Paternity Lawsuit and Disputes in Turkey
- Canko Law Firm
- Dec 14
- 3 min read
A paternity lawsuit and a paternity dispute in Turkey are legal ways to find out who the father of the child is. These cases are ruled by the Turkish Civil Code and are part of family law. They are very important because they decide who is the legal father and who is legally responsible for the child. Canko Law Firm is expert in paternity law in Turkey.
In Turkey, paternity cases focus on the child’s rights and future. Courts want to protect the child from the moment of the child’s birth and make sure the correct biological parents are recognized. For our full range of family law services please select Turkey from main menu and click Family Law
What Is a Paternity Lawsuit in Turkey
A paternity lawsuit in Turkey is filed when a child is born outside marriage and the father of the child is not legally recorded. If the parents are married, the husband is automatically accepted as the legal father. If they are not married, paternity must be established by law.
Under Turkish paternity law, the child’s mother usually files a paternity lawsuit against the alleged father. The goal is to establish paternity and officially name the legal father. Once someone files a paternity case, the Family Court starts court proceedings.
Who Can File a Paternity Lawsuit
In Turkey, the child’s mother has the main right to file a paternity lawsuit. The child can also file a paternity case later, once they are old enough. The alleged father cannot force the court to recognise him, but he can accept paternity willingly.
What Is a Paternity Dispute in Turkey
A paternity dispute happens when there is a disagreement about the paternity of a child. This often happens when the alleged father says he is not the father of the child. A paternity dispute can also happen when more than one person could be the father.
Turkish courts take paternity disputes seriously because the result affects the child’s legal status and family ties.
Common Reasons for Paternity Disputes
In Turkey, paternity disputes often happen when the parents were never married or separated before the child’s birth. Sometimes the child’s mother wants proof to make sure the correct parent of a child is responsible. Other times, the alleged father wants to deny responsibility.
DNA Testing and Paternity Testing in Turkey
DNA testing is the most important tool used in Turkish paternity cases. Courts often order paternity testing to determine paternity clearly. DNA testing is safe and very accurate.
If the alleged father refuses paternity testing without a good reason, the court may see this as a sign against him. DNA testing helps courts make fair decisions.
How DNA Testing Is Used by Turkish Courts
DNA testing compares samples from the child and the alleged father. If the test shows a match, the court declares the man the legal father. If there is no match, he is not legally responsible for the child.
What Happens After Paternity Is Established
When courts establish paternity in Turkey, the father becomes legally responsible for the child. This includes helping with the child’s costs, such as food, housing, and healthcare. The child also gains inheritance rights from the legal father.
The court can also decide on an order for custody and visiting rights. Courts always look at what is best for the child.
Custody and Responsibility After Paternity
If a child is born outside marriage, the child’s mother usually keeps custody. After paternity is established, the legal father can ask the court for contact with the child. The father must also help support the child financially.
Time Limits for Paternity Lawsuits in Turkey
Under Turkish law, the child’s mother must file a paternity lawsuit within one year from the child’s birth or from the date she learns who the father is. The child has a longer right and can file a paternity case later in life.
Why Paternity Law Is Important in Turkey
Paternity law protects children and makes sure they are not left without support. It helps identify biological parents and ensures the correct person is responsible for the child. This gives the child legal protection and stability.
Conclusion
A paternity lawsuit and a paternity dispute under Turkish law help courts determine paternity in a clear and fair way. Through court proceedings and DNA testing, Turkish Family Courts decide who the legal father is and who is responsible for the child. These cases are about protecting children and securing their future.
