How Long Does Divorce Take in Turkey? Timelines for Agreed and Contested Cases
Updated: Oct 10
When it comes to ending a marriage, one question comes up again and again: how long does divorce take in Turkey? The honest answer is that it depends. An agreed divorce can be finished in a few months. A contested divorce can take years. This guide explains the typical timelines, the steps in each stage and the factors that speed a case up or slow it down.
It is general information, not advice on your own case. Every divorce is different, and courts differ in how busy they are. Our experienced lawyers in Turkey can look at your facts and give a more realistic estimate.
The short answer: how long does divorce take in Turkey?
There are two main routes, and the time they take is very different:
Uncontested (agreed) divorce: often as little as 1 to 3 months once the petition is filed, if both spouses agree on everything.
Contested divorce: frequently 2 to 4 years, and sometimes longer, especially if there are appeals.
These ranges are only a guide. A busy court, a spouse who lives abroad or a dispute about children or property can add a lot of time. A calm and well-prepared case can sometimes be quicker.
Uncontested divorce in Turkey
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree to end the marriage and agree on all the terms. Under the Turkish Civil Code, the marriage must normally have lasted at least one year. Both spouses must also tell the judge that they want to divorce.
Once the petition is filed, the court may grant the divorce in as little as 1 to 3 months. The court checks that the agreement is fair and that any children are protected. If the judge is satisfied, the divorce is granted, often after a single short hearing.
What the agreement must cover
To keep an agreed divorce quick, the written agreement should be clear and complete. It normally covers:
Which parent the children will live with, and contact for the other parent.
Child support and any maintenance between the spouses.
How property and other assets will be divided.
Any compensation that one spouse will pay to the other.
If something is missing or unfair, the judge may refuse to approve it. This is why careful drafting saves time. Our guide on how to get divorced in Turkey explains the steps in more detail.
Contested divorce in Turkey
A contested divorce takes much longer. It happens when the spouses disagree about the divorce itself or about property division, alimony or child custody. It is not uncommon for a contested divorce to take 2 to 4 years, and in some cases even longer.
In a contested case, the spouse who wants the divorce must prove a ground for it. The court then hears both sides. Common grounds include adultery, serious ill-treatment, desertion and the breakdown of the marriage. You can read more in our guide on whether it is easy to divorce in Turkey.
Stages of a contested divorce
Filing the petition: one spouse files at the family court.
Response: the other spouse is served and has time to reply in writing.
Preliminary stage: the court sets out the disputed points and decides what evidence it needs.
Evidence: documents are collected, witnesses are heard and experts may be appointed.
Hearings: these are spread over time and depend on the court's calendar.
Judgment: the judge decides whether to grant the divorce and deals with children, money and property.
Appeal: either spouse may challenge the decision, which adds more time.
Factors that affect how long a divorce takes
Several factors affect the duration of a divorce in Turkey. Knowing them helps you plan.
The court's schedule
Family courts in large cities are often very busy. A full calendar means longer gaps between hearings. A smaller court may move faster. Your lawyer will know how the local court tends to work.
The complexity of the case
A simple case with few assets is faster than one with many properties, companies or foreign accounts. Allegations of fault, such as adultery or abuse, also need proof. That takes time.
Expert evaluations
The court may appoint experts. A valuer may be asked to value property or a business. A social worker or psychologist may be asked to report on a child's situation. Each report adds weeks or months.
Children and custody
When children are involved, the court puts their welfare first. Disputes about custody, contact or where the child will live often lead to extra hearings and reports. If the parents cannot agree, the court will decide.
Temporary orders while the case is running
A contested case can last a long time, so the court can make temporary orders. These can cover where the children live, contact with the other parent and maintenance while the case continues. You must ask for them, usually at the start. They do not shorten the case, but they make the waiting period easier to manage.
Property and the marital property regime
The default regime in Turkey is participation in acquired property. Property acquired during the marriage is generally shared, with exceptions for personal items such as property owned before the marriage or inherited. Spouses can choose another regime by a marriage contract. Disputes about what counts as acquired property can take a long time to settle. See our guide on Turkish divorce and matrimonial property.
