heirs, conditions for distribution, and unique designation of assets.

Without a precise will drafted by a wills attorney, the estate will be subject to distribution by law alone, in a way that is not always tailored to the testator’s wishes and sometimes opens the door to complex family disputes. Professional and early drafting of a will reduces areas of uncertainty and the potential for disagreements.

Ongoing Guidance Throughout the Procedure – From Designing the Will to Realizing the Estate

Yariv Vaknin Law Office provides you with an inheritance attorney experienced in formulating the wording of a legal will, providing advice, and protecting the rights of family members. The guidance includes anticipating future scenarios, providing instructions for every asset, addressing every heir, and depositing the final wording in the appropriate registry.

At the estate-realization stage, the firm handles the filing of applications for inheritance orders and probate orders, the consolidation of documents, communication with the Inheritance Registrar, and the regulation of rights in assets – including real estate, bank accounts, funds, and companies.

Representation in Disputes and Objections to Wills

The firm’s team specializes in handling objections to wills, clarifying estate disputes, and representation before the Inheritance Registrar and the Family Court. Extensive experience in the field sometimes allows us to reach efficient agreements outside the courtroom, and in other cases to conduct determined legal proceedings until achieving the best result for the client.

The handling includes examination of claims of undue influence, legal incapacity, formal defects, interpretation of the will’s provisions, as well as conducting negotiations between heirs to reduce family tensions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Wills and Inheritance

What is the difference between a will and inheritance by law? A will allows the testator to set personalized distribution rules, including special conditions, instructions for minors, and provisions for the welfare of certain family members. Inheritance by law distributes the estate according to fixed inheritance orders (spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and so on), even if the distribution does not match the testator’s wishes.

How do you file an application for an inheritance order or probate order? An applicant approaches the Inheritance Registrar with an application form, identification documents, supporting documents, and the original will (in the case of a probate order). The procedure includes formal review, public notice, and the issuance of a formal order after no objections have been filed or after they have been resolved.

Can a will that has been written be challenged? An objection to a probate order may be filed when there is a claim of undue influence, legal incapacity of the testator, defects in the form of the will, or doubt as to the authenticity of the document. The objection is heard at the Family Court, and is sometimes also based on medical opinions and additional evidence.

Who is entitled to inherit when there is no will? When there is no will, the law sets a hierarchy of heirs: spouse, children and grandchildren, parents and siblings, and so on, according to family proximity. The estate is distributed according to these arrangements, without taking into account personal circumstances or wishes that were not defined in advance.

Is there an inheritance tax in Israel? As of today, there is no general inheritance tax in Israel, but other taxes may apply to certain transfers of assets within the framework of the inheritance – for example capital gains tax on the sale of a residential apartment. Proper estate planning can reduce tax exposures and allow for more efficient distribution of assets.

Need to draft a will, get advice on an inheritance proceeding, or representation in an estate dispute in northern or central Israel, or in a cross-border file? Leave your details on the site or call 052-2288824 to schedule a personal and discreet consultation with an inheritance and wills attorney from Adv. Yariv Vaknin Law Office – and together we will build a precise and fair estate plan that protects you and your family.

Making a will is one of the most significant legal actions a person takes in their life. Its purpose is to give you full control over the distribution of your assets and rights after your death. However, for the document to acquire binding legal effect, it must meet strict threshold conditions set by the legislator. In this article we explain who is permitted to write a will and what are the requirements for ensuring its validity in 2026.

The Threshold Conditions: Who Has the Capacity to Make a Will?

Under the Inheritance Law of 1965, the legal rule is simple and clear: any person over the age of 18 who has not been declared legally incompetent may make a will.

This means that the testator must meet two cumulative criteria:

Age: reaching the age of majority (18).
Legal capacity: the person has not been declared by the court as “legally incompetent” (a person unable to manage their own affairs due to mental illness or cognitive impairment) and is able to understand the nature of the legal act being performed.

Mental and Psychological Capacity: The Foundation of the Will’s Validity

The most substantive requirement of the law is that the testator understand the meaning of the will and its consequences at the time of signing. We place strong emphasis on the client’s clarity of mind:

Understanding the scope of property: the testator must know which assets are in their ownership.
Identifying the heirs: the testator must understand who the persons are to whom the property is being bequeathed.
Free will: the will must be drafted without pressure, threat, or undue influence.

In cases where there is concern regarding the cognitive state due to advanced age or medical condition, we recommend attaching to the will a medical opinion confirming the testator’s capacity at the time of signing. This step protects the will from future attempts to invalidate it in court.

Formal Requirements: How Does a Written Page Become a Binding Document?

