The answers below are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For your specific situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.
01Is the first consultation free of charge?
This varies between offices. Please contact us to learn about appointment terms and consultation conditions.
02How do I grant power of attorney to a lawyer?
A power of attorney issued by a notary public authorises the lawyer to act on your behalf. You can apply to any notary with your identity document.
03What should I do before filing a lawsuit?
You should gather relevant documents and have a lawyer assess your situation. In certain disputes — such as employment cases — mandatory mediation must be attempted before the matter can be brought before a court.
04How long does a divorce case take?
An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, can be concluded within a few months. Contested divorces may extend over years depending on the complexity of the dispute and the evidence involved.
05Who is granted custody of the children?
The court bases its custody decision on the best interests of the child. Key factors include the social, financial and psychological circumstances of each parent, the time spent with the child, and the child's age.
06How is alimony determined?
Alimony is set at the judge's discretion, taking into account the recipient's needs and the payer's financial capacity. The amount can be adjusted by court order if circumstances materially change.
07What happens if heirs cannot agree on how to divide an estate?
If heirs cannot reach an agreement, a partition action (izale-i şüyu) may be filed in the civil court of peace. The court may order the sale of the asset or a division in kind.
08How is a will made?
A formal will is drawn up before a notary in the presence of two witnesses. A holographic will must be handwritten in its entirety, dated and signed by the testator. Both types are subject to statutory validity requirements.
09How is a title deed transfer carried out?
Both parties must appear in person at the Land Registry Office, or be represented by a notarised power of attorney. The declared sale price is recorded at the time of transfer.
10Can foreign nationals buy property in Turkey?
Foreign nationals may acquire real estate in Turkey under Law No. 2644, subject to restrictions such as military prohibited zones and certain rural areas. Reciprocity principles and maximum area limits per individual also apply.
11What can I do if my employment contract was unlawfully terminated?
You must apply to mediation within one month of the termination notice. If mediation fails, you may bring a reinstatement or compensation claim before the labour court.
12How are severance and notice pay calculated?
Severance pay is calculated as thirty days' gross salary per full year of service. Notice pay is based on statutory notice periods under the Turkish Labour Act, which increase proportionally with the length of service.
13What can I do if a tenant refuses to vacate?
If the lease has ended and the tenant refuses to leave, you may initiate an enforcement-based eviction procedure or file an eviction action in the civil court of peace. The process can be lengthy due to procedural steps and possible objections.
14How do I recover a commercial debt?
If the debt is due and documented, you may begin enforcement proceedings. Where the debtor is unlikely to object, the non-judicial enforcement route may be sufficient; otherwise, a debt collection lawsuit may be necessary.
15Can I claim compensation after a traffic accident?
You can claim compensation for material and bodily harm from the at-fault party's compulsory motor insurance (ZMSS). If the insurer's offer is insufficient, you may pursue additional compensation through the courts.
16What should I do if I am accused of a criminal offence?
Request legal assistance from a lawyer before giving any statement. You have the right to remain silent and no adverse inference may be drawn from exercising it. Avoid being questioned without your lawyer present.
17How do I challenge an administrative fine?
A written objection must be filed with the competent criminal court of peace within fifteen days of the date the fine was served. If the objection is rejected, further legal remedies remain available.
18What should I be aware of when forming a company?
Key steps include selecting the company type (joint-stock, limited liability, etc.), drafting the articles of association, registering with the trade registry and enrolling with the tax authority. Ownership structure and liability limits should be clarified from the outset.
19What is a title deed cancellation and re-registration action?
This is a lawsuit aimed at correcting a title deed registration that was made erroneously, improperly or unlawfully. The civil court of first instance has jurisdiction; the burden of proof rests with the claimant.
20Can I challenge a compulsory purchase (expropriation) order?
If you consider the expropriation compensation to be insufficient, you may file a compensation increase action in the civil court of first instance within thirty days of service of notice. An expert assessment will determine the fair market value.