This book is a unique guide for the perplexed on the complicated matter of wills and inheritance in Israel, that need expertise and individual consultation by a certified professional. The authors, Dr. Haim Katz and Adv. Sam Katz, are senior partners in a law firm based in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, clearly are experts on this subject.
The question of wills and inheritance touches on powerful interests within a family, sometimes sparking conflicts and misunderstandings. The lack of comprehension with regards to the writing of Wills can lead to difficult situations and sometimes legal battles, which perhaps could have been avoided with proper understanding and council.
Successfully compiled in one book are the general issues, concerns, caution needed and laws in a very easy to understand format. Most publications are written in a legal jargon that is hard to read if you are not a lawyer. This book is refreshing in that the subject is written in an easy to understand format that defines the basics to the general public. The book is straightforward and authoritative and contains eleven chapters which explain inheritance with and without a will, the validity and contents of a will, probate orders, laws, and regulations that everyone should know. The book has included a glossary and useful resource information and a list of questions covered in each chapter, which refer the reader to the relevant section of the book on specific queries, which is very helpful.
There is also a chapter on international law.
Questions such as: How to make a will? What is included in an estate and what is not? Can you inherit debts? What is an estate? Who are beneficiaries? What if a person dies without having made a will? If the deceased was resident outside of Israel, which law applies – that of his place of residence or the law of the State of Israel? Who inherits the estates of those who disappeared and are presumed dead in the Holocaust?
The book has eight appendices, including a glossary and a very detailed section regarding statistics regarding the activities of the registrar’s units in 2017.
The book is written in such a way that lawyers can use it as there are references for each legal ruling mentioned in the book. The book answers simple questions, such as the methods valid for drawing up a will, how a will can be corrected or revoked and what happens if there is no will. What needs to be explicit in a will and how it is implemented.
The book is a unique reference and guide to a seemingly complex issue made simple for English speakers.
The Complete Guide to Wills and Inheritance in Israel
Dr. Haim Katz, Adv., Sam Katz, Adv.
Israel Law Publishing Company,
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Available on Amazon at $24.99. In Israel, NIS 95; 256 pages