Divorce Process and Legal Consultancy | Beylikdüzü

Short Answer: How Does the Divorce Process Proceed in Beylikdüzü?

The divorce process in Beylikdüzü varies depending on whether the termination of the marriage is sought through an uncontested or contested proceeding. In an uncontested divorce, if the spouses reach an agreement on the consequences of the divorce and the court approves this agreement, the process can be completed in a shorter time. In a contested divorce, however, issues such as fault, alimony, custody, compensation, property regime, and other disputes are evaluated by the court along with the evidence.

The court having jurisdiction in divorce cases for individuals residing in Beylikdüzü Family Court. Regarding divorce cases in Beylikdüzü, in practice the Family Courts at the Büyükçekmece Courthouse are of significant importance. Divorce, custody, alimony, and other family law disputes are heard in the family courts within the Büyükçekmece judicial district. According to the 2026 judicial statistics, the average duration for the resolution of uncontested divorce cases in the Büyükçekmece 6th Family Court is reported as 90 days, while the average duration for contested divorce cases is 325 days. These periods are merely statistical averages, and the duration of each case may vary.

Before filing a divorce lawsuit, not only the question “Can I get a divorce?” but also alimony, custody, personal contact with the child, pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages, property division, gold and jewelry, and interim measures that can be issued during the pendency of the lawsuit must be evaluated.

---

In Which Court Is a Divorce Lawsuit Filed in Beylikdüzü?

The competent court for divorce lawsuits of individuals residing in Beylikdüzü is Family Court.

with respect to family law disputes in the Beylikdüzü, Esenyurt, and Büyükçekmece regions Büyükçekmece Courthouse an important judicial center. In practice, divorce lawsuits of individuals living in Beylikdüzü may be heard in the Family Courts at the Büyükçekmece Courthouse. The official announcements of the Büyükçekmece 6th Family Court for the year 2026 also indicate that divorce cases are heard in this court.

However, determining only the competent court in a divorce lawsuit is not sufficient. The competent court must also be determined.

Regarding jurisdiction, the connecting factors provided by law—such as

• the place where the spouses have resided together for the last six months,
• or the place of residence of either spouse

—must be taken into consideration.

Therefore, it should not be concluded that every divorce case for residents of Beylikdüzü will automatically be filed in the same court. The place of residence and other jurisdictional rules of the specific case must be examined.

---

How to File a Divorce Case?

A divorce proceeding is initiated by submitting a statement of claim to the court having subject-matter and territorial jurisdiction.

The legal and factual grounds for the divorce must be set forth in the statement of claim.

Depending on the nature of the specific case, the petition shall include:

• the claim for divorce,
• the claim for custody,
• child support,
• temporary alimony,
• poverty alimony,
• pecuniary damages,
• non-pecuniary damages,
• establishment of personal contact,
• claims arising from the property regime,
• requests for precautionary measures

may be included.

What is important here is that not every claim shares the same legal basis.

For example a divorce lawsuit and a property liquidation lawsuit are not the same thing. The rights of the spouses regarding their assets may need to be evaluated separately.

Therefore, before filing for divorce, it is important to also assess the assets, debts, bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other economic values acquired throughout the marriage.

---

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

Uncontested divorce is a method of divorce to which spouses can resort if they agree on terminating the marriage and the legal consequences of the divorce.

In an uncontested divorce, merely:

“We want to get divorced.”

is not sufficient to say.

Spouses must specifically;

• regarding divorce,
• regarding child custody,
• regarding personal contact with the child,
• regarding child support,
• regarding spousal support,
• regarding pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages,
• regarding property matters,
• regarding bridal jewelry and valuables,
• regarding litigation costs and attorney's fees

determine the scope of the agreement.

These matters can be regulated through a contested divorce protocol .

---

How Long Must a Couple Be Married for an Uncontested Divorce?

There is a special condition in the Turkish Civil Code regarding uncontested divorce.

Marriage for at least having lasted for one year .

In marriages lasting less than one year, the agreement of the spouses alone is not sufficient to issue a judgment for uncontested divorce.

In this case, the divorce may need to be evaluated based on other legal grounds.

---

How Is an Uncontested Divorce Hearing Conducted?

In an uncontested divorce lawsuit, the court evaluates the parties' intent to divorce and the matters set forth in the protocol.

It is particularly important whether the parties' intent to divorce was formed freely.

The court also evaluates custody and arrangements concerning the best interests of the children, if any.

Therefore, it is not sufficient for the uncontested divorce protocol to merely reflect the financial agreement of the parties.

The best interests of the child must also be taken into consideration.

---

What Is a Contested Divorce?

If one of the spouses does not wish to divorce or if the spouses cannot agree on the consequences of the divorce, a contested divorce may arise.

In a contested divorce, the court;

• the grounds for divorce,
• the fault status of the spouses,
• the alleged events,
• witness testimonies,
• written documents,
• electronic evidence,
• social and economic conditions,
• the condition of the children

may evaluate depending on the nature of the case file.

Contested divorce may therefore entail a longer and more comprehensive judicial process compared to uncontested divorce.

---

What Grounds Can Be Asserted in a Divorce Case?

Grounds for divorce in Turkish law are regulated under the Turkish Civil Code.

One of the most frequently encountered grounds in practice is the irretrievable breakdown of the marital union.

Additionally;

• adultery,
• attempt on life,
• severe mistreatment or degrading behavior,
• commission of a crime and leading a dishonorable life,
• desertion,
• mental illness

there are also specific grounds for divorce such as these.

Which ground for divorce should be asserted must be determined based on the specific circumstances of the case.

For instance, events such as long-standing communication problems between spouses, financial disputes, insults, behaviors that undermine trust, or the failure to maintain the shared marital life may be evaluated within the scope of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, depending on the specifics of the case.

---

Why Is Fault Important in a Divorce Case?

Fault may give rise to significant legal consequences, particularly in contested divorce cases.

The behaviors of the spouses that contributed to the termination of the marital union are evaluated.

The determination of fault;

• divorce,
• pecuniary damages,
• non-pecuniary damages,
• poverty alimony

may be significant regarding certain claims such as these.

However, it is not possible for every incident in a divorce case to be automatically evaluated as “fault”.

Whether a behavior constitutes a legal fault must be evaluated by taking into account the entirety of the incident and the mutual behaviors of the parties.

---

Can Alimony Be Claimed in a Divorce Case?

Yes.

Depending on the circumstances of the specific case, different types of alimony may come into question during the divorce process.

Among these;

Temporary Alimony (Tedbir Nafakası)

It may be requested during the ongoing proceedings for the temporary protection of the spouse and children.

Child Support (İştirak Nafakası)

It is requested so that the parent who is not granted custody after the divorce can contribute to the child's care and educational expenses.

Poverty Alimony (Yoksulluk Nafakası)

It may be requested by the spouse who will fall into poverty due to the divorce, provided that the statutory conditions are met.

When determining the amount of alimony, the economic and social conditions of the parties, their needs, and other characteristics of the specific case are evaluated.

---

How is Child Custody Determined in a Divorce Case?

The primary criterion in determining which parent will be granted custody of the child is the best interests of the child.

Court;

• the child's age,
• educational background,
• relationship with the parents,
• living conditions,
• the care environment the parents can provide for the child,
• social and economic conditions

may evaluate factors such as these.

Where deemed necessary, expert examinations and social investigation reports may also be utilized. Istanbul Judicial Support and Victim Services units may perform duties in processes such as interviewing the parties and children in divorce and custody cases, conducting home visits when necessary, and preparing social investigation reports.

---

Can the Parent Who Was Not Granted Custody See Their Child?

Yes.

It is possible to establish personal relations between the child and the parent who is not granted custody.

Court;

• weekends,
• specific days,
• official holidays,
• summer vacation,
• religious holidays

can establish personal relationship arrangements with respect to periods such as these.

The fundamental criterion here, too, is the best interests of the child.

