If your marriage is ending and you live in Turkey, own property here or married here, a divorce lawyer in Antalya can explain what Turkish law means for you, your children and your assets. We advise foreign nationals, mixed couples and Turkish citizens living abroad, and we work in English, German, Russian, Arabic and Turkish.
Divorce in Turkey is always decided by a court. Even when both spouses agree, a judge must hear the case and approve the terms. We prepare the case, represent you at the family court and keep you informed at every step.
How we can help
- Uncontested (agreed) divorce: drafting the divorce protocol and representing you at the hearing
- Contested divorce cases, including evidence, witnesses and hearings
- Custody of children, contact arrangements and relocation questions
- Alimony (nafaka): temporary alimony during the case, child support and post-divorce maintenance
- Division of matrimonial property and claims for compensation
- Protection orders for victims of domestic violence under Law No. 6284
- Recognition and enforcement in Turkey of divorce judgments given abroad
- Appeals against first-instance family court decisions
Uncontested and contested divorce under Turkish law
Divorce is governed by the Turkish Civil Code No. 4721. There are two main routes.
Uncontested divorce (anlaşmalı boşanma)
An agreed divorce is possible if the marriage has lasted at least one year and both spouses agree on all consequences: custody, child support, alimony, property and compensation. Both spouses must attend the hearing in person and confirm their free consent. If the judge approves the protocol, the divorce is usually granted at a single hearing.
Contested divorce (çekişmeli boşanma)
If there is no agreement, one spouse files a case on a legal ground such as irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, adultery, abandonment or serious mistreatment. The court hears evidence and witnesses, assesses fault and rules on custody, alimony and compensation. This takes considerably longer than an agreed divorce.
Custody, alimony and property
Custody is decided in the best interests of the child. The court may ask for a social worker's report and may hear the child, depending on age. The other parent is normally granted regular contact.
Alimony can be temporary (during the case), child support, or longer-term maintenance for a spouse who would otherwise face financial hardship. The court sets the amounts based on the parties' circumstances.
Unless the spouses chose another regime, Turkish law applies participation in acquired property to assets acquired during the marriage. Property owned before the marriage, or inherited, is treated differently. Strict time limits apply to some property claims, so get advice early. See also our real estate lawyer page.
Foreign spouses and mixed marriages
Turkish courts can hear a divorce between foreigners, or between a foreign and a Turkish spouse, in many situations, for example where you live in Turkey. The applicable law is decided under the International Private and Procedural Law No. 5718: first the spouses' common national law; if they have different nationalities, the law of their common habitual residence; otherwise Turkish law. So a Turkish court may apply your home country's divorce law.
Recognition of a foreign divorce in Turkey
If you divorced abroad, the judgment must be recognised (tanıma) by a Turkish court, or in some cases registered through the civil registry, before it takes effect in Turkey. Without this, you may still appear as married in Turkish records, which can affect remarriage, property and inheritance. Parts of the judgment that must be enforced, such as alimony, require enforcement (tenfiz). The court checks, among other things, that the foreign judgment is final, that the defendant's right to be heard was respected and that the decision is not clearly contrary to Turkish public policy.
How the process works
- First consultation: we explain your options and the likely route.
- Fees are agreed in writing in advance and cannot be below the Union of Turkish Bar Associations' minimum fee tariff.
- We collect documents and, if you live abroad, arrange a power of attorney.
- We prepare the protocol or the petition and file it at the family court (aile mahkemesi) at the Antalya courthouse or the competent court.
- We attend the hearings and keep you updated after each step.
- After the decision becomes final, we follow up registration with the civil registry and any recognition needed abroad.
If you live abroad
In a contested case you do not always need to travel. You can give us a power of attorney at a Turkish consulate, or at a local notary with an apostille and a sworn Turkish translation; it must expressly include divorce authority. For an agreed divorce, plan for at least one trip, as both spouses are expected at the hearing. Foreign documents normally need an apostille and a sworn translation.
If you are worried about your residence permit after a divorce, see our residence permit lawyer page.
Frequently asked questions
Can two foreigners get divorced in Turkey?
Often yes, especially if you live in Turkey. The court may apply your common national law under Law No. 5718. Check also whether your home country will recognise the Turkish judgment.
How long does an uncontested divorce take?
If the marriage has lasted at least one year and the protocol is complete, the divorce is usually granted at the first hearing, whose date depends on the court's calendar.
Do I have to come to Antalya for my divorce?
For an agreed divorce, both spouses normally have to attend the hearing in person. In a contested case, we can usually represent you with a power of attorney, although your attendance may be useful in some situations.
My divorce was granted abroad. Am I divorced in Turkey?
Not until the foreign judgment is recognised in Turkey. Until then, Turkish records may still show you as married.
What can I do if I face domestic violence?
You can ask for a protection order under Law No. 6284, for example ordering the other person to stay away from you or leave the shared home. In an emergency, call the police on 112 first, then contact us for legal help.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different; please consult a lawyer before taking any legal step. This page is published in accordance with the Professional Rules of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and the advertising ban for attorneys.