The Single Status Affidavit (also called a Personal Status Affidavit for Singles) is a legal document that formally declares your unmarried status as part of your Aliyah application. This sworn statement confirms that you are not currently married, which has important implications for your absorption in Israel, including potential benefits, housing arrangements, and your legal status under Israeli personal status laws.
Why Is This Document Required?
Personal status is particularly significant in Israel, where matters of marriage, divorce, and family law fall under the jurisdiction of religious authorities rather than civil courts. The Single Status Affidavit serves several critical purposes:
- Legal Clarity: Establishes your clear legal status upon arrival in Israel
- Benefits Determination: Affects eligibility for certain single olim (immigrant) benefits
- Housing Assistance: Influences the type of absorption housing you may be offered
- Future Personal Status: Sets the baseline for any future changes in personal status in Israel
- Statistical and Planning Purposes: Helps Israeli authorities plan for new immigrant demographics
Key Components of the Single Status Affidavit
A properly completed Single Status Affidavit includes several essential sections:
Personal Information
This section establishes your basic identity, including:
- Full legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Passport details
- Citizenship information
- Parents’ names
- Jewish status declaration
Marital Status Declaration
The core of the document is your sworn statement that you are currently single and have never been married. This must be explicitly stated without ambiguity.
Previous Relationships (If Applicable)
While you declare you’ve never been married, you must disclose:
- Any previous legally recognized civil unions or domestic partnerships
- The dates and locations where these were registered and dissolved
- Legal documentation of dissolution
Children (If Applicable)
If you have children despite never having been married, you must provide:
- Children’s names, birth dates, and places of birth
- Other parent’s name
- Current custody arrangements
- Whether children are making Aliyah with you
Custody and Support Obligations
Any legal obligations regarding:
- Child custody status
- Child support payments
- Other family support requirements
Additional Declarations
These include your understanding that:
- This information will determine your status under Israeli law
- Personal status matters in Israel are governed by religious law
- Providing false information has serious legal consequences
When and Where to Submit Your Affidavit
The Single Status Affidavit is typically required at several stages:
- During Initial Application: Submit to the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B’Nefesh as part of your Aliyah paperwork
- At the Israeli Consulate: May be reviewed during your Aliyah visa interview
- Upon Arrival in Israel: Provided to Ministry of Interior officials
- During Absorption Process: Used for various registrations and benefits applications
Common Questions and Concerns
“I’ve Been in Relationships But Never Legally Married. What Should I Declare?”
If you’ve never been legally married, you should declare yourself as single. However, any legally recognized civil unions or domestic partnerships must be disclosed with proper documentation showing they were legally dissolved.
“I Have Children But Was Never Married. How Do I Complete This Form?”
Check “Single” for your marital status and complete the children section with all required information, including custody arrangements and support obligations. This situation is not uncommon and will not negatively impact your Aliyah eligibility.
“I’m Divorced/Widowed. Should I Use This Form?”
No. If you’ve ever been legally married, you should complete the “Personal Status Affidavit for Previously Married Individuals” instead, which has sections for divorce or widowhood information.
“Do I Need to Have This Notarized?”
Yes. The affidavit must be signed in the presence of a notary public who will verify your identity and witness your signature. This notarization is required for the document to be legally valid.
Tips for Completing Your Single Status Affidavit
- Be Completely Honest: Misrepresentation on this document can have serious legal consequences, including possible revocation of citizenship.
- Use Legal Names: Ensure all names match exactly as they appear on official documents like your passport and birth certificate.
- Disclose Everything Relevant: If you have any children, previous civil unions, or support obligations, these must be included regardless of whether you think they’re relevant.
- Attach Supporting Documentation: Include copies of any referenced documents such as birth certificates for children or dissolution papers for civil unions.
- Make Multiple Original Copies: Have several notarized originals, as you may need to submit them to different authorities.
- Keep Digital Scans: Maintain digital copies of your completed form for your records and possible future reference.
Legal Implications in Israel
Your declared personal status will have several implications once you arrive in Israel:
Religious Community Registration
Upon arrival, you’ll be registered with the relevant religious authority based on your declared faith. For Jewish olim, this is the Rabbinate, which maintains records of personal status.
Future Marriage in Israel
As a single person, if you later wish to marry in Israel, your options will be determined by your religious status. Jewish marriages in Israel are conducted through the Rabbinate, which follows Orthodox halachic standards.
Housing and Absorption
Single olim often receive different housing options and may be eligible for specific single-oriented absorption programs and social networks.
Potential Complications and Solutions
Challenge: Uncertain About Previous Relationship’s Legal Status
If you’re unsure whether a previous relationship constituted a legal civil union or registered domestic partnership, obtain documentation from the relevant jurisdiction confirming its status and dissolution.
Challenge: Children with Complicated Custody Situations
If you have complex custody arrangements, attach the complete court documentation to your affidavit and consider consulting with an Israeli immigration attorney who specializes in family law.
Challenge: No Access to Supporting Documents
If you cannot obtain certain supporting documents, prepare a separate notarized statement explaining the circumstances and providing alternative evidence where possible.
Conclusion
The Single Status Affidavit is more than just another form in your Aliyah paperwork. It establishes your personal status in a country where this has significant legal and religious implications. By understanding its importance and completing it accurately, you’re taking an important step toward a smooth absorption process in your new home.
Remember that the Jewish Agency, Nefesh B’Nefesh, or other Aliyah organizations can provide guidance if you have questions specific to your situation. Taking the time to get this document right from the beginning will help avoid complications later in your Aliyah journey.