---

Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Damages in a Divorce Case

In the event that certain conditions are met due to divorce, claims for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages between the spouses may arise.

Pecuniary Damages

The party whose existing or expected benefits are impaired due to the divorce may claim pecuniary damages, provided that the conditions set forth in the law are met.

Non-Pecuniary Damages

Non-pecuniary damages may arise due to conduct that constitutes an attack on personal rights.

In claims for damages, the degree of fault, the economic conditions of the parties, and the specifics of the case are of importance.

---

How is Property Division Handled in a Divorce?

Divorce and property division are not the same legal process.

The liquidation of the property regime between the spouses is evaluated separately.

Especially those acquired during the marriage;

• real estate properties,
• vehicles,
• bank accounts,
• company shares,
• investment accounts,
• other economic values

it must be determined which property regime applies and which assets will be included in the liquidation.

Therefore, it is important to investigate the spouses' property status before filing for divorce.

Particularly if it is suspected that assets are being concealed by one spouse from the other, the identification of lawful evidence and the execution of necessary investigations through the court should also be evaluated.

---

Can Wedding Jewelry and Valuables Be Claimed in a Divorce Case?

Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, claims regarding bridal jewelry (ziynet) may also arise.

However, issues such as to whom the bridal jewelry belongs, who purchased it, the nature of the jewelry presented at the wedding, whether it was exchanged for cash, and for what purpose it was used are of significant importance.

Therefore, solely:

“The gold presented at the wedding belongs to me.”

instead of such a general claim, the case must be evaluated together with its evidentiary basis.

---

What Evidence Can Be Used in a Divorce Case?

In divorce cases, different types of evidence may be utilized depending on the nature of the incident.

For example;

• witnesses,
• message records,
• e-mail,
• photograph,
• lawfully obtained audio or video recordings,
• bank records,
• hospital records,
• social media content,
• official documents

may be evaluated as evidence.

However, the critical point here is that the evidence must be obtained in a lawful manner.

Any information obtained by unlawfully interfering with a person's private life or communications cannot be used as valid evidence in court.

Therefore, lawfulness must be separately assessed during the process of gathering evidence.

---

Can Text Messages Serve as Evidence in a Divorce Case?

Depending on the circumstances of the specific case, lawfully obtained message content may be evaluated as evidence.

However, accessing another person's phone without authorization, acquiring passwords, or obtaining private correspondence through unlawful methods may lead to different legal and criminal consequences.

Therefore, when preparing evidence that can be used in a divorce case, “obtaining evidence” versus “unlawfully obtaining data” must be taken into consideration.

---

Are Witnesses Important in a Divorce Case?

Yes.

Particularly in contested divorce cases, witness testimonies may constitute crucial evidence.

Whether the witness;

• has personally witnessed the event,
• their relationship with the parties,
• whether they possess direct knowledge regarding the event,
• the consistency of their testimony with other evidence

is important.

It is not mandatory for the court to accept every witness testimony with the same weight.

---

How Long Does a Divorce Case Take?

There is no definitive timeframe applicable to all case files regarding the duration of a divorce proceeding.

Uncontested divorce, provided that the necessary conditions are met and the court approves the settlement protocol, may be concluded in a shorter period.

Contested divorce , however, may take longer due to the hearing of witnesses, collection of evidence, expert examinations, social investigation reports, regional appellate court (istinaf) and, where necessary, Court of Cassation (temyiz) proceedings.

According to the 2026 statistics of the Büyükçekmece 6th Family Court, uncontested divorce cases are concluded in an average of 90 days, while contested divorce cases take an average of 325 days. However, these figures are average durations and do not mean that any given case will definitely be concluded within this timeframe.

---

Differences Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce

Subject	Uncontested Divorce	Contested Divorce
Intent to divorce of the spouses	Mutual	May be subject to dispute
Protocol	Required	Generally none
Custody	Subject to agreement and court evaluation	Determined by the court
Alimony	May be subject to agreement	The court evaluates
Compensation	May be subject to agreement	The court evaluates
Examination of evidence	More limited	More comprehensive
Witness	Generally more limited	Frequently important
Duration	Generally shorter	Generally longer

---

Is It Mandatory to Hire a Lawyer in a Divorce Case?

