Divorce proceedings concluded in Germany are also relevant in Turkey when one or both parties are Turkish citizens. However, a German divorce decree does not automatically have legal effect in Turkey. To be valid, the process of recognition and enforcement before Turkish courts must be followed.
What Is Recognition and Enforcement?
Recognition is the acceptance of the legal consequences of a foreign court decision in Turkey. Enforcement refers to making a foreign judgment enforceable within Turkey. For a German divorce decree to have effect in Turkey, a recognition and/or enforcement lawsuit must be filed before Turkish courts.
Recognition Lawsuit
If the divorce decree only affects the civil status of the parties (for example, the dissolution of marriage), a recognition lawsuit is filed. Once concluded, the German divorce decree is recognized and valid in Turkey.
Enforcement Lawsuit
If the divorce decree includes enforceable provisions such as alimony, compensation, or child custody, recognition alone is not sufficient. In such cases, an enforcement lawsuit must be filed to render the decision enforceable in Turkey.
Conditions Required
For a German divorce decree to be recognized in Turkey, Turkish courts require certain conditions to be met:
- The decision must be final and binding,
- It must not contradict Turkish public order,
- The parties’ right to a fair hearing must have been respected,
- The decision must have been lawfully issued.
Once these conditions are satisfied, the divorce is officially recognized in Turkey and registered in the civil registry.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Recognition and enforcement cases typically conclude within a few months. However, the duration may vary depending on whether the parties are present in Turkey, the completeness of the required documents, and the court’s workload.
Documents and Preparation
The original or certified copy of the German divorce decree, a certificate of finality, an apostille certification, and a notarized Turkish translation are required. Additionally, identity documents of the parties and a power of attorney must be submitted.
Professional Legal Assistance
Ensuring that a German divorce decree is recognized in Turkey requires accurate documentation and strict adherence to legal procedures. For this reason, obtaining professional legal support significantly speeds up the process and minimizes errors.
Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services and Attorney Fatma Karakülah provide professional consultancy in recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments, family law, and international divorce cases. With our headquarters in Istanbul and our office in Cologne, Germany, we provide effective legal solutions to our clients in both countries. Thanks to our extensive experience and international legal network, we deliver fast, reliable, and result-oriented services throughout the recognition of German divorce decrees in Turkey.
Why Choose Turkius Law?
- A strong international legal network with partners in over 70 countries,
- Specialized team in family law, recognition, and enforcement cases,
- Professional consultancy in Turkish, German, and English,
- Local support through offices in both Turkey and Germany.
If you need professional support to ensure the recognition of a German divorce decree in Turkey, you can contact Turkius Law and manage the process with confidence.
