34 | OCTOBER 17 • 2019 continued from page 31 Legal Directory from page 31 Legal religious marriage contract. “Even though these were different faiths, the concept is still the same,” she said. “A contract in a religious mar- riage spells out the rights and duties of the parties in the marriage.” JEWISH PERSPECTIVE This Michigan appellate decision caught the atten- tion of Jewish attorney William Berlin of Berlin Family Law Group in Troy. “The Michigan ruling does have relevance to Jewish practice,” he said. “We can use this case in regard to ketuvot.” Berlin noted, however, that the issue of a ketubah rarely arises in local civil divorce proceedings. Monetary and custody issues in Jewish divorces are resolved in the civil court, he said. But the issue of a husband’ s refusal to provide a get can become a sticking point. Rabbis say that under Jewish law, forcing an ex-husband to provide a get by threat — either of violence or by a civil court order under threat of jail — is not permitted; this would be coercion, Berlin said. But the rabbis found a way around this situation to offer relief for the former wife — the husband is still required under the ketubah to sup- port his ex-wife. A civil court can order very large punitive compen- sation from the husband until he supplies a get, Berlin said. Rabbis do not consid- er this monetary incentive, however steep, to be the bodily coercion of physical harm or confinement and will recognize a get given in response. Berlin penned an article in the December 2015 issue of the Michigan Family Law Journal advising attorneys in Jewish divorce cases to include a provision in the divorce decree for this finan- cial incentive for the hus- band to provide a get. “What we’ re also sug- gesting now is doing more prenuptial agreements that require a get in the case of divorce,” Berlin said. “It makes it easier if there is a divorce to get a get.” William Berlin yers bring results with excellence and integrity. Recognized in Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and U.S. News and World Report. GEORGE LAW 444 S. Washington Ave. Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 470-4300 georgelaw.com Criminal defense, business law, family law and DUI/OWI defense. We help individuals and business- es, navigate complex legal mat- ters. To protect your reputation, livelihood and family, you want the most knowledgeable and strategic legal counsel in Michigan. Sched- ule a free consultation today. HAUER & SNOVER 6905 Telegraph, Suite 350 Bloomfi eld Hills, MI 48301 (248) 258-0800 hauersnover.com The law fi rm of Hauer & Snover has represented clients through- out Michigan for more than 40 years. Our attorneys specialize in all areas of family law, including complex divorce cases, business valuations, prenuptial agreements, spousal support and child custody issues. The fi rm is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Law Firm” in family law. Proudly Endorsed by State Senator Jeremy Moss and Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Tawnya Morris. www.tawnyamorris.com LEADERSHI P THAT PRODUCES RESULTS RE-ELECT TO SOUTHFIELD CITY COUNCIL Comprehensi ve legal counsel f or busi nesses, organi zati ons, muni ci pali ti es & i ndi vi duals. FOSTERSWIFT. COM Contact: JULIE FERSHTMAN P: 248-785-4731 E: jfershtman@fosterswift.com Foster Swift is a state-wide, full-service, client-focused law firm committed to excellence. Southfield • Detroit • Lansing Grand Rapids • Holland • St. Joseph 6905 Telegraph Road, Suite 350 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 Telephone: 248-258-0800 Representing Families Throughout Michigan in all Family Law Matters Divorce Prenuptial Agreements Child and Spousal Support Issues Child Custody and Parenting Time Issues