Lawyer Motti Gretel, a family law expert, explains that divorce can be a turbulent and difficult time for the entire family – but when it is handled by agreement, the dramatic change in the couple's lives can be handled in a more respectful and fair manner, especially towards the children.
"Couples who choose a divorce by mutual consent are actually placing the welfare of their children at the top of their priority list," says Attorney Motti Gretel of the Motti Gretel & Co. law firm.
In this interview, he explains how mutual consent contributes to maintaining the emotional stability of children, relationships within the extended family, and even the long-term stability of daily life after separation.
Attorney Gretel, what is the main advantage of a divorce by mutual consent in all matters relating to children?
Attorney Moti Gretel"The main advantage is the ability to maintain a sense of stability for the children. When parents are not caught up in exhausting legal battles, the mental stress on all family members is significantly reduced. Instead of fighting each other in court, the couple maintains an open dialogue and works together to find solutions that will benefit all family members. This way, the children see their parents cooperating, speaking to each other with respect, and sending a consistent message that even after the separation, they are here for them."
We often hear about divorce disputes that center around a fight over parental responsibility (custody) or visitation rights. How does consent help in this area?
Attorney Moti Gretel: "Instead of turning the children into a tool in the fight, a consensual divorce allows the couple to remain focused on the needs of the children. Together, the parents build a set of visitation times, parental responsibility (custody), and logistics that suit each of their lifestyles, and especially the children's personalities and ages. The goal is to create a routine that is as stable as possible for the children, with a sense of security and love from both parents. The consensual process helps reduce tension and difficult conflicts, which ultimately protects the children's mental well-being."
How are other circles in the family, such as grandparents or older siblings, affected by the divorce process by mutual consent?
Attorney Moti Gretel: "The extended family is an integral part of the children's lives. When there are no wars and legal battles, grandparents can also continue to function as a supportive environment. They are not forced to 'choose a side', and can remain in good contact with both parties without fear of hurting the feelings of one of the spouses. The less conflict between the spouses, the stronger the children's support environment."
Can even couples who experience serious disagreements manage to reach an agreement?
Lawyer Motti Gretel"Absolutely, as long as both parties are willing to be flexible and open-minded. Even if the relationship is not ideal, a process of Divorce by mutual consent "Built on respectful negotiation, with the goal of reaching an even keel on all issues: parental responsibility (custody), time spent together, alimony, division of property, and more. My role as a lawyer specializing in this field is to assist in this communication, to help the couple identify shared interests, and to maintain a level of mutual respect. It is important to understand that concessions and agreements are not weakness – they are the way to end the marriage in a way that best protects the children."
Beyond emotional considerations, there is also an economic element to consent, isn't there?
Attorney Moti Gretel"Without a doubt. Divorce by mutual consent saves time, money and heartache. A long and exhausting legal process may last for years and result in very heavy costs, which creates a financial burden on both spouses and creates additional tensions in the home. In a consensual process, the path is shortened and unnecessary expenses are prevented, so that more resources can be directed to the benefit of the children, such as improving their living conditions or providing emotional support if necessary."
Can you share with us a case where the children directly benefited from an amicable divorce?
Attorney and Notary Moti Gretel: "A couple with three children of different ages came to our treatment. Initially, they came very charged, with a lot of anger and complex emotional issues. Through a process of listening and talking, they managed to reach a comprehensive agreement that met the economic, logistical, and emotional needs of both parties. The children received parents who talk to each other, do not fill them with accusations, and even cooperate at family events. Three years after the signing, they are still conducting respectful co-parenting, and the children are flourishing."
Is it recommended that one lawyer represent both parties?
Attorney Moti Gretel: "There are cases where one attorney can act as a neutral mediator and represent the joint agreement. However, I always recommend that each party consider independent legal advice, and make sure that they fully understand the meaning of the agreement before signing. This way, each party feels more secure, and the chances of the agreement's success in the long term are increased."
What is the main message you want to convey to parents who are considering divorce?
Lawyer Motti Gretel: "In the end, the children are our future. If you have already decided to separate, do so in the most respectful way, and especially in a way that puts the best interests of your children first. An amicable divorce gives children a more stable framework, a more peaceful atmosphere, and the understanding that their parents, even if they do not remain a couple, continue to be a warm and committed parental team."
Attorney Moti Gretel, a veteran expert in family law and divorce, provides personal attention and invests his full energy in each client - without transferring the treatment to specialists or external parties. The firm, which also specializes in real estate, works to create creative solutions that will provide the best response to all family members.
For more information and to schedule a no-obligation initial consultation, please call 03-527-6610.
Law Firm Motti Gretel & Co. – Because the future of your children is too important to leave it in the hands of legal battles.
● Tozeret Haaretz 3, Petah Tikva, 4951734
BSR City Towers Petah Tikva, Tower I, 11th floor
● Office: 03-527-6610
● Mobile: 054-257-1299
● Website: https://gertelaw.co.il/
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