If you obtained a divorce judgment abroad, you may be wondering: Is it enough to bring this decision to Turkey as it is, or do I need a separate procedure?
This is where two legal concepts come into play: recognition (tanıma) and enforcement (tenfiz). Although they sound similar, they have very different legal consequences in Turkey.
What is Divorce Recognition (Tanıma)?
Recognition simply means that a foreign court decision is acknowledged by Turkish courts as valid.
- If a court abroad has issued a final divorce judgment, Turkish courts can recognize it.
- Recognition is enough to end the marital status in Turkey. After recognition, you are no longer legally married under Turkish law.
- However, recognition does not cover financial obligations such as alimony or compensation.
📌 Example:
A couple divorced in Germany. They only want their marital status updated in Turkey’s civil registry. In this case, recognition is sufficient.
What is Divorce Enforcement (Tenfiz)?
Enforcement goes one step further. It means that the foreign judgment can be executed in Turkey as if it were issued by a Turkish court.
- If the divorce judgment also includes alimony, compensation, or child custody arrangements, and you want them to be legally binding in Turkey, you need enforcement.
- The court checks whether the foreign judgment complies with Turkish public order and procedural rules before granting enforcement.
📌 Example:
A French court granted a divorce and ordered the husband to pay monthly child support. To collect this support in Turkey, the wife must apply for enforcement of the judgment.
Which One Do You Need?
- If you only want your civil registry updated in Turkey → Recognition is enough.
- If you also want to enforce rights such as alimony or custody → You must request Enforcement.
In practice, many clients request both recognition and enforcement together, depending on what is written in the foreign judgment.
Why Legal Guidance is Important
These procedures may look simple but they involve technical details:
- Documents must be apostilled and officially translated.
- Wrongly filing for recognition when enforcement is required (or vice versa) may cause delays.
- Turkish courts carefully examine public order issues, especially regarding child custody.
Working with a lawyer ensures that your case is filed under the right procedure, with the correct documents, and without unnecessary delays.
If you would like to receive legal consultation about divorce recognition or enforcement in Turkey, or if you have further questions before starting the process, please feel free to contact me.
Related Articles:
Foreign Divorce Recognition in Turkey
Divorce Recognition in Turkey: Key Conditions and Required Documents
