What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce in Turkey?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms, while a contested divorce involves disputes over custody, assets, or compensation.

What are valid grounds for divorce in Turkey?

Grounds include adultery, violence, abandonment, criminal activity, severe incompatibility, and irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

How is child custody decided in Turkish divorce cases?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, considering emotional, educational, and financial welfare.

Can foreign divorce judgments be recognized in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign divorce decisions can be recognized and enforced in Turkey through a court recognition process.

Is alimony mandatory after divorce in Turkey?

Alimony may be granted depending on financial conditions and fault in the breakdown of the marriage.

Divorce Lawyer in Turkey

Q: How long does a divorce take in Turkey?

Uncontested divorces may be finalized in one hearing, while contested divorces typically take several months to over a year depending on complexity.

Getting divorced in Turkey can be a legally sensitive and emotionally difficult process, especially for foreign nationals who are unfamiliar with Turkish family law, international jurisdiction rules, applicable law, court procedures, child custody arrangements, alimony, compensation, property division, and recognition of foreign divorce decisions. At Karanfiloglu Law Office, our Istanbul-based family law team provides professional legal assistance to Turkish citizens and foreign nationals who need reliable legal support during divorce and family law proceedings in Turkey.

As an experienced divorce lawyer in Istanbul, Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu advises clients on the most suitable legal strategy for their situation, including amicable divorce, contested divorce, divorce between two foreign spouses, divorce between a Turkish citizen and a foreign national, child custody disputes, alimony claims, compensation requests, property division, and recognition and enforcement of foreign divorce judgments in Turkey. From preparing the divorce petition and agreed divorce protocol to representing clients before Turkish family courts, we guide clients through every stage of the divorce process.

Divorce cases involving foreign nationals require careful legal analysis from the beginning. The competent court, applicable law, validity of foreign documents, apostille and translation requirements, residence permit consequences, custody arrangements, and international recognition of the final decision may all affect the outcome of the case. For this reason, working with a qualified divorce lawyer in Turkey is essential to protect your rights, avoid procedural mistakes, and ensure that the divorce decision is legally effective in Turkey and, where necessary, abroad.

Based in Istanbul, Karanfiloglu Law Office represents clients before family courts, civil courts, enforcement offices, population registry offices, consulates, and relevant administrative authorities. We assist clients with both amicable and contested divorce proceedings, child custody and visitation issues, child support and spousal support claims, material and moral compensation, division of marital assets, and the recognition of divorce, custody, and alimony decisions issued by foreign courts.

Our senior lawyer Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is a registered lawyer at Istanbul Bar Association with 58270 registration number. Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu is considered a leading Turkish divorce and family law lawyer due to his strong experience in international divorce cases, foreign client representation, and client communication. You can book a consulting session with him to learn more about your rights, possible legal risks, and the divorce procedure in Turkey.

Book a legal consultation call today with our senior lawyer Mr. Kaan to learn more:

Kaan Karanfiloglu Best Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyer

Lawyer Kaan Karanfiloglu

Experienced Turkish divorce and family law lawyer based in Istanbul. Registered lawyer at Istanbul Bar Association. He advises and represents foreign nationals in divorce proceedings, custody disputes, asset division, and international family law matters in Turkey. He speaks English, French, and Turkish. Russian and Chinese language support is also available through experienced translators in our office. Kaan Karanfiloglu's Istanbul Bar Association registration number is 58270 and his Turkey Bar Association Union registration number is 133074. He graduated from Galatasaray University Law School.

Why You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Turkey?

Divorce is complicated enough in your home country. When international elements are involved, the legal questions multiply quickly.