No.

It is not mandatory to hire a lawyer to file for divorce under Turkish law.

However, divorce cases may not solely consist of the termination of the marriage.

In a divorce file, simultaneously;

• custody,
• alimony,
• compensation,
• property regime,
• jewelry,
• personal contact,
• injunctions

such important legal issues may arise.

Therefore, especially in contested divorce cases, it is crucial to evaluate the case file from a legal perspective and accurately determine claims and evidence before filing the lawsuit.

---

Is It Necessary to Attend Hearings If a Lawyer is Retained in a Divorce Case?

The specific circumstances of the case and the court's hearing orders must be evaluated.

While civil litigation may involve certain proceedings that require the party's personal attendance, there are also instances where representation by an attorney via a duly executed power of attorney is permissible.

Particularly in uncontested divorces, since it is vital for the court to personally assess the parties' intent to divorce, the court's practice regarding hearing attendance and the specific characteristics of the case file must be taken into consideration.

Therefore “I hired a lawyer, so I don't need to attend any hearings.” such a general conclusion should not be reached.

---

Documents Required Before Filing a Divorce Case in Beylikdüzü

Although it varies depending on the nature of the case, generally;

• identity information,
• marriage information,
• information regarding children, if any,
• address information,
• documents regarding income and financial status,
• real estate information,
• vehicle information,
• documents pertaining to bank accounts,
• lawful evidence demonstrating the grounds for divorce,
• witness information,
• prior court decisions, if any

can be prepared.

However, it is not mandatory to submit all documents in every case.

What matters is the proper identification of evidence that will serve to prove the specific divorce case.

---

What to Consider When Filing a Divorce Case in Beylikdüzü?

It is beneficial for a person considering filing a divorce case in Beylikdüzü to answer the following questions particularly before filing the lawsuit:

1. Will the divorce be uncontested or contested?
2. What is the ground for divorce?
3. What is the fault status of the spouses?
4. To whom should the custody of the children be granted?
5. How much child support should be claimed for the child?
6. Will spousal support (poverty alimony) be claimed for the spouse?
7. Will material and moral compensation (pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages) be claimed?
8. What are the assets acquired during the marriage?
9. Is there a dispute regarding jewelry/wedding gifts (ziynet eşyaları)?
10. What evidence is available?
11. Which witnesses have direct knowledge of the events?
12. Are there any interim measures that need to be taken?
13. In which court should the lawsuit be filed?

Evaluating these questions before filing the lawsuit can help establish a sounder litigation strategy.

---

The Court of Cassation’s Approach to Divorce Cases

In divorce disputes, the decisions of the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation constitute an important source of precedent in practice.

It is observed that divorce files originating from the Büyükçekmece Family Courts also underwent appellate review in the Court of Cassation decisions rendered in 2026. For instance, in a decision of the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation dated April 13, 2026, the Regional Court of Justice decision arising from the divorce file of the Büyükçekmece 5th Family Court was examined and upheld.

Similarly, in another decision of the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation dated 2026, a divorce file originating from the Büyükçekmece 6th Family Court was examined.

These decisions demonstrate that the assessment of the court of first instance in divorce cases can be subject to appellate and supreme court review when necessary.

However, since Yargıtay decisions pertain to specific concrete cases, it should not be assumed that any given decision will automatically apply to another case file.

---

Why Are Court of Cassation Decisions Important in Divorce Cases?

Yargıtay case law;

• determination of fault,
• alimony,
• compensation,
• custody,
• evidence,
• procedural acts,
• grounds for divorce

can assist in legal evaluations on many subjects such as.

However, filling out the statement of claim solely with Yargıtay precedents is not a correct approach.

What matters is is to connect the concrete case to the correct legal rule and support it with evidence.

---

Rights of the Child During the Divorce Process

During the divorce process, the child is not a party to the dispute between the spouses.

