Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take? Family Law

When both spouses file with a signed protocol covering divorce, asset division, custody, support and damages, the case is generally finalised in the first hearing — total around 1–2 months.

How long does a contested divorce take? Family Law

Depending on the alleged faults, witnesses, asset and custody disputes, the first instance can run 1–2 years; with appellate stages 3–4 years.

How is the matrimonial property divided? Family Law

Under the default regime (participation in acquired property), assets accumulated during the marriage are split 50/50. Inheritance, gifts and personal belongings remain outside the division.

Is custody automatically given to the mother? Family Law

No. The law has no gender-based rule; the court decides on the child's best interest, weighing age, attachment, environment and the child's own statement (where age permits).

For how long can poverty alimony be granted? Family Law

A spouse who would fall into poverty due to divorce — provided their fault is not heavier — is entitled to indefinite poverty alimony. Remarriage, cohabitation or improved economic conditions allow a court to terminate it.

What is interim alimony and how is it obtained? Family Law

Interim alimony is granted by interlocutory order during the divorce, to support the spouse and children in immediate financial need. A written request when filing the case suffices; the court sets the amount.

Until what age is child support paid? Family Law

Generally until the child reaches majority (18). If the child is in education, support can be requested until education ends.

After divorce, what is the deadline to ask for asset division? Family Law

A separate matrimonial-property liquidation case can be filed within 10 years of the divorce judgment becoming final.

How long can I be held in custody? Criminal Law

For individual offences, custody lasts up to 24 hours, extendable by written prosecutor order for another 24 hours. For collectively committed offences, the limit is 48 hours + 2x24 hours, totalling up to 4 days.

Do I have a right to remain silent? Criminal Law

Yes — the right to silence and not to self-incriminate are constitutional safeguards. You may insist that your attorney be present before giving any statement.

If I drop the complaint, will the case be dismissed? Criminal Law

Only for offences explicitly designated as complaint-based (e.g. simple insult). For offences prosecuted ex officio (e.g. fraud, intentional injury), withdrawing the complaint does not end the case.

How can I challenge pretrial detention? Criminal Law

You can object within 7 days to the criminal magistrate of peace. Detention is also re-reviewed by the court ex officio every month and at 90-day intervals; release motions can be filed at each.

What is "deferral of pronouncement of judgment" (HAGB)? Criminal Law

Where the sentence is up to 2 years, the judgment can be deferred for a 5-year probation period. If no further crime is committed, the judgment is wiped — including from the criminal record.

When am I entitled to severance? Labor & Social-Security Law

At minimum 1 year of service plus a just-cause termination by you (e.g. unpaid wages), wrongful dismissal by the employer, or qualifying events (retirement, military service, marriage for women).

How is overtime pay calculated? Labor & Social-Security Law

Hours over 45 per week are overtime and paid at 1.5× the regular rate. Weekly-rest day work is paid at 1.5×, public-holiday work at 2×.

I was dismissed — what is the deadline to sue? Labor & Social-Security Law

For reinstatement, you must apply to mandatory mediation within 1 month of the dismissal notice; failing settlement, you must file the case within 2 weeks. The general statute of limitations on severance/notice claims is 5 years.

What is mobbing, and how is it proven? Labor & Social-Security Law

Systematic, intentional, continuous negative conduct (intimidation, exclusion, busy-work, insult). Email/message records, witnesses, medical reports and psychologist assessments are the strongest evidence.

I had a work accident — what are my rights? Labor & Social-Security Law

Temporary disability allowance and permanent disability income from social security; civil damages and moral damages from the employer; and dependents' loss-of-support claims for relatives.

I worked without social-security registration — what now? Labor & Social-Security Law

A "service-time determination" case can register the unrecorded periods to your name retroactively. This is critical for retirement entitlement.

An enforcement was started against me — what should I do? Debt Enforcement & Insolvency

Within 7 days of the payment order being served (5 days for commercial paper), you must object in writing to the enforcement office. Objection automatically halts the enforcement.

How do I attach a debtor's assets? Debt Enforcement & Insolvency

You need a basis to start enforcement (judgment, cheque, note, invoice, contract). Once the enforcement is final, attachments may be placed on bank accounts, salary, real estate and vehicles.

How does salary attachment work? Debt Enforcement & Insolvency

Up to one quarter of net monthly salary may be attached. This limit does not apply to alimony debts; alimony has priority.

I objected, but the creditor did not sue — what happens? Debt Enforcement & Insolvency

If the creditor does not bring the objection-annulment case within 1 year of the objection, the enforcement automatically lapses.

How can I evict my tenant? Real Estate Law

Eviction is only possible on legal grounds (need, reconstruction, two valid notices, unpaid rent, breach of contract). The mere expiry of the lease is not a ground.

How is the rent increase rate set? Real Estate Law

It tracks the 12-month average CPI. Temporary statutory caps (e.g. 25%) have applied for residential rents; contractual increase clauses cannot exceed the legal limit.

My builder is delivering late — what can I do? Real Estate Law

Apply the late-delivery damages clause if any. Material breach allows termination and damages.

What is "muris muvazaası" (testator's simulation)? Real Estate Law

Where the deceased disguised a gift as a sale to take a specific asset out of the estate, heirs can sue for "testator's simulation". All evidence types — including witnesses — are admissible.

How do I renounce inheritance? Inheritance Law

Within 3 months of learning of the death, file a written petition with the magistrate court of peace. The deadline is short — act promptly.

How do I obtain a certificate of heirs? Inheritance Law

From the magistrate court of peace or any notary. If you live abroad, a power of attorney to a Türkiye-based attorney lets you handle this remotely.

Can a will be challenged? Inheritance Law

Yes — for unlawful content, lack of capacity, defective consent (fraud, mistake, duress) or infringement of reserved shares.

What is the deadline to sue an administrative act? Administrative Law

Generally 60 days from notification; 30 days for tax cases. The deadline is preclusive — missing it forfeits the right to sue.

Can I challenge a tax penalty? Administrative Law

Yes — by filing in tax court, by entering into settlement (uzlaşma) with the tax office, or by requesting a penalty reduction. The best path depends on the amount and the file.

Is the initial consultation paid? General

No, the initial consultation is free. We listen briefly, share the legal frame and likely process.

Can you handle cases outside Iğdır? General

Yes, we litigate and run enforcement actions across Türkiye. For overseas clients we offer full remote file management with a notarised PoA.

How is a power of attorney issued? General

In Türkiye through any notary; abroad through the local Turkish consulate. The scope of the powers depends on the file; we share templates as needed.

How are attorney fees set? General

Fees are set on the matter type, expected duration and complexity, with reference to the Bar Union's minimum-fee tariff. Work begins only after the fee agreement is signed; items are transparent.

Is multilingual representation possible? General

We advise and correspond in Turkish, English, Arabic and Azerbaijani. Filings must be in Turkish; client-facing communication can stay in your preferred language.

How is my information handled under data-protection law? General

Attorney-client communications are confidential under the Bar Code. We retain only what is necessary to run the file and never share with third parties.

Can we meet online? General

Yes. Bookings on WhatsApp video, Zoom or Google Meet are routine; most overseas clients prefer this option.

Do you guarantee winning the case? General

No honest attorney can guarantee an outcome. What we can guarantee is a careful, written assessment of your file and clear, ongoing communication at each stage.