Başakşehir Divorce Lawyer: Process, Fees, Documents, and First Steps

For those considering initiating the divorce process in Başakşehir, the questions in mind are always the same: How long will it take? What documents are required? What will the total cost be? The answer depends heavily on whether the case is uncontested or contested.

According to TÜİK 2025 data, 193,793 couples divorced in Turkey; the crude divorce rate rose to 2.26 per thousand, reaching its highest level in the last 25 years. Başakşehir, with its young and immigrant population structure, is no exception to this picture.

Transparency note: TÜİK does not publish divorce statistics specific to Başakşehir as a separate line item. In this guide, we use official data for Turkey overall and the framework of the Turkish Civil Code; legal assessment is essential for local practice details.

This guide clearly explains the process, documents, the 2026 fee framework, and what you need to do in the first step.

Which Court Has Jurisdiction for Divorce Cases in Başakşehir?

The competent court in divorce cases is determined by one of two options in accordance with the Turkish Civil Code:

• The court of the place of residence of one of the spouses

• The court of the place where the spouses have cohabited for the last six months prior to the lawsuit

If you reside in Başakşehir or have cohabited here for the last six months, the lawsuit is filed in the Başakşehir Family Court within the Bakırköy Courthouse. This is practically important: local experience in lawyer selection and hearing follow-up directly affects process management.

Note: The court with subject-matter jurisdiction in divorce cases is always the Family Court. In places where there is no Family Court, the Civil Court of First Instance assumes this duty; however, this is not the case for Başakşehir.

Uncontested Divorce or Contested Divorce? What is the Difference?

This distinction directly determines the duration of the process, the cost, and the emotional burden. It is necessary to see the two options side by side before making a decision.

Conditions for Uncontested Divorce

Pursuant to Turkish Civil Code Art. 166/3, three conditions must be met together for an uncontested divorce:

1. The marriage must have lasted at least 1 year

2. Both spouses must consent to the divorce

3. A protocol regulating custody, alimony, and division of property must be prepared and approved by the judge

The Process Prolongs in Contested Divorces

Contested lawsuits are filