Turkish Family Law Solicitors in London | Divorce, Custody & Property
Navigating Turkish family law from the UK is one of the most emotionally and legally complex situations a person can face. Whether you are dealing with divorce proceedings in Turkey, a child custody dispute involving Turkish courts, or the division of jointly owned property across two countries, the legal frameworks of both the UK and Turkey will intersect — and mistakes at any stage can have lasting consequences.
At Kaya Legal, our London-based team includes Turkish-qualified lawyers with direct experience in Turkish civil and family courts. We represent UK residents, Turkish nationals living abroad, and international families in a full range of Turkish family law matters — without you needing to travel to Turkey.
What Is Turkish Family Law?
Turkish family law is governed by the Turkish Civil Code (Law No. 4721), which came into force in 2002. It regulates marriage, divorce, child custody and support, spousal maintenance (alimony), and the division of marital assets. The code is broadly aligned with European civil law traditions and emphasises the protection of children and equality between spouses.
If you are a UK resident with ties to Turkey — through marriage to a Turkish citizen, jointly owned property in Turkey, or children with Turkish nationality — you may be subject to Turkish family law even if you currently live in the UK. Turkish courts may hold jurisdiction over your case depending on where the marriage was registered, the nationality of the parties, and the location of key assets.
Turkish Divorce Law: Contested & Uncontested
Divorce in Turkey can only be granted by a Turkish civil court. Foreign divorce decrees — including those issued by UK courts — are not automatically recognised in Turkey. To terminate a marriage registered in Turkey, you must obtain a court divorce decree from a Turkish civil court, or apply separately to have a UK divorce order recognised under Turkish international private law.
There are two types of divorce under Turkish law:
- Uncontested (consensual) divorce — both spouses agree on all terms, including custody arrangements, financial support, and property division. This route is faster, usually resolved within a single hearing, and is only available if the marriage has lasted at least one year.
- Contested divorce — one spouse opposes the divorce or the parties cannot agree on terms. Grounds include adultery, maltreatment, desertion (leaving the family home for more than six months), mental illness, or general incompatibility. Contested cases involve multiple hearings and can take considerably longer.
In both cases, our team can represent you through a notarised power of attorney, meaning you will not need to appear in a Turkish court in person unless the judge specifically requires your attendance — which is rare in uncontested matters.
Child Custody Under Turkish Law
The Turkish Civil Code grants both parents equal custody rights from the moment of a child’s birth until the child turns 18. In the event of divorce, a Turkish court will allocate custody to one parent based primarily on the best interests of the child. Turkish courts consider factors such as the child’s daily routine and stability, the caregiving history of each parent, each parent’s financial capacity, and the child’s own wishes if they are old enough to express them.
International child custody cases — particularly those involving one parent living in the UK — require careful coordination of Turkish and UK family law principles. If there is a risk of international child abduction, or if a child has been relocated to Turkey without your consent, immediate legal action is required. Turkey is a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and our team can advise on enforcement mechanisms under both Turkish law and the Convention.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Turkey
Turkish courts may award spousal maintenance — known as nafaka — to the lower-earning spouse following divorce. Both temporary maintenance during proceedings and post-divorce maintenance can be ordered by the court. The amount is determined based on the financial needs of the recipient and the financial capacity of the paying spouse. Maintenance orders made in Turkey can be enforced against assets held in Turkey, and our team can assist with cross-border enforcement where relevant.
Division of Marital Assets in Turkey
Under the Turkish Civil Code, assets acquired during the marriage are generally subject to equal division between spouses on divorce. This includes property, bank accounts, business interests, and investments held in Turkey. Pre-marital assets and inheritances are typically excluded from the pool of divisible assets, though the rules are nuanced and depend on how assets were managed during the marriage.
For UK-based couples with Turkish property, the division process must account for both Turkish property law and any UK financial remedy proceedings. Our team coordinates across both jurisdictions to ensure a fair and enforceable settlement.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements Under Turkish Law
Turkish law permits spouses to enter into matrimonial property agreements that vary the default equal-division regime. These must be executed before a Turkish notary and can specify that certain assets — such as a business or inherited property — remain separate in the event of divorce. Our team advises on drafting and structuring agreements that are enforceable under both Turkish and UK law for international couples.
How We Help UK Clients with Turkish Family Law
- Representing clients in Turkish divorce proceedings via power of attorney — no travel required
- Advising on jurisdiction: whether to pursue proceedings in the UK, Turkey, or both
- Handling cross-border child custody disputes and Hague Convention applications
- Enforcing Turkish court orders in the UK and UK orders in Turkey
- Division of Turkish property and assets during divorce
- Drafting prenuptial agreements valid under Turkish law
- Advising on Turkish citizenship rights affected by divorce
- Obtaining and authenticating Turkish court records and civil registry documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get divorced in Turkey if I live in the UK?
Yes. You can file for divorce in a Turkish court even if you are based in the UK, provided the marriage was registered in Turkey or at least one party holds Turkish nationality. Our team can represent you via a notarised power of attorney, so you do not need to be present in Turkey during proceedings.
Will my UK divorce be recognised in Turkey?
Not automatically. A UK divorce decree must go through a separate recognition process before Turkish courts and civil registry offices will accept it. This is a distinct legal procedure that our team handles for clients who have divorced in the UK but have ongoing legal ties in Turkey (such as property, children, or civil registry records).
What happens to our Turkish property during a UK divorce?
Turkish property will need to be dealt with under Turkish property law, typically through Turkish court proceedings or a separately negotiated agreement. UK financial remedy orders do not automatically apply to Turkish assets. Our team advises on coordinating UK and Turkish proceedings to achieve a comprehensive settlement.
How long does a Turkish divorce take?
An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be resolved in a single hearing, often within a few months of filing. Contested divorces involving disputes over children or assets typically take between one and three years, depending on court schedules and the complexity of the issues involved.
If you are dealing with a Turkish family law matter and need expert guidance from London, contact our team today for a confidential consultation. We advise in both English and Turkish.
