It is customary to file for custody of a child concurrent with an application for divorce.

The custody petition, like a petition for child support and visitation rights, is determined according to the child’s best interests and will ultimately decide who will be the custodial parent who will have to be satisfied with visitation. Joint custody of a minor can occur in rare instances. Most custody claims in Israel result in the custody being awarded to the mother, albeit in special cases in which custody is awarded to the father.

In cases where there is an urgent need to assign custody it is customary to apply for temporary custody concurrent with the permanent custody petition.