Is Divorce Easy in Turkey?
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Divorce is never a simple decision. It’s both a personal and legal journey that can feel overwhelming — especially in another country. In Turkey, the process of ending a marriage is governed by the Turkish Civil Code (Türk Medeni Kanunu) and handled by the Family Courts (Aile Mahkemesi).
Whether divorce in Turkey is “easy” or not depends on several factors: the cooperation between spouses, the presence of children, financial issues, and how well the process is managed legally.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we’ve helped countless clients — both Turkish and foreign — navigate this sensitive process with clarity and confidence. In this article, our family lawyers Turkey explain how divorce works in Turkey, what makes it easier or more complicated, and how professional legal support can make a real difference.
Understanding Divorce in Turkey
Divorce in Turkey is a legal procedure that formally ends a marriage. It’s always handled by the Family Court, following the rules of the Turkish Civil Code.
There are two main types of divorce in Turkey:
Mutual Consent Divorce (Anlaşmalı Boşanma)This is the simplest and fastest type of divorce. Both spouses agree to separate, sign a written settlement covering custody, alimony, and property division, and appear before the judge together.
The marriage must be at least one year old.
Everything must be agreed in writing.
Usually finalized in a single hearing, often within one to three months.
Contested Divorce (Çekişmeli Boşanma)This applies when one spouse files against the other based on specific grounds for divorce, such as adultery, insult, or desertion.
The case involves witnesses, evidence, and multiple hearings.
These divorces can take one to two years or more.
Is Divorce Easy in Turkey?
The honest answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Divorce can be quick and straightforward if both spouses cooperate and agree on everything. But it can become lengthy and stressful if there are disagreements about children, money, or property.
When Divorce Is Easier
Both spouses agree to end the marriage.
They sign a clear divorce protocol.
There are no custody or property disputes.
An experienced divorce lawyer in Turkey prepares the paperwork correctly.
When Divorce Becomes Difficult
One spouse refuses to cooperate.
There are children involved and custody is contested.
There’s conflict about property or financial support.
One or both spouses are foreign citizens.
The Role of Mediation
Since 2023, Turkish law has made family mediation (Aile Arabuluculuğu) a required first step for many family disputes. Mediation gives couples a chance to resolve disagreements before going to court. It can significantly reduce the time and emotional strain involved.
So — is divorce easy in Turkey? It can be, if both spouses are willing to work together and have the right legal guidance.
The Divorce Process in Turkey
Here’s what typically happens when you file for divorce in Turkey:
Step 1 — Filing the Case
A petition for divorce is filed at the Family Court where either spouse lives or where they last lived together.
Required documents include:
Divorce petition
Marriage certificate
ID copies
Power of attorney (if represented by a lawyer)
Step 2 — Mediation (Since 2023)
The court may refer the spouses to mediation before starting hearings. If an agreement is reached, the couple can proceed with a mutual consent divorce — saving time and cost.
Step 3 — Court Hearings and Evidence
If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds. The court reviews witness statements, documents, expert opinions, and financial records.
Step 4 — Final Decision and Appeals
Once the judge issues the divorce decree, either party has two weeks to appeal. After this period, the decision becomes final and is registered officially.
Divorce for Foreigners in Turkey
Many foreign residents or mixed-nationality couples face additional steps when divorcing in Turkey.
Important Considerations:
International Divorce in Turkey: Foreign citizens can file for divorce in Turkish Family Courts if they live in Turkey or were married here.
Recognition of Foreign Divorce: If you divorced abroad, you’ll need to have the foreign decree officially recognized (tanıma) by a Turkish court before it takes legal effect in Turkey.
Documents Needed:
Apostilled and translated court judgments
Valid passports or residence permits
Official Turkish translations
For example, a foreign woman divorcing in Turkey must ensure her documents are correctly translated and notarized. At Kurucuk & Associates, we handle every procedural detail, from document preparation to final recognition.
Cost, Timeline, and Ease Factors
Aspect | Mutual Consent Divorce | Contested Divorce |
Duration | 1–3 months | 1–2 years or more |
Court Hearings | Usually 1 | Several |
Legal Fees | Moderate | Higher |
Stress Level | Low | High |
Outcome Control | Shared | Decided by Judge |
Additional costs may include:
Court filing fees (around TRY 1,000–3,000)
Lawyer fees, depending on case complexity
Translation and notarization, especially for foreigners
Our firm helps minimize costs and time by focusing on early settlement and efficient documentation.
Common Legal Concepts in Turkish Divorce
Grounds for Divorce (Boşanma Sebepleri)
Under Turkish law, divorce can be granted on specific legal grounds, such as:
Adultery (Zina)
Grave insult or abuse (Pek Kötü veya Onur Kırıcı Davranış)
Crime or dishonorable conduct (Suç İşleme veya Haysiyetsiz Hayat Sürmek)
Desertion (Terk)
Mental illness (Akıl Hastalığı)
Irretrievable breakdown of marriage (Evlilik Birliğinin Temelden Sarsılması)
Alimony (Nafaka)
There are three types:
Temporary alimony (Tedbir Nafakası) — during the case.
Spousal support (Yoksulluk Nafakası) — for the financially weaker spouse.
Child support (İştirak Nafakası) — for children’s expenses.
Child Custody (Velayet)
The judge decides based on the child’s best interests, considering emotional and financial stability.
Division of Marital Property (Mal Rejimi)
Unless a prenuptial agreement says otherwise, Turkish law applies the participation in acquired property system (Edinilmiş Mallara Katılma).
Compensation (Maddi ve Manevi Tazminat)
Granted to a spouse who suffers emotional or financial damage due to the other’s fault.
Expert Insights from Kurucuk & Associates
At Kurucuk & Associates, we’ve seen every kind of divorce scenario — from smooth, amicable separations to highly complex international disputes.
Here’s what experience has taught us:
Legal guidance matters. Even small procedural mistakes can delay or invalidate your case.
Early cooperation saves time. The sooner couples agree, the faster they can move on.
Foreign divorces need extra care. Proper translations, jurisdiction checks, and recognition procedures are essential.
Preparation reduces stress. Knowing your rights and options brings emotional clarity and confidence.
Our mission is to make the legal process as simple and dignified as possible for every client.
FAQs About Divorce in Turkey
How long does a divorce take in Turkey?
A mutual consent divorce can take about 1–3 months. A contested divorce may last 1–2 years, depending on complexity.
What are the legal grounds for divorce in Turkey?
They include adultery, insult, desertion, crime, mental illness, or the breakdown of marriage.
Can foreigners file for divorce in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign residents or mixed-nationality couples can file in Turkish Family Courts.
Is a mutual consent divorce faster?
Absolutely. If both parties agree on all terms, it can be finalized in one hearing.
How much does a divorce cost in Turkey?
Costs vary by complexity, but average between TRY 10,000–50,000 including legal and translation fees.
Get Expert Help with Divorce in Turkey
Kurucuk & Associates is an Istanbul-based law firm specializing in Turkish family and divorce law. Whether you are Turkish or a foreign national, our lawyers ensure your divorce process in Turkey is smooth, respectful, and legally compliant.
📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a trusted divorce lawyer in Turkey.
