If you have finalized a divorce abroad, you may assume it is automatically valid in Turkey. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Under Turkish law, a foreign divorce judgment must go through a formal process of recognition (tanıma) or enforcement (tenfiz) before it has any legal effect.
Without this step, you will still be registered as married in Turkey, regardless of your actual status abroad.
Why Recognition or Enforcement is Necessary
- Recognition (Tanıma): Updates your marital status in the Turkish civil registry.
- Enforcement (Tenfiz): Extends the effects of your foreign divorce judgment (such as alimony, custody, or property division) into Turkey.
Understanding which procedure applies to your situation is essential before starting the legal process.
Common Issues People Face
- Missing or incorrectly prepared documents (apostille, sworn translation, etc.)
- Confusion between recognition and enforcement
- Uncertainty about whether they personally need to travel to Turkey
- Delays caused by incomplete applications
These challenges often lead to unnecessary stress and wasted time.
How Can We Help
Through online legal consultancy, we provide:
- An assessment of your situation (whether you need recognition or enforcement)
- Guidance on required documents and how to prepare them
- Explanations on how the process works in Turkey
- Answers to your questions so you can move forward with confidence
If you divorced abroad but have ties to Turkey, recognition or enforcement is an unavoidable step to make your divorce legally valid here. With the right guidance, you can approach the process with clarity and avoid common pitfalls.
If you’d like tailored legal advice on this matter, please see How We Charge for details.
Related Articles:
Divorce Recognition vs. Divorce Enforcement in Turkey: What’s the Difference?
Divorce Recognition in Turkey: Key Conditions and Required Documents
