How to Divorce in Turkey 2025? | Mutual & Contested Divorce, Custody, Alimony
- Özgür Kurucuk
- Sep 27
- 4 min read
Divorce in Turkey is a legal process governed by the Turkish Civil Code (Türk Medeni Kanunu) and handled by the Family Courts (Aile Mahkemesi). In 2025, new updates in Turkish divorce law have streamlined procedures, particularly in mutual consent divorce (anlaşmalı boşanma), alimony calculation, and international recognition of divorces involving foreigners.
If you are a Turkish citizen, a foreigner married to a Turkish spouse, or an expat seeking divorce in Turkey, understanding the process is crucial. This guide explains how to divorce in Turkey 2025, covering the procedure, costs, custody, alimony, property division, and practical steps.
Overview of Divorce in Turkey (2025)
Turkish Divorce Law & Family Court (Aile Mahkemesi) Basics
Governed by Turkish Civil Code Articles 161–184.
All divorce cases are filed in Family Courts (Aile Mahkemesi).
Divorce can only be finalized by a court judgment—no administrative divorces exist.
Types of Divorce in Turkey
Mutual Consent Divorce (Anlaşmalı Boşanma): Fast, based on written agreement.
Contested Divorce (Çekişmeli Boşanma): Litigious, requires evidence of fault.
Key Divorce Regulations in 2025
Simplified rules for foreign spouses.
Digital filing introduced in major cities.
Updates in alimony calculation (nafaka) and custody rights.
Mutual Consent Divorce in Turkey (Anlaşmalı Boşanma)
What is Mutual Divorce?
Both spouses agree to divorce, avoiding lengthy litigation.
Conditions in 2025 (Anlaşmalı boşanma şartları 2025)
Marriage must be at least 1 year old.
Both spouses must personally appear before the judge.
A divorce protocol (agreement) must be submitted.
Divorce Agreement Requirements
Custody of children (velayet).
Alimony (nafaka).
Property division (mal paylaşımı).
Compensation (tazminat).
How Long Does It Take?
Typically finalized in 1–3 months if all conditions are met.
Contested Divorce in Turkey (Çekişmeli Boşanma)
What is Contested Divorce?
When one spouse refuses divorce or disputes terms.
Grounds for Divorce in Turkish Law
Adultery (zina).
Cruelty, violence, abuse.
Desertion (terk).
Mental illness (certified).
Irretrievable breakdown of marriage.
Process & Timeline in 2025
Filed by one spouse with a divorce petition (boşanma davası).
Requires witnesses, evidence, and hearings.
May take 1–3 years depending on complexity.
Fault-Based Divorce Examples
Proof of infidelity (messages, photos, testimony).
Physical violence reports.
Long-term abandonment.
Child Custody & Support in Turkish Divorce
Custody Laws Turkey 2025
Custody (velayet) given based on child’s best interests.
Joint custody is possible if agreed.
Child Custody After Divorce (Velayet)
Typically given to the mother for young children.
Court evaluates financial stability, emotional support, and living conditions.
Child Support (Çocuk Nafakası)
Paid by the non-custodial parent.
Amount adjusted yearly for inflation in 2025.
Custody Rights for Foreigners
Foreign spouses have equal custody rights.
International custody disputes follow Hague Convention rules.
Financial & Property Division After Divorce
Alimony in Turkey (Nafaka)
Yoksulluk nafakası (poverty alimony): For financially weaker spouse.
İştirak nafakası (child support): For children’s expenses.
Division of Property (Mal Paylaşımı)
Default regime: Participation in Acquired Property (Edinilmiş Mallara Katılma).
Assets gained during marriage are shared equally.
Prenuptial Agreements (Evlilik Sözleşmesi)
Can modify property-sharing rules.
Legally enforceable under Turkish law.
Compensation Claims
Maddi tazminat (financial compensation).
Manevi tazminat (moral compensation).
Divorce for Foreigners in Turkey
Divorce in Turkey for Foreigners
Foreigners married in Turkey can file locally.
International recognition requires apostille/legalization.
International Divorce Recognition
Turkish courts may recognize foreign divorce judgments.
Requires a recognition (tanıma) and enforcement (tenfiz) case.
Divorce When One Spouse Lives Abroad
One spouse may file in Turkey even if the other is abroad.
Hearings may be attended via proxy or online systems (2025 updates).
Rights of the Foreign Spouse
Equal custody, property, and alimony rights.
No discrimination under Turkish Civil Code.
Practical Considerations (2025 Updates)
Cost of Divorce in Turkey 2025
Mutual divorce: Approx. €500–€1,500.
Contested divorce: €2,000–€10,000+.
Divorce Lawyer Fees (Boşanma Avukatı Ücretleri)
Set by Turkish Bar Association minimum fee schedule.
Higher in major cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir).
New Divorce Regulations Turkey 2025
Faster e-filing system.
Standardized alimony calculation guidelines.
Alimony Calculation 2025
Based on:
Spouse’s income.
Child’s expenses.
Inflation index.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File for Divorce in Turkey
Hire a divorce lawyer (avukat).
Prepare petition (boşanma dilekçesi).
Submit to Family Court (Aile Mahkemesi).
Attend hearings.
Court issues final judgment.
Register divorce in population records (Nüfus Müdürlüğü).
Required Documents:
Marriage certificate.
Identity documents.
Divorce agreement (for mutual divorce).
Evidence (for contested divorce).
FAQs on Divorce in Turkey (2025)
How much does a divorce cost in Turkey for foreigners?
Between €1,000–€8,000 depending on complexity and lawyer fees.
Do I need a lawyer for mutual consent divorce?
Not legally required, but highly recommended to draft agreements correctly.
How long do I need to be separated?
No separation required for mutual consent; contested divorces may cite long-term separation.
Can I get divorced if my spouse is abroad?
Yes, you can file in Turkey and serve documents abroad.
What are the rights of wife & husband under Turkish Civil Code?
Both have equal rights regarding custody, property, and alimony.
Get Professional Legal Support for Divorce in Turkey
Divorce in Turkey can be complex, especially in 2025 with new legal updates. Whether you are a Turkish citizen or a foreigner, the right legal guidance ensures your rights are fully protected.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our experienced divorce lawyers in Istanbul provide clear strategies on mutual consent divorces, contested divorces, custody, alimony, and international recognition cases.
👉 Contact Kurucuk & Associates today for a confidential consultation and trusted legal support in your divorce process.