A Guide to Divorce from the UK in Turkey (2025): Step-by-Step Process and Costs

If you are a Turkish citizen living in the UK and considering ending your marriage, you may be wondering how the divorce process works in Turkey. With the legal procedures updated in 2025, it is possible to manage this process smoothly by following the correct steps.

Divorce from the UK in Turkey: General Overview

For Turkish citizens living abroad, divorce proceedings involve multiple legal systems, making it a unique situation. Generally, there are two main options: either getting divorced through the UK courts and then having the decision recognized in Turkey (by filing a recognition and enforcement lawsuit), or filing for divorce directly in Turkey. It’s important to note that a divorce decree issued by a UK court must be recognized by Turkish courts in order to be valid in Turkey. Therefore, many individuals choose to carry out the entire process in Turkey.

Turkish courts have jurisdiction over divorce cases if at least one of the spouses is a Turkish citizen. Living in the UK does not prevent you from filing a lawsuit in Turkey. The case is typically filed in the province where either party is registered in the civil registry. For example, if your hometown is Sakarya, you can file for divorce at the Sakarya Family Court. In uncontested divorce cases, where both parties agree, the case may be filed in any province, as there is no dispute over jurisdiction.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Turkey

There are two main types of divorce in Turkish law: uncontested and contested divorce.

Uncontested Divorce: This occurs when both parties mutually agree on all terms of the divorce. In order to file for uncontested divorce in Turkey, the marriage must have lasted at least one year, and the parties must prepare a written agreement (divorce protocol). These cases are usually resolved in a single hearing. The judge hears the parties and, if the agreement complies with the law, approves the divorce. This method is the fastest and least expensive, as it avoids prolonged litigation.

Contested Divorce: This applies when the parties cannot agree on the divorce itself or its terms. In such cases, a contested lawsuit is necessary. These cases typically take longer and involve multiple hearings.

Step-by-Step Divorce Process from the UK to Turkey

If you reside in the UK and wish to initiate a divorce in Turkey, careful planning and preparation are essential. Here’s a step-by-step outline:

Consulting a Lawyer and Preparing Documents:
The first step is to contact an experienced family law attorney in Turkey. You will need to provide identity documents and marriage certificates. If your marriage took place in Turkey, a civil registry record and marriage certificate will suffice. If you were married in the UK, you must obtain an apostilled and officially translated marriage certificate. For uncontested divorces, a divorce protocol prepared by your lawyer and signed by both parties will be required.
Issuing a Power of Attorney (PoA):
Since you are residing in the UK, you may not be able to attend the court hearings in person. You can authorize your Turkish lawyer to represent you by issuing a PoA at the Turkish consulate (e.g., in London). The power of attorney is prepared in Turkish and typically costs around 3,000–4,000 TL. This enables your lawyer to file and manage the case without your physical presence in Turkey.
Filing the Divorce Case:
Your lawyer will file a petition with the competent Family Court in Turkey, citing the grounds for divorce and related claims (e.g., alimony, compensation, custody). Once the case is filed, the court will set a hearing date.
Court Proceedings and Hearings:
On the day of the hearing, both parties or their attorneys must be present. In uncontested divorces, both spouses (or their lawyers) confirm their consent before the judge, who, if satisfied, issues a divorce ruling at the same hearing. In contested cases, the process is more detailed and may include submission of evidence and witness testimonies. If one party cannot attend, their attorney may represent them.
Finalization and Registration of Divorce:
After the court grants the divorce, there is a waiting period for potential objections. If no appeal is filed, the decision becomes final. Your lawyer will then notify the civil registry to update your marital status to “divorced,” making the divorce official in Turkey.

Divorce Costs and Legal Fees in 2025

The financial aspects of a divorce case vary depending on the type of lawsuit and your preferences. As of 2025, the key costs include:

Court Fees and Expenses: Filing a divorce case involves an initial court fee and prepayment of court expenses. Additional costs may arise in contested cases (e.g., expert reports, translations).
Power of Attorney Fees: Issuing a PoA at the Turkish consulate abroad involves a fee (typically 3,000–4,000 TL).
Attorney’s Fees: Legal fees vary depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested, the lawyer’s experience, and the scope of service. According to the 2025 Sakarya Bar Association minimum fee schedule, uncontested divorce cases start at 56,000 TL and contested cases start at 100,000 TL. These amounts may increase depending on the complexity of the case.

This text is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or legal services. Please consult a qualified attorney for specific guidance related to your case.