A spouse who lives abroad
If you are in the UK and your spouse is in Turkey, think about how each country will treat the divorce. The same applies the other way round.
Appeals
A divorce judgment can usually be appealed. The deadline for an appeal is short, so take legal advice quickly. An appeal goes to a higher court. Further appeals are possible in some cases. The divorce becomes final only once the appeal period ends or the appeals are decided. This is one reason a contested divorce can take years.
Can you speed up a divorce in Turkey?
You cannot control the court's calendar. You can, however, avoid delays that you cause yourself. These steps help:
Agree where you can: even partial agreement shortens hearings.
Prepare documents early: gather IDs, the marriage certificate and financial records before you file.
Respond on time: missed deadlines slow a case down.
Be clear about children: a sensible parenting plan avoids reports.
Consider mediation: a neutral person can help you settle issues without a full trial.
Use a lawyer: good drafting and good planning reduce delays.
In some cases, a couple starts with a contested case and later settles. A settlement can then turn the case into an agreed divorce. This can save months.
After the judgment: what happens next
The divorce is not complete on the day of the hearing. The judgment must become final. This happens once the appeal period ends without an appeal, or after any appeal is decided. Your lawyer can confirm the date.
After that, the divorce is recorded in the civil registry. Only then do your official records show your new marital status. If you want to return to a former surname, ask your lawyer how that works in your case. Keep several copies of the final judgment. You may need them for banks, for immigration offices and for a new marriage.
Property and money matters may take longer to put into effect. If the judgment divides property, the title deed may need to be changed at the land registry. Allow extra time for this step.
Documents that help a divorce move faster
Missing paperwork is one of the most common causes of delay. If you live abroad, start early, as official documents may need translations or certification. Useful documents include:
Passports or ID cards for both spouses.
The marriage certificate.
Birth certificates for your children.
Proof of the family's address.
Records of property, bank accounts and debts.
Any marriage contract.
Ask your lawyer which of these the court needs in your case, and whether translations must be certified.
Divorce when one spouse is a foreign national
If one or both spouses are foreign nationals, extra rules may apply. These rules decide whether a Turkish court can hear the case and which law applies. They can add questions and sometimes time. A lawyer who knows both Turkish and international law can help. If you also have a link to England and Wales, the UK government explains the process on GOV.UK.
Our English-speaking Turkish divorce lawyer page explains how we help international couples. If you plan to move abroad with your children after divorce, read our guide to international relocation with children after divorce.
How legal support helps with timing
Whatever type of divorce you face, legal support matters. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate each stage. They can speed up the process by preparing your case well and avoiding common mistakes. They also make sure your rights are protected.
A lawyer can also give you a realistic view. Some people expect a quick result and are shocked by a long case. Others expect years and settle early. Good advice helps you set sensible goals. You can read about the costs in our guide to the cost of divorce in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Turkey?
It can take as little as 1 to 3 months after filing. This is possible only if both spouses agree on everything and the marriage has lasted at least one year.
How long does a contested divorce take in Turkey?
A contested divorce can take 2 to 4 years or more, depending on the court, the evidence and any appeals.
Can I divorce in Turkey if I live abroad?
Often yes, but it depends on your circumstances. Service of papers and jurisdiction rules can add time. Take advice before you start.
Does having children make a divorce slower?
It can. If parents agree on the arrangements, the court may approve them quickly. If they disagree, the court may order reports and hold extra hearings.
Do I need a lawyer to divorce in Turkey?
It is not always required, but a lawyer is wise, especially in a contested case. A lawyer can also help avoid delays.
So, how long does divorce take in Turkey?
A divorce in Turkey can take anything from a few months to several years. It depends on whether you agree, how complex your case is and how busy the court is. It is essential to seek professional legal advice to understand the process and timeline for your situation.
Our law firm is here to help. Contact us today for more information. Please note that this is a general overview and may not apply to all situations. Always consult a professional for advice tailored to you.
