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Halakhic Prenuptial Agreements: Agunah Prevention
We strongly recommend that all couples sign a halakhic prenuptial agreement prior to their weddings.
A well-written and properly executed halakhic prenuptial agreement is a possible means to ensuring fair and lawful proceedings in the event of a divorce. While a prenuptial agreement is not a guarantee, it can prevent other women from becoming agunot in the future.
We work closely with rabbis and organizations in promoting the use of prenuptial agreements. Please ensure that both parties review the agreement prior to signing, and in some states the agreement should also be reviewed by a lawyer.
*JOFA does not recommend using the optional boxes for financial or custody matters on this form.
**The Agreement for Mutual Respect is a Pre Nup that has proven to be effective in Israel has been adapted for the UK about 10 years ago in accordance with British law by Rachel Levmore and Daniel Clarke: "The Prenuptial Agreement of Mutual Respect, Get and English Law", Jewish Law (Dec. 2008). Dr. Rachel Levmore Rabbinical Court Advocate Agunah and Get-Refusal Prevention Project Int'l Young Israel Movement in Israel.
Guide to Jewish Divorce and the Beit Din System
JOFA’s Guide to Jewish Divorce and the Beit Din System (2005) helps women make informed decisions as they negotiate the beit din system to obtain a Jewish divorce. The Guide includes frequently asked questions and a section based on the comments and cautions of individuals with personal experience. It also compares the practices of various batei din (rabbinic courts) in the New York metropolitan area and offers a glossary.
I am My Beloved's and My Beloved is Mine: On Marriage, Love and Pre-Nuptial Agreements in Jewish Law.
A joint project of Kolech Religious Women’s Forum and the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA)
JOFA Blogs, Blogcasts and Podcasts on The Halchic Prenup and Agunot