For two decades Turkish custody was sole-only. Joint custody became a legal option in 2017.
Sole custody
One parent has full custody. The other has defined visitation. Major decisions belong to the custodial parent.
Joint custody
Both parents share parental authority. Big decisions (school, health, travel) are taken together. Day-to-day calls fall to whichever parent the child is with.
When joint works
When parents communicate maturely. When they live close. When they share a parenting philosophy. When they cooperate financially.
When it fails
Continuing conflict, abuse, addiction, relocation abroad, irreconcilable parenting differences.
What the judge picks
The first criterion is always the child's best interest. The judge listens to both parents, reads the reports, and picks what fits the case.