Family law matters are as human and sensitive as they are legal. In divorce, child custody or the division of property, the aim is to protect your rights while keeping the process as calm and predictable as possible. This page summarises the main areas of family law.
How we can help
Uncontested and contested divorce
Where the spouses agree on the divorce and its consequences, an uncontested divorce is possible; where they do not, a contested divorce action is brought on the grounds set out in Turkish Civil Code No. 4721. A thoroughly drafted settlement protocol prevents disputes that might arise later.
Custody and personal relations with the child
The decisive criterion in custody decisions is the best interests of the child. Arranging personal relations between the child and the parent who does not have custody, and updating these decisions when circumstances change, also fall within this area.
Maintenance
Interim maintenance during proceedings, child maintenance, and post-divorce maintenance for a spouse who would otherwise fall into hardship are assessed together with requests for them to be awarded, increased, reduced or ended.
Division of matrimonial property
The division of property acquired during the marriage is governed by different rules depending on when the marriage took place and which property regime the spouses chose. Reviewing land registry, bank and company records is the foundation of these cases.
Family matters with an international element
Where one spouse is a foreign national or the marriage took place abroad, the applicable law is determined under Law No. 5718 on International Private and Procedural Law. The recognition and enforcement in Türkiye of divorce judgments given abroad also falls within this area.
Protective measures
In cases of domestic violence, protective and preventive measures can be requested under Law No. 6284.
How the process works
- First meeting: We listen to your situation in confidence and discuss the options and their possible outcomes openly.
- Strategy: If agreement is possible, that route is explored first; if not, the case is prepared.
- Proceedings and follow-up: Petitions, hearings and the enforcement of decisions are handled by a single point of contact.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the conditions for an uncontested divorce?
The marriage must have lasted at least one year, the spouses must apply together or one must accept the other's petition, the judge must hear both parties in person and must approve the arrangement on the financial consequences and the children (Turkish Civil Code, Article 166/3).
- Is a divorce granted abroad valid in Türkiye?
For a foreign judgment to take effect in Türkiye it must be recognised, which is done through a recognition action (Law on Private International and Procedural Law, Articles 50 et seq.). Some foreign divorce judgments can instead be recognised administratively at the civil registry office, without going to court.
- How is custody decided?
The decisive criterion is the best interests of the child. The judge considers the child's age, care and education needs, bond with each parent and, if mature enough, the child's own views.
This page is for general information only; every case must be assessed on its own facts.