Nissim and Geula, a couple in their mid-70s, had been married for many years. On the surface, their life appeared harmonious: they were parents to five grown children, several of whom had started families of their own. Nissim long served as the family’s primary provider, while Geula devoted herself to managing the household and caring for their children.

Yet beneath the surface, Geula was enduring years of emotional abuse—Nissim frequently humiliated and belittled her. He failed to provide Geula access to her finances – no bank account in her name or joint account with her husband. Nissim would give her cash when he needed her to buy something for the children or pay bills for the house. Even then, he demanded receipts for every expense and insisted on receiving the exact change.

Geula approached Yad Riva to inquire about her financial rights and options for divorce. After discovering that Geula was filing for divorce, Nissim asserted that there would be no division of assets, since he had been the only one supporting the family financially for all these years.

Yad Riva, volunteer attorney Oren Peretz stepped in to guide her. He explained her rights, educated her on family and property law, and supported her throughout the divorce process.  

After so many years of financial abuse, she did not know how to manage her own finances and was scared to divorce Nissim.

“I don't even know how to withdraw money from an ATM," she explained. "I've never done that." 

Seeing Geula’s distress, Oren sent her to counseling at Yad Sarah’s Family Center and referred her for psychological treatment. All the while, he focused on managing the financial aspect of the divorce. Oren and the Yad Sarah family empowered Geula financially and emotionally to take control of her life. 

Yad Riva is Yad Sarah’s legal service, which provides pro bono legal aid. Our volunteer attorneys offer a wide range of legal services to at-risk older individuals, including assistance with divorce, employment, guardianship, and inheritance law, as well as housing rights and more. Yad Riva ensures that those who experience abuse or exploitation can live with security and dignity.