The primary criterion regarding custody and personal relations is the best interests of the child.

The court may utilize social investigations and expert opinions when necessary. The relevant units of the Istanbul Courthouse also participate in social investigation processes concerning children in divorce and custody disputes.

Therefore, requests aimed at completely eliminating the child's relationship with the other parent in a divorce case must be carefully evaluated based on their legal and factual grounds.

---

Can Spouses Be Issued a Restraining Order Against Each Other During the Divorce Process?

In the event of violence, threats, or similar risks in the specific case, protective and preventive measures within the scope of Law No. 6284 may come up.

Such measures may be evaluated independently of the divorce action or in connection with the divorce proceedings.

In particular;

• physical violence,
• threats,
• stalking,
• psychological violence,
• economic violence

if allegations exist, security and protection measures must also be evaluated separately from the divorce lawsuit.

---

Why Is Legal Counsel Important Before Filing a Divorce Case?

In a divorce case, certain procedural acts and time limits may not be retractable after the lawsuit has been filed.

The facts, claims, and evidence presented in the petition may affect the scope of the proceedings.

Therefore, before filing a lawsuit;

“Can I get a divorce?”

a broader legal evaluation must be made beyond this question.

For instance, regarding an individual;

“What will happen to the house if I get a divorce?”

“To whom will the custody of my child be granted?”

“Can I receive alimony?”

“Can I claim compensation from my spouse?”

“Can I recover the gold jewelry presented at the wedding?”

“Can I claim a share of the house acquired during the marriage?”

all questions such as these must be evaluated together.

---

Stages of the Divorce Process in Beylikdüzü

The divorce process for an individual residing in Beylikdüzü generally consists of the following stages:

1. Assessment of the Legal Situation

The current status of the marriage, grounds for divorce, children, assets, and financial situation are examined.

2. Decision for Contested or Uncontested Divorce

It is evaluated whether there is a possibility for the parties to reach an agreement.

3. Preparation of the Statement of Claim

The grounds for divorce, events, claims, and evidence are set forth within a legal framework.

4. Filing the Lawsuit

The lawsuit is filed in the competent Family Court.

5. Exchange of Petitions Stage

The claims and defenses of the parties are submitted to the court.

6. Preliminary Examination

The matters in dispute and procedural issues are evaluated.

7. Collection of Evidence

Witnesses, documents, records, and, where necessary, expert evaluations are reviewed.

8. Investigation and Hearings

An examination regarding the merits of the dispute is conducted.

9. Judgment

The court renders a decision regarding the divorce and other claims.

10. Appeal and Cassation

Depending on the nature of the decision and the jurisdictional limits for finality, review by the Regional Court of Justice and, if necessary, the Court of Cassation may come into question.

---

When Does a Divorce Decree Become Final?

The issuance of a divorce decree by the court and the finalization of the judgment are not the same thing.

For the decision to become final, the legal remedy process must be completed, or the statutory period for filing an appeal must expire.

Following finalization, necessary procedures are carried out for the registration of the divorce in the civil registry and the enforcement of the legal consequences of the judgment.

---

What Steps Should Be Taken After Divorce?

Following the finalization of the divorce decree, depending on the specific circumstances of the case;

• civil registry records,
• alimony,
• custody,
• personal contact,
• property regime,
• compensation,
• jewelry,
• deed and vehicle records,
• bank accounts

may require additional proceedings.

In particular, the finalization of a divorce judgment does not mean that all economic disputes between the spouses automatically cease.

The liquidation of the property regime and certain monetary claims may be brought forward separately.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

In which courthouse is a divorce case filed in Beylikdüzü?

Regarding divorce cases of individuals residing in Beylikdüzü, the Family Courts at the Büyükçekmece Courthouse are significant in practice. However, the competent court must be separately verified for each specific case.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Beylikdüzü?

Although it varies depending on the characteristics of the file, the 2026 statistics of the Büyükçekmece 6th Family Court indicate that the average duration for the conclusion of uncontested divorce cases is 90 days. This figure is not a definitive timeframe.

