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Articles

40 informative articles across 8 legal practice areas. Use the filter to find your topic.

Contested and Uncontested Divorce

Divorce may be obtained by agreement or through contested proceedings. Uncontested divorce is faster; contested divorce is evidence-intensive and can take years.

Uncontested divorce requires at least one year of marriage
The parties jointly submit a protocol covering custody, alimony, and property
Contested divorce requires proof of grounds such as fault, violence, or desertion
The divorce order cannot change civil-status records until it is final
During contested proceedings, interim measures protect the parties' positions

Learn your legal rights before making any decisions — emotional choices made in haste can have long-lasting consequences.

Alimony Types and Calculation

Turkish law provides three main types of alimony: poverty alimony, contributory alimony for children, and interim alimony during proceedings. Each has distinct conditions and calculation rules.

Poverty alimony is paid post-divorce to the financially disadvantaged spouse
Contributory alimony is paid by the non-custodial parent toward child expenses
Interim alimony may be claimed during the divorce proceedings
The amount is proportionate to the parties' economic situation and the child's needs
Increases or reductions can be sought when circumstances change significantly

A documented income-and-expenditure statement and professional assessment are key to establishing a fair alimony figure.

Matrimonial Property Regime

The default regime under Turkish law is participation in acquired property. Spouses may choose a different regime by agreement before or during marriage.

Property acquired during the marriage is generally divided equally on divorce
Inherited assets and gifts are classified as personal property
Alternative regimes (separation, shared separation) require a notarised agreement
On divorce, the net increase in each spouse's acquired property is calculated for division
Collusive transfers of assets may be challenged with a sham-transaction claim

Property regime selection and liquidation is a technical process; taking legal advice before or during marriage reduces the risk of future disputes.

Child Custody on Divorce

The court's sole standard in custody decisions is the best interests of the child. Financial capacity, living conditions, and emotional bond are all weighed.

The views of children aged eight and over are taken into account
Joint custody is possible but its practical conditions require careful consideration
The non-custodial parent retains contact (visitation) rights
International travel requires the non-custodial parent's consent
Emergency measures can be sought when the child's welfare is at risk

School records, health documents, and evidence of the child's social environment carry significant weight in custody proceedings.

Adoption Process

Adoption is a thorough administrative and judicial process centred on the child's best interests. The statutory requirements are detailed.

The adopter must be at least eighteen years older than the adopted child
Married couples adopt jointly; single persons may adopt alone
The consent of the biological parents is generally required
A social investigation report is a key document in court proceedings
Foreign nationals face additional administrative requirements

Because adoption requires coordination with multiple authorities, obtaining legal support from the outset is strongly advised.

These articles are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Specific disputes should always be evaluated on the facts of the individual file.