Building a family is a great responsibility and knowing the details of the process is a must, especially in case things fall apart. Let's take a look into the legalities of getting married and divorced in Turkey as a foreigner
With the internet, social media and globalization, the number of marriages with foreign nationals is increasing day by day both in Turkey and the world. An increase in marriage rates naturally creates a rise in divorces rates, which, in turn, brings some questions to mind.
Which documents are required? Where to file the lawsuit in case of divorce? How to arrange the joint custody of children? Which law will be applied during the divorce process? Let’s try to clear up some of it.
Marriage in Turkey
Marriages in Turkey are conducted by marriage officers at the Marriage Departments of municipalities, Istanbul-based lawyer Elvan Kakıcı Şimşek explained. Couples intending to marry therefore need to submit the relevant documents to municipalities and then set a date.
It is important to note that only official (civil) marriages are legally recognized in Turkey, as defined under the Turkish Civil Code. Other forms of unions, without an official marriage, are not recognized. Getting officially married is important as it will secure and guarantee the legal rights of children and of spouses, especially women. Only after the official marriage is a religious marriage (carried out by imams) permitted.
Documents required
In order to get married, the documents below need to be submitted to the Marriage Departments of the municipalities: