Uncontested Divorce in Turkey
An uncontested divorce (Anlaşmalı boşanma) is a type of divorce where both spouses reach full agreement in advance — covering alimony, child custody, and division of assets — and apply to the court together. It typically concludes in a single hearing. To proceed this way, the marriage must have lasted at least one year, a written settlement agreement must be prepared, and both spouses must appear at the hearing in person.
For couples living abroad, the standard uncontested divorce procedure is not legally available. In those cases, the proceedings are filed as a contested divorce (Çekişmeli boşanma), with each spouse represented by a separate lawyer — this removes the personal-attendance requirement and still allows the case to be resolved in a single hearing.
1. What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is a divorce where both spouses have reached mutual agreement on every financial, social and legal consequence of the marriage breakdown — and the court then confirms that agreement, usually in a single hearing. It is the fastest and most cost-effective route to ending a marriage in Turkey.
The Ministry of Justice’s target timeframe is 40 days, and in practice cases filed in Alanya and the surrounding area typically reach a final decision within one to one and a half months.
2. Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce — at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Length of marriage | The marriage must have lasted at least 1 year. (If this threshold has not been met, the divorce can still be pursued on different legal grounds.) |
| Full agreement | Both parties must agree on all matters: alimony, child custody, division of assets, compensation, etc. |
| Written settlement agreement | The agreed terms must be set out in a written document known as the Uncontested Divorce Protocol (Anlaşmalı Boşanma Protokolü). |
| Personal attendance | Both spouses must be present at the hearing in person. |
| Judge’s approval | The judge reviews the protocol and, if satisfied that it protects the interests of both parties — and in particular the best interests of any children — grants the divorce. |
3. The Uncontested Divorce Process — Step by Step
Step 1 — Negotiation:
The spouses reach agreement on all key issues: child custody, alimony, division of assets, jewellery claims, and any compensation. The smoother this stage goes, the faster the whole process moves.
Step 2 — Drafting the Protocol:
A lawyer converts the agreed terms into a formal written protocol. This document is the backbone of the case — if it contains errors or omissions, the court may reject it, causing significant delays. Getting a specialist lawyer to draft it is strongly advisable.
Step 3 — Filing the Petition and Paying Court Fees:
The petition, with the protocol attached, is submitted to the Family Court (Aile Mahkemesi) in Alanya — or whichever court has jurisdiction. The required court fees and advance costs are paid at this stage.
Step 4 — The Hearing:
On the date set by the court, both parties attend the hearing. The judge hears them, reads the protocol aloud, and checks that it complies with both procedural and substantive law. If satisfied, the judge pronounces the divorce.
Step 5 — The Decision Becoming Final:
The reasoned decision is served on both parties. If neither party files an appeal, the decision becomes final after 15 days. This period can be shortened further by submitting a waiver of appeal at the hearing itself.
4. Current Cost Information for 2026
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Attorney’s fee (Antalya Bar Association recommended minimum) | ~75,000 TL + VAT |
| Court filing fee | 732 TL |
| Other court costs (service of process, postage, advance expenses, etc.) | 6,500 – 8,000 TL |
| Total approximate cost (including attorney’s fee) | ~85,000 TL (approx. £1,330 / €1,560 — depending on current exchange rates) |
Note: All figures are estimates and may vary depending on the specifics of your case. Please get in touch for up-to-date information.
5. Legal Services We Provide
- Drafting your uncontested divorce protocol in full compliance with Turkish law,
- Preparing and filing the divorce petition with the court,
- Attending hearings and representing you before the court,
- Handling all legal steps required for the decision to become final,
- Tailored solutions for clients who are resident abroad,
- Local experience across courts in Alanya, Antalya and the wider region.
Our aim is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible for you.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Uncontested Divorce
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions on your mind
Divorce for Couples Living Abroad
It is legally possible for couples living outside Turkey to obtain a Turkish divorce in a single hearing — without travelling to Turkey and without waiting for the one-year marriage threshold to be met. However, this cannot be done through the standard uncontested divorce (Anlaşmalı boşanma) procedure as most people understand it.
Here is how it works and what the legal framework looks like:
1. Why the Standard Uncontested Divorce Route Is Not Available
Under the Turkish Civil Code (TMK) Art. 166/3, two conditions are absolute requirements for a case to be filed and concluded as an uncontested divorce:
- The marriage must have lasted at least one year.
- Both parties must appear before the judge in person and express their intention to divorce.
Because of these requirements, a different procedural route is necessary for couples based abroad.
2. The Solution: A Contested Divorce Filed — but Settled by Agreement
The legal strategy used to overcome these obstacles is to file the case formally as a contested divorce — for example, citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Turkish Civil Code (TMK) Art. 166/1 — while in practice running the proceedings as a fully agreed settlement through the parties’ lawyers.
The process works as follows:
- Two Separate Powers of Attorney: Each spouse must grant a separate power of attorney (PoA) to their own Turkish lawyer. These PoAs must specifically include authority to act in divorce proceedings, must include a photograph of the person granting them, and must either be executed before a Turkish Consulate in the country of residence or be notarised locally and bear an Apostille. Because of the conflict-of-interest rules, the same lawyer cannot act for both spouses.
- Filing the Contested Divorce Claim: One spouse’s lawyer files a contested divorce petition on the ground of irretrievable breakdown. Importantly, the petition makes no claims for alimony, compensation or property — keeping the case straightforward.
- Admission of the Claim and Waiver of Time Limits: The other spouse’s lawyer files a response formally admitting the claim and the divorce itself. The response also expressly waives the right to the standard time limits for filing a defence, submitting evidence, and receiving service of documents — all of which significantly accelerates the proceedings.
- No Personal Attendance Required: Because the case is formally classified as a contested divorce, the rule requiring both spouses to appear before the judge in person — which applies specifically to uncontested divorce proceedings — simply does not apply. Each spouse is fully represented by their lawyer throughout.
3. How the Single-Hearing Divorce Is Achieved
At the preliminary examination or first substantive hearing, the court records the claimant’s lawyer’s submissions and the defendant’s lawyer’s formal admission on the court record. Because there is no genuine dispute between the parties for the court to resolve, the judge is able to grant the divorce at that very first hearing — in a single sitting.
Making the Decision Final: Immediately after the divorce is granted, both lawyers file a joint statement with the court declaring that they waive their right to receive the reasoned written decision and that they waive any right of appeal to the regional appellate court (istinaf). What would otherwise take months is reduced to a matter of days, and the divorce is then registered in the civil records.
7. Conclusion and Contact
An uncontested divorce is the most popular choice for couples in Turkey precisely because it is quick and relatively low in cost. That said, careful and informed decision-making at every stage is essential to protect your legal rights and avoid costly mistakes.
This article is for general information purposes only. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