Israeli law recognizes several ways of drafting a will, the most common of which is a will before witnesses. For it to be valid, it must meet the following conditions:

In writing: the will must be drafted in writing (printed or handwritten).
Testator’s signature: the testator signs the document and declares before the witnesses: “this is my will.”
Presence of two witnesses: the will is signed before at least two witnesses.

Warning: Who Cannot Serve as a Witness?

The law sets out a strict prohibition (Section 35): a person defined as a beneficiary of the will, or the spouse of a beneficiary, cannot serve as a witness. If a beneficiary signed as a witness or was involved in drafting the will, the provision benefiting them may be invalidated in court, even if the rest of the will remains valid.

Frequently Asked Questions – Drafting a Will and Capacity

What happens if the will was signed in the presence of a beneficiary?

As stated in Section 35 of the Inheritance Law, the provision benefiting that beneficiary may be invalidated. The participation of an heir in drafting the will or their presence at the signing constitutes a serious defect that may lead to the invalidation of their share of the estate, which is why we insist on complete sterility during the signing.

Can a will be written by hand without witnesses?

Yes. This is a “holographic will.” It must be written entirely in the testator’s handwriting, bear a date, and be signed in their handwriting. Although it is legally valid, it is considered more vulnerable to challenges based on claims of forgery or lack of clarity, which is why we always recommend a will before witnesses drafted at a law firm.

Why Choose the Inheritance Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Drafting a will without professional supervision may put at risk the validity of the document and the future of those dear to you. The Family Law and Real Estate department is led by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings extensive experience in drafting complex and legally robust wills.

The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the legal strategy for protecting the testator’s wishes and the rights of the heirs. We accompany you with professionalism and discretion through our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Want to ensure that your will is lawful and valid?

Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824

We are here to help you protect your legacy.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is a revolutionary legal instrument. It allows you to determine in advance who will manage your affairs in the future. The instrument applies to personal, medical, and financial matters. It comes into effect if you are no longer able to make decisions on your own. This is a tool that grants you the freedom to choose your own future. In doing so, you avoid having the courts decide your affairs for you. In this article we explain how we help you shape your future reality with confidence.

The Autonomy Revolution: From Guardianship to Enduring Power of Attorney

In the past, loss of capacity required an application to the court for the appointment of a “guardian.” This process was expensive and cumbersome. It included close state supervision over every financial expenditure.

The Enduring Power of Attorney changes the picture in your favor:

You choose: you decide who your attorney-in-fact will be. They can be spouses, children, or friends.
You give instructions: you set advance and precise directives. You define everything, from medical care to investment portfolio management.
You save: the procedure obviates future court applications. This saves time, resources, and family tensions.

The Legal Process: Authorized and Professional Guidance

Drafting an Enduring Power of Attorney is not a technical act. It requires careful planning and an understanding of family needs. The procedure can only be carried out before an attorney who has undergone special training. The attorney must be authorized by the Administrator General.

We lead you through three clear stages:

Mapping stage: we define together your wishes in all areas of life.
Signing and authentication: we have you and the attorneys-in-fact sign the required documents.
Deposit and registration: we deposit the document in the Administrator General’s database. The document is held “on standby” until there is an actual need for it.

The Key Advantages of Advance Planning

Complete control: you ensure that future decisions will align with your values.
Conflict prevention: a clear and lawful document prevents arguments among relatives over how you should be cared for.
Self-respect: the instrument allows you to express your will even when you cannot speak on your own behalf. This is a protection of your personal liberty.

Frequently Asked Questions – Enduring Power of Attorney

When does the power of attorney come into effect?

The document comes into effect only when it is determined that you are no longer able to understand the matter. You can determine in advance who will make this determination. Reliance may be placed on a doctor’s opinion or on a decision of the attorney-in-fact.

Can the document be changed or revoked?

Yes. As long as you have capacity, you may update the directives. The attorney-in-fact may be replaced, or the document revoked entirely. We recommend refreshing the document once every few years.

Can the attorney-in-fact act contrary to my wishes?

No. The law requires the attorney-in-fact to act in accordance with the advance directives you set out. Our firm drafts the instructions clearly to prevent erroneous interpretations.

Why Choose Vaknin Yariv Law Office to Draft the Document?

Drafting an Enduring Power of Attorney requires both human sensitivity and unique legal expertise. The procedure is led by Adv. Amit Weizman, who is authorized by the Administrator General to draft Enduring Powers of Attorney. Adv. Weizman brings extensive experience in guiding families in planning their future and ensuring their dignity.

The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the comprehensive legal strategy for planning a future that respects dignity and preserves the client’s freedom. We provide a professional service through our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Want to secure your future with the help of an authorized attorney? Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824. We are here to protect your dignity and your rights in any situation.