Edirne · Legal information
Divorce Lawyer in Edirne, Turkey
Many families in Edirne live between Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. This page explains how divorce works before Turkish family courts, what foreign nationals and Turkish citizens living abroad should know, and how a divorce granted abroad is recognised in Turkey.
Key facts
- Uncontested divorce
- Possible if the marriage has lasted at least one year; both spouses are heard in person (Turkish Civil Code art. 166/3)
- Competent court
- Family court (aile mahkemesi)
- Children
- Custody is decided by the best interests of the child; child support (iştirak nafakası) is set by the court
- Foreign divorce decree
- Recorded in Turkey either by a recognition (tanıma) or enforcement (tenfiz) decision of a Turkish court or, if the conditions are met, administratively at the civil registry or a Turkish consulate (Law No. 5490, Art. 27/A)
Our divorce work
Our office in central Edirne advises and represents clients in:
- Uncontested divorce – drafting the divorce protocol (custody, child support, alimony, property) and representing you at the hearing
- Contested divorce – grounds such as adultery, abandonment or the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage
- Custody and contact arrangements – including families where one parent lives abroad
- Alimony and child support – interim support during the case and support after divorce
- Division of property – under the statutory regime of participation in acquired property (for periods before 1 January 2002, separation of property)
- Recognition of foreign divorce decrees (tanıma and tenfiz) – for divorces granted in Bulgaria, Greece, Germany and other countries
Recognition of a foreign divorce
Turkish citizens who divorced abroad often discover years later that they still appear as married in the Turkish civil registry. The divorce can be recorded administratively at the civil registry or a Turkish consulate if the conditions of Law No. 5490, Art. 27/A are met; otherwise, and for custody or maintenance, a recognition case is filed before a Turkish court. You will normally need:
- The foreign divorce decree with a note that it is final
- An apostille (or consular legalisation) on the decree
- A sworn Turkish translation of the decree and the apostille
- Identity documents and, if available, the marriage certificate
What to prepare for a first meeting
- Marriage certificate and identity documents of both spouses
- Children’s birth certificates and school information
- Any documents about property, bank accounts and income
- For foreign decrees: the decree, finality note and apostille
Our office
We are in central Edirne (Sabuni Mahallesi). Hearings and official procedures in Turkey are conducted in Turkish; an interpreter is used where necessary. Use the links next to this page for directions, or contact us by phone or WhatsApp.
Turkish version: Edirne’de boşanma · Inheritance and property: Inheritance in Turkey · Immigration matters: Immigration lawyer in Edirne
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign nationals divorce in Turkey?
Yes, Turkish courts can hear a divorce case involving foreign nationals in many situations, for example where one spouse is a Turkish citizen or the spouses live in Turkey. Which law applies to the divorce depends on the spouses’ nationality and residence; this is assessed at the start of the case.
We divorced in Bulgaria / Greece / Germany. Is the divorce valid in Turkey?
A divorce granted abroad does not automatically change Turkish civil registry records. If the decree is final and not clearly contrary to Turkish public order, the former spouses can apply together (or the Turkish spouse alone, if the other spouse is a foreign national or has died) to the civil registry or a Turkish consulate to have it recorded administratively (Law No. 5490, Art. 27/A). Otherwise, or for custody and maintenance, a recognition (tanıma) case is filed before a Turkish court with the final, apostilled decree and its sworn translation.
How long does an uncontested divorce take?
If the protocol is ready and both spouses attend, an uncontested divorce is often decided at a single hearing. The date of the hearing depends on the court’s schedule, and the decision becomes final after the appeal period.
Do I have to be present at the hearing?
In an uncontested divorce the judge must hear both spouses in person. In contested cases and recognition cases, a lawyer with a power of attorney can usually represent you.
Related articles (Turkish)
Legal basis and official sources
- Turkish Civil Code No. 4721 (Turkish, mevzuat.gov.tr)
- Law No. 5718 on International Private and Procedural Law (Turkish, mevzuat.gov.tr)
Last updated:
The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Laws and court decisions change; every case must be assessed on its own facts.