Discussion with my ex-wife

Question

I have been divorced for several years. Neither I nor my ex-wife remarried. We are both Ashkenazi Jews, and I am not a Cohen. We have a son, who is growing up with her. I visit him and take an active part in his upbringing. My ex-wife and I often communicate via telephone calls and texting on matters that have to do with our son. So far, this seems to be OK. I hope I’m right. My question is this: am I allowed to go into my ex-wife’s house in order to discuss with her a certain complicated matter that has to do with our son’s education and wellbeing? Of course, we’ll do it in a way that there won’t be a problem of seclusion (“yichud”). This is something that is best discussed face-to-face, and not via a telephone call. It is possible to discuss this issue over a telephone conversation, but, in my opinion, this will be a lot less effective. By the same token, meeting in a place outside her home isn’t really feasible, considering the circumstances.

Answer

Dear …!

It is prohibited to enter your ex-wife’s residence and discuss anything whatsoever with her. Moreover, some authorities forbid entering one’s ex-wife’s residence even if you don’t intend to communicate with her at all. 

 

Source

Beis Yosef and Shulchan Oruch, section Even Ha-Ezer, chapter 119, §8

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission