Short answer: An uncontested divorce is possible if the spouses fully agree on the division of property, maintenance and custody and the marriage has lasted at least one year; otherwise the case is heard as a contested divorce. Claims for compensation and maintenance arising from the divorce must be brought within one year of the divorce judgment becoming final. As a divorce lawyer in Ankara, Turhan Hukuk & Danışmanlık handles uncontested and contested divorce, custody, maintenance and division of property. No outcome can be guaranteed.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Written by Av. Osman Turhan
Divorce is demanding both emotionally and legally. The decisions taken during the process, especially the clauses of the divorce protocol, have consequences for years. On this page you will find the matters we assist with, how the process works, the time limits that must not be missed and the documents to bring to a first meeting. The detailed articles linked below are in Turkish.
Living abroad? See Divorce in Türkiye for people living abroad.
What matters do we assist with as a divorce lawyer in Ankara?
Uncontested divorce
In an uncontested divorce, the key document is the divorce protocol. Writing the clauses on division of property, maintenance, custody and personal contact with the child completely and in an enforceable way prevents new lawsuits later.
- Five questions to ask before signing an uncontested divorce protocol (Turkish)
- How long does an uncontested divorce take? (Turkish)
- Documents required for an uncontested divorce (Turkish)
- Can a party withdraw from the divorce protocol? (Turkish)
Contested divorce and compensation
When the parties cannot agree, the case is heard as a contested divorce. In these cases, submitting evidence within the time limits, proving fault and framing the claims for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages correctly directly affect the result.
- Petition for a contested divorce (Turkish)
- Divorce for psychological violence and non-pecuniary damages (Turkish)
- Can WhatsApp records be used as evidence of adultery? (Turkish)
- Is it possible to file a divorce case without a lawyer? (Turkish)
Custody, maintenance and personal contact with the child
The decisive criterion in custody decisions is the best interests of the child. We also handle interim maintenance, maintenance for poverty (post-divorce alimony) and child support (contribution maintenance), and actions to increase or terminate them.
- Is joint custody possible in Türkiye? (Turkish)
- Conditions for changing custody (Turkish)
- How is the amount of maintenance determined? and action to increase maintenance (Turkish)
- Failure to comply with a personal contact order (Turkish)
Division of property and wedding jewelry
Under the statutory regime of participation in acquired property, property acquired during the marriage is in principle subject to division. Real estate, vehicles, company shares, loan debts and wedding jewelry are assessed separately.
- Action for division of marital property (Turkish)
- How can hiding assets be prevented in a divorce? (Turkish)
- What is a family home annotation and how is it registered? (Turkish)
- Action for return of wedding jewelry (Turkish)
Domestic violence and protective orders
We assist with applications for removal (restraining) orders and other protective measures under Law No. 6284.
How does the process work with a divorce lawyer in Ankara?
- Preliminary assessment: The length of the marriage, children, assets and whether the parties agree are reviewed, and it is decided whether to proceed as an uncontested or a contested divorce.
- Protocol or petition: In an uncontested divorce, the protocol is prepared. In a contested divorce, the claims, evidence and witnesses are set out completely in the petition. If necessary, interim maintenance and an interim injunction are requested.
- Hearing: The competent court for divorce cases is the Family Court. The case can be filed where one of the spouses resides or where they have lived together for the last six months before the case (Turkish Civil Code, art. 168).
- Finalisation and after: Once the judgment becomes final, the population registry records are updated, and the next steps on division of property, collection of maintenance or custody are planned.
Time limits that must not be missed
| Situation | Time limit | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested divorce | The marriage must have lasted at least 1 year | Turkish Civil Code, art. 166/3 |
| Divorce for adultery | 6 months from learning of it, and in any case 5 years from the act | Turkish Civil Code, art. 161 |
| Divorce for desertion | A notice can be requested at least 4 months after the separation; the case can be filed 2 months after the notice | Turkish Civil Code, art. 164 |
| Claims for compensation and maintenance arising from the divorce | 1 year from the divorce judgment becoming final | Turkish Civil Code, art. 178 |
| Remarriage of the woman | 300 days from the end of the marriage (waiting period) | Turkish Civil Code, art. 132 |
What to prepare before you meet a divorce lawyer in Ankara
- Identity document and a current population registry record from e-Devlet
- Documents showing assets, such as title deeds, vehicle registrations, and bank and loan records
- Documents showing the parties’ income, such as payslips or tax records
- Evidence such as messages, e-mails, photographs and, if any, a medical report of assault
- Names of people who could be witnesses
First meeting
It is enough to describe your situation briefly by phone or on WhatsApp. A meeting is then planned at our office or online. At the meeting, the state of your file, the time limits running and the course to follow are assessed. The lawyer’s fee and expenses are also discussed openly at this stage. We take care to keep our meetings confidential. The firm’s working language for divorce matters is mainly Turkish.
- Address
- Macun, 184. Cad. Gimathan Plaza No: 78/29, Yenimahalle, Ankara
- Hours
- Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00, Saturday 09:00–15:00 (by appointment)
- Phone / WhatsApp
- +90 507 214 19 62
Frequently asked questions
Does an uncontested divorce end in a single hearing?
If the conditions are met and the judge finds the protocol appropriate, an uncontested divorce is generally decided in a single hearing. When the hearing date is given depends on the court’s workload.
Is it mandatory to hire a lawyer in a divorce case?
No, it is not mandatory. However, an incomplete protocol or failing to submit evidence on time in a contested case can have consequences that are hard to repair.
Who is granted custody?
The court bases its decision on custody on the best interests of the child. The child’s age, need for care, the circumstances of the parents and, where the child is of an age to understand, the child’s views are assessed together.
Which court hears a divorce case in Ankara?
Divorce cases are heard by Family Courts. The case can be filed where one of the spouses resides or where they have lived together for the last six months before the case. For detail, see Which courthouse hears a divorce case in Ankara? (Turkish).
Can I claim maintenance or compensation after the divorce?
Claims for compensation and maintenance that were not raised in the divorce case can be brought in a separate case within one year of the divorce judgment becoming final (Turkish Civil Code, art. 178).
Legal basis and sources
- Turkish Civil Code, Law No. 4721 – art. 132 (waiting period), art. 161–166 (grounds for divorce), art. 168 (jurisdiction), art. 169 (interim measures), art. 174–178 (compensation, maintenance, limitation), art. 182 (custody and child support), art. 202 ff. (matrimonial property regime)
- Law No. 4787 on the Establishment, Duties and Trial Procedures of Family Courts
- Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women
The information on this page is general; the result may vary according to the circumstances of your specific case.