Divorce proceedings between mixed couples (where one spouse is Turkish and the other is a foreign national, or both are foreigners residing in Turkey) are governed by the Turkish Civil Code and private international law.


1. Which Court has Jurisdiction?

Turkish Family Courts (Aile Mahkemesi) have jurisdiction if one of the spouses is a Turkish national, or if both spouses reside in Turkey. If both parties are foreign citizens, the court can apply their common national law, or Turkish Law if they do not share a common nationality.


2. Types of Divorce

  • Uncontested Divorce (Anlaşmalı Boşanma): If spouses have been married for at least 1 year and agree on all terms (child custody, alimony, and asset division), they can file a joint protocol. The marriage can be dissolved in a single hearing.
  • Contested Divorce (Çekişmeli Boşanma): Filed if there is no agreement. Grounds include severe conflict, desertion, or adultery. These cases require presenting evidence and witness testimonies, and can take 1.5 to 3 years.

3. Recognition of Foreign Divorce Decisions (Tenfiz)

If a mixed couple divorced in a foreign court, that decision is not automatically valid in Turkey. A recognition lawsuit (Tanıma ve Tenfiz) must be filed to update the Turkish civil registry, which is critical for inheritance rights and asset distribution.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Get a Divorce in Turkey for Mixed Couples?

  1. Determine Court: Turkish Family Courts have jurisdiction if one spouse is Turkish or both reside in Turkey.
  2. Uncontested: File a joint protocol if married for at least 1 year.
  3. Contested: Present evidence of severe conflict or fault if no agreement exists.
  4. Tanıma/Tenfiz: File a recognition suit if the divorce occurred in a foreign court.