A wedding abroad is not a simple process that requires careful planning and preparation (Photo: ShutterStock)
Marriage between same-sex couples has become an increasingly talked about topic around the world in recent years. Some countries have decided to officially allow it, while others maintain their conservative character and strongly oppose it. And where is Israel? Probably somewhere in between. On the one hand, it is not possible in Israel to marry a same-sex partner, but on the other hand, the Ministry of Interior allows same-sex couples married elsewhere, which recognizes such marriages, to register in Israel as a married couple for all intents and purposes.
Attorney Maya Lenker Yardeni, who specializes in same-sex marriage, explains that while in Israel it is not possible to marry in same-sex marriages, marriage in Vienna or Lisbon allows the couple to register with the Israeli Ministry of the Interior as a married couple, just like any other heterosexual couple. "This means that there is full transparency in the registration and reporting of the Israeli Interior Ministry," she says. "A couple who marries in one of these countries does not do so in the dark, but rather the couple's marriage will be recognized and registered and will grant them the same legal registration rights as any other married couple."
However, a wedding abroad is not a simple process that requires careful planning and preparation. "The process must begin at least six to eight months before the desired date, since it includes preparing documents, obtaining approvals from the Israeli Foreign Ministry as well as from the Palestinian Authority in Vienna or Lisbon," explains Lenker. "The emphasis is only in terms of preparation time. Of course, we at the firm take care of all the necessary paperwork, documents and permits. The couple only needs to come with a valid passport."
An exciting wedding in a
European atmosphere So what happens on the exciting day? The wedding ceremony itself lasts between half an hour and an hour and is held in the local language, i.e. German or Portuguese, depending on where you choose to get married. "Of course, as part of the service, a lawyer is provided on our behalf, a translator and local witnesses, and everything is handled in terms of the process," reassures Attorney Lenker. "Our goal is to simplify the whole process for the couple and for them to focus only on their happiness and togetherness."
As far as the happy couple is concerned, Lenker explains that they must arrive in the country where the marriage will take place at least one day before the date of the wedding. The wedding itself can be held with family and friends or alone in intimacy, all according to the couple's preference. At the end of the wedding, after the ceremony, the representative takes care of issuing a certificate and signing with an apostille stamp, confirming registration outside the borders of that country. When the certificate is ready, it is sent back to Attorney Lenker, who translates it into Hebrew, and then sets up a meeting with the couple at the Israeli Ministry of Interior to register the marriage. From this moment, they are married for all intents and purposes.
In Europe, same-sex marriage has come a long way in recent years (Photo: ShutterStock)
Who accompanies the couple down the aisle?
A wedding event is one of the most special and exciting events a person has ever experienced, and we all want it to be held smoothly, fluidly and with as few problems as possible. Therefore, every couple must ask themselves who accompanies them, not only in terms of the guests but in terms of the process itself.
While it is technically permissible to do the process on your own, such a choice can be a recipe for many problems. "True, although our comprehensive legal service costs several thousand shekels, it eliminates the fear of unpleasant brakes that could ruin the joy," says Attorney Lenker. "Thus, the couple does not have to do anything but appear and get married with peace of mind, and of course be calm and confident that the registration will be carried out in Israel smoothly and without problems."
Good luck!
At the end of the day, it is clear that there is still room to go in Israel. In Europe, same-sex marriage has come a long way in recent years, with some countries allowing it and recognizing it as a legal family reunion. In Israel, the possibility still does not exist, but the fact that the state recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere also allows gay couples legal recognition and registration, and this is an extremely important matter.
Adv. Lenker concludes: "I am happy to provide a comprehensive and stress-free way for same-sex couples in Israel to marry in Europe and receive recognition of their legal marriage. At the end of the day, everyone, regardless of what, deserves love."
For more information, please contact us at 03-5052141, on the websiteand Facebook page. Address: HaRakevet 58 (Electra City Tower) Tel Aviv
To the firm's page on the legal website Article courtesy of Zap Legal
The information presented in the article does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for it and does not constitute a recommendation to take proceedings or refrain from proceedings. Anyone who relies on the information appearing in the article does so at his own risk
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- Same-sex marriage
- Adv. Maya Lenker Yardeni
- Gay wedding
- Civil wedding