Divorce is one of the most challenging legal and emotional experiences, involving numerous legal steps under the Turkish Civil Code. A qualified divorce lawyer Turkey ensures that both Turkish nationals and foreign spouses receive fair treatment in every stage—from petition drafting and court hearings to alimony and asset division. At Istanbul Law Firm, our team of Turkish Lawyers and English speaking lawyer in Turkey offers strategic legal advice, court representation, and clear support through each procedural requirement. We ensure compliance with legal terms such as fault-based or no-fault divorce, waiting periods, and procedural rights. Our multilingual team also guides clients through cross-border divorce cases when one or both spouses live abroad.
Filing for Divorce & Grounds under Turkish Law
Turkish law recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce. Grounds include adultery, abuse, abandonment, or irreconcilable differences. Our divorce lawyer Turkey helps clients choose the right legal basis, draft petitions, and gather evidence according to court standards. We advise on mandatory waiting periods, mediation attempts, and documentation required to support claims. Clear, evidence-backed petitions improve case strength and settlement results. We also navigate the choice between contested and uncontested divorce processes, tailoring strategy to each client’s circumstances.
Legal Separation & Interim Orders
Couples sometimes seek legal separation before divorce to arrange updates like custody, alimony, or asset usage. Our family lawyer Turkey initiates legal separation proceedings, petitions for temporary alimony, and negotiates interim child support and residence allocations through court. We prepare temporary orders for use of the marital home, vehicle custody, or travel permissions. These legal tools provide stability and reduce conflict while divorce proceedings are ongoing. Our bilingual team ensures every interim agreement aligns with long-term goals and protects client rights in the interim phase.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce Cases
In Turkey, uncontested divorces are possible when both parties agree on all terms, including custody, support, and property division. Our divorce lawyer Turkey prepares the mutual divorce protocol, ensures notarization, and files fast-track petitions for court approval. These cases are resolved quickly—sometimes within one or two hearings—saving time, cost, and stress. In contrast, contested divorces involve litigation over fault, financial claims, or parental rights, often requiring expert reports and extended trials. Related: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Turkey
Our Turkish Lawyers guide clients through court timelines, evidence requirements, and how to prepare for judicial interviews. We evaluate settlement options at every stage to minimize risk and emotional toll. Our litigation team has successfully resolved high-stakes contested divorces involving complex financial disclosures and custody disputes. With Istanbul Law Firm, clients receive a clear litigation plan and full support, regardless of how challenging the case becomes.
Alimony, Compensation & Maintenance Payments
Turkish courts may award alimony (nafaka), moral compensation, or property-based maintenance depending on marital conduct and economic disparity. Our divorce lawyer Turkey builds strong legal arguments for or against such claims based on marriage duration, fault, and post-divorce income levels. We prepare income disclosures, expert cost-of-living reports, and advocate for equitable outcomes. Both temporary and permanent alimony may be granted—each with distinct legal standards. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures expats and foreigners understand their financial rights and obligations.
We also advise clients on alimony revision or termination motions based on income change, remarriage, or cohabitation. Related: Alimony Law in Turkey: Rights and Limits
For clients who must pay, we offer payment planning, enforcement prevention, and mediation to reduce arrears. With our comprehensive financial and legal planning, alimony issues can be resolved efficiently and fairly.
Child Custody & Visitation Arrangements
Child custody in Turkish divorce cases is decided based on the child’s best interest, not automatic maternal or paternal priority. Our family lawyer Turkey prepares comprehensive custody petitions, evidence, and child-friendly visitation schedules. We represent clients in full and joint custody cases, relocation requests, and psychological evaluations conducted by court-appointed experts. For foreign parents, we draft bilingual agreements and ensure compliance with international norms. Related: Child Custody in Turkish Divorce Law
We also manage visitation disputes and enforcement, including supervised visits or communication protocols. Our Turkish Lawyers work with family psychologists and school records to document parenting history and emotional bonds. Through mediation or litigation, we protect the child’s welfare and parental continuity. With our team, parents receive strategic legal support and practical parenting solutions—even after judgment is entered.
Foreign Divorce Decree Recognition (Tenfiz)
Divorces granted abroad must be recognized in Turkey through a court process called “tenfiz” before they are legally valid locally. Our divorce lawyer Turkey files recognition lawsuits, prepares translation and apostille documentation, and represents clients in family courts for tenfiz proceedings. This allows enforcement of custody, alimony, and property orders from foreign courts. We ensure compliance with Turkish private international law and bilateral treaties where applicable. Related: Recognizing Foreign Divorce Decrees in Turkey
Our Turkish Lawyers also handle disputes where a foreign judgment is incompatible with Turkish public order or lacks mutual enforcement rights. We ensure every recognition case is properly structured for smooth approval. With proper planning, foreign divorce rulings can be enforced in Turkey without full re-litigation.
Why Istanbul Law Firm Is the Best Lawyer Firm in Turkey for Divorce Law
Istanbul Law Firm delivers legal clarity, emotional balance, and enforceable outcomes in Turkish and international divorce cases. Our divorce lawyer Turkey team supports clients in filing, negotiating, and litigating all aspects of family separation. We provide bilingual service to Turkish citizens and expats alike, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation. Whether your divorce is amicable or adversarial, our courtroom-tested strategies maximize results. We combine empathy with excellence—protecting your future, your children, and your financial rights.
From alimony to asset division, our Turkish Lawyers manage every legal and procedural step. We are regularly referred by embassies, expat groups, and international law networks for our professionalism and cultural fluency. When you need trusted representation for family separation, Istanbul Law Firm is your first call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long does a divorce take in Turkey? – Uncontested divorces may finalize in 1–3 months; contested cases vary based on court and complexity.
- Can a foreigner file for divorce in Turkey? – Yes. Residency, marriage location, or citizenship can provide jurisdiction.
- What documents are needed for a divorce? – Marriage certificate, ID/passport, income documents, and any prenuptial agreements.
- Is a prenup valid in Turkey? – Yes, if notarized and compliant with Turkish Civil Code. We draft and review them for local or international couples.
- Can spouses negotiate their own settlement? – Yes. We formalize settlements through protocols submitted to court in uncontested divorces.
- How is alimony calculated? – Based on income, standard of living, and marriage duration. Temporary and permanent types exist.
- Can I keep custody of my child? – Possibly. Courts assess living conditions, emotional stability, and parental history.
- What happens to shared property? – Turkish law follows “participation in acquired property” unless otherwise agreed.
- Will my foreign divorce be accepted in Turkey? – Only through tenfiz. We handle recognition of foreign judgments in Turkish courts.
- Can I stop paying alimony? – Only with court approval—due to remarriage, income change, or cohabitation by ex-spouse.
- Do you offer services in English? – Yes. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey handles full bilingual communication.
- Who is the best divorce lawyer in Turkey? – Istanbul Law Firm—renowned for its trusted, result-driven family law expertise.
Contact Our Turkish Divorce Lawyers Today
Divorce is personal—but your legal protection must be professional. Istanbul Law Firm offers expert, compassionate, and fully bilingual legal support throughout every stage of divorce. Our divorce lawyer Turkey is by your side to protect your rights, your children, and your future. Contact the best lawyer firm in Turkey to receive strategic advice, responsive service, and results you can trust. Let our English speaking lawyer in Turkey guide you with confidence today.