How long does a contested divorce take?

The duration varies depending on the case file's evidence, the number of witnesses, the court's workload, and appellate remedies. According to the 2026 statistics of the Büyükçekmece 6th Family Court, the average resolution time for a contested divorce is stated as 325 days.

Is it mandatory to retain a lawyer in a divorce case?

No. However, proper planning of the legal process is crucial, especially in contested divorces, custody, alimony, compensation, and property disputes.

What is an uncontested divorce protocol?

It is the document that sets forth the agreement reached by the spouses regarding the consequences of the divorce. Child custody, alimony, compensation, and other financial consequences can be regulated in the protocol.

To whom is custody of the child granted in a divorce case?

The primary criterion in determining custody is the best interests of the child. The court renders its decision based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Can alimony be granted in a divorce?

If the conditions stipulated by law are met, types of alimony such as precautionary alimony, contributory alimony, or poverty alimony may come into question.

How is the division of property handled in a divorce?

Property division is determined based on the matrimonial property regime applicable between the spouses. Divorce and the liquidation of the property regime are distinct legal matters.

Can text messages be used in a divorce case?

Text messages obtained lawfully and relevant to the dispute may be evaluated as evidence depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Can I get a divorce if my spouse does not want to divorce?

The fact that one of the spouses does not want a divorce does not mean that a divorce is impossible in every case. However, in a contested divorce lawsuit, the legal conditions for the grounds for divorce and the underlying facts must be proven.

Can compensation be claimed in a divorce lawsuit?

If the conditions set forth in the law are met, pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages may be claimed. Regarding compensation, fault and the personal consequences of the event are particularly important.

---

Conclusion and Legal Assessment

The divorce process in Beylikdüzü does not merely consist of submitting a divorce petition to the court. Along with the divorce itself, many legal issues such as custody, alimony, compensation, property regime, wedding jewelry, and personal contact with the child may arise during the same process.

Therefore, before filing a divorce lawsuit, it is important for an individual to evaluate their legal situation in all aspects.

Particularly in contested divorce cases, accurately determining the grounds for divorce, properly conveying the events from a legal perspective, and lawfully presenting evidence can be critical to the course of the litigation.

For residents of Beylikdüzü, the Büyükçekmece Courthouse and the Family Courts located therein are key judicial authorities where divorce proceedings are conducted. The 2026 official statistics indicate a significant difference in the average resolution times between uncontested and contested divorce cases in the 6th Family Court of Büyükçekmece. However, it is legally inaccurate to guarantee a specific duration for the finalization of any divorce proceeding in advance.

One of the most crucial preparations to be made prior to filing a divorce action is to evaluate not only the divorce itself, but all the consequential aspects of the divorce collectively.

Marital property acquired during the marriage, the situation of the children, alimony requirements, compensation claims, jewelry (ziynet eşyaları), and available evidence must be examined as a whole.

Therefore, the legal path to be pursued during the divorce process must be determined according to the unique circumstances of each family and marriage.

---

Author Information

Attorney Batın YILMAZ
İstanbul Barosu Sicil: 77008

This article has been prepared for general legal informational purposes regarding the divorce process in Beylikdüzü, uncontested and contested divorce, alimony, custody, compensation, property division, and family law disputes.

---

Compliance Statement with TBB Professional Rules and Advertising Prohibition

This content for general legal information purposes has been prepared. It does not aim to guarantee any legal outcome, assert that a specific attorney is superior to or different from other attorneys, or solicit business.

Since the specifics of the concrete case, applicable legislation, evidence, and judicial evaluations may lead to different outcomes, the information in this article should not be construed as a definitive legal opinion for any specific individual.

---

Communication and Legal Information

Attorney Batın YILMAZ
İstanbul Barosu Sicil: 77008

For legal information and consultation requests regarding divorce, uncontested divorce, contested divorce, custody, alimony, compensation, property regimes, and other family law matters, İletişim applications can be made through channels.

This contact section does not constitute advertising, solicitation of business, or a guarantee of any legal outcome.