The wrong court or wrong law can invalidate the process: Which country’s law applies to your divorce depends on nationality and habitual residence. Filing in the wrong jurisdiction, or under the wrong legal framework, wastes time and can produce a result that is not recognised abroad.
A Turkish divorce is not automatically valid in other countries: Once finalised, a Turkish divorce judgment requires a separate recognition process in your home country. Skipping this step means you may remain legally married elsewhere even after the Turkish proceedings conclude.
Custody decisions have cross-border consequences: If children are involved and one parent intends to move abroad, Turkish court custody documents or notarised consent from the other parent are required. Getting this wrong can lead to serious legal complications internationally.
Your residence permit may be affected: Divorcing a Turkish citizen does not automatically revoke your residence permit, but you may need to switch to a different permit type. We advise on immigration consequences at the same time as the divorce proceedings.
You do not need to attend court in person: For contested divorces, your lawyer can represent you throughout via power of attorney. For amicable divorces, both parties must attend one hearing, but nothing else requires your physical presence.

Why Choose Kaan Karanfiloglu as Your Divorce Lawyer in Turkey?

Correct jurisdiction and applicable law determined from the start: We identify which court has authority and which country’s law governs your case before filing anything, avoiding costly procedural errors.
Contested and amicable divorces handled: We prepare agreed divorce protocols for amicable cases and provide full representation in contested proceedings covering alimony, compensation, and asset division.
Child custody with international law expertise: We handle custody arrangements in line with international private law principles, including cross-border consent requirements if a child is relocating.
Recognition of foreign divorce decisions: If you divorced abroad and need that decision recognised in Turkey, we manage the full recognition and enforcement process.
Immigration consequences covered: We advise on residence permit status, work permit implications, and citizenship effects of divorce at the same time as managing the family law case.
Remote representation available: Most of the process can be handled through a notarised power of attorney. You do not need to travel to Turkey except for the final amicable divorce hearing, if applicable.
Direct access to a registered lawyer: Mr. Kaan Karanfiloglu (Istanbul Bar Association, no. 58270), English, French, and Turkish spoken directly. Russian and Chinese support available in-office.

Our Legal Counseling and Advocacy Services for Foreigners During Divorce Proceedings

Determining the Competent Court and Applicable Law: We determine which country's law applies and initiate the legal process in the competent and authorized court.
Managing Agreed and Contested Divorce Processes: We prepare agreed divorce agreements for foreign spouses; and in contested cases, we ensure the effective protection of your rights and interests.
Legal Support on Alimony, Compensation, and Property Division: Within the framework of international conventions and applicable law, we aim to prevent loss of rights by managing processes related to material and moral compensation, alimony and child support, and the liquidation of property regimes.
Custody and Relationship Arrangements: We provide legal support regarding custody in accordance with international law principles, prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Court Decisions: We initiate and follow up on recognition and enforcement proceedings in Turkey for divorce, child custody, and alimony decisions issued abroad, ensuring their legal validity in Turkey.
Consultancy on Residence Permits, Citizenship, and Residency Rights: Our expert team in immigration law provides legal information on the effects of divorce on residence permits, work permits, and citizenship status. We assist foreigners who have divorced in Turkey in applying for the correct residence permit.
Official Procedures and Document Preparation: We support you throughout the document preparation process.

What are the steps involved in a divorce for foreigners in Türkiye?

1) Submitting the Divorce Application and Petition to the Competent Court

2) Initiating the Court Process for Divorce

3) Notifying the Court of the Requested Property Division and Alimony and Obtaining a Decision from the Judge

4) Granting Custody of the Children After the Divorce

5) Finalizing the Divorce and Completing the Necessary Procedures for Recognition of the Divorce

Which country's laws apply to a divorce between two foreigners in Turkey?

Under Private International Law, in the case of a divorce in Turkey between two foreigners, the law of the country of common nationality of the spouses applies. This is the case if both spouses are citizens of the same country. If the parties are not citizens of the same country, the law of the country of their habitual residence, i.e., the country where the spouses live together, applies.

If there is no common habitual residence, Turkish law applies.

What documents are required for two foreigners to get divorced in Turkey?

Passport photocopies
Identity Card / Population Registration Certificate
Marriage Certificate (Marriage Certificate or International Marriage Registration Certificate)
Residence Certificate (Certificate of Address)
Address Information
Divorce Petition: Petition prepared according to amicable or contested divorce, taking into account the applicable law. Amicable Divorce Protocol (if any)
Protocol signed by the parties, including alimony, compensation, custody, and other matters.
Power of Attorney (if pursued through a lawyer)
Notarized and apostilled power of attorney authorizing the filing of a divorce case.
Translation and Apostille Documents: All official documents prepared in a foreign language must be translated into Turkish by a sworn translator, apostilled, and notarized.

What happens to assets acquired during marriage in a divorce between two foreigners in Turkey? Which country's law does the judge apply?

Regarding the law applicable to marital property, spouses are given the option to choose the law governing their marital assets at the time of marriage. Accordingly, spouses can explicitly choose between the law of their habitual residence at the time of marriage and one of their national laws.

If no choice of law is made by the spouses, the common national law at the time of marriage applies first to marital property. If this is not available, the law of the place where the spouses lived together at the time of marriage takes precedence. If neither of these points of connection exists, Turkish law applies.

However, there is an important exception regarding immovable property. In matters of real rights and liquidation proceedings related to immovable property, the law of the place where the immovable property is located applies, independently of the general rule.

How is child custody assessed in a divorce between two foreigners in Turkey?

International Private Law also prescribes a specific hierarchical system regarding matters of child custody. Accordingly, in determining who will be granted custody and the scope of custody following a divorce, the common national law of the spouses is primarily taken into account. This applies when both parents are citizens of the same country.

If the spouses are citizens of different countries, the law of their common habitual residence, i.e., the law of the country where the family has lived together continuously, applies to disputes regarding child custody. If such a common habitual residence does not exist, Turkish law applies.

The same legal principles apply to child support payments requested for the benefit of the child after a divorce. The same regulation also applies in cases of separation and annulment of marriage.

If, after a divorce, one of the children is going abroad with only one parent or applying for a residence permit there, a court custody document or a notarized consent form from the other parent approving the child’s stay abroad is required.

Does a divorce between two foreigners in Turkey have international validity?

When two foreigners divorce in Turkey, this divorce is only valid in Turkey; it does not automatically become valid in other countries. For the divorce to gain international validity, a recognition process is required. During this process, the necessary documents are prepared and submitted: firstly, the final divorce decree, then an apostille certificate of the decree, a sworn translation of the decree into the relevant country’s language, photocopies of the parties’ passports or identity cards, the marriage certificate if necessary, and an apostilled power of attorney to conduct the proceedings through a lawyer. Once these documents are completed, the competent authority of the relevant country recognizes the Turkish court decision, and the divorce gains international validity.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Divorce Procedures for Foreigners in Türkiye

1. Is it Mandatory for Spouses to Be Present in Court?

No, in divorce cases between two foreigners in Turkey, the spouses can have their lawyers handle the divorce application process. However, for an amicable divorce, the couple must be present at a hearing. If the spouses are represented by a lawyer, the lawyer will handle the case, and the spouses do not need to come to court.

2. Will My Residence Permit Be Revoked If I Divorce My Turkish Citizen Spouse?

No, your residence permit will not be automatically revoked even if you divorce your Turkish citizen spouse, but you may need to apply for a new one to maintain its validity.

3. How Long Does a Divorce Take in Turkey for Foreigners?

In Türkiye, it takes 2-3 months for amicable divorces; and an average of 2-3 years for contested divorces.

4. I Divorced in Another Country But Didn’t Complete the Recognition Process. Do I Need to Get Divorced Again in Turkey?

No, if you divorced in another country and haven’t had the recognition process done in Turkey, you don’t need to get divorced again in Turkey; however, you will need to have the recognition (and enforcement, if necessary) process done for that divorce to be valid in Turkey.

5. What are the Types of Alimony in Divorces of Foreigners in Turkey?

There is child support and spousal support. Depending on the circumstances, material and moral compensation may also be requested.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this webpage is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes may vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. For advice tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.

Updated Date: 26 April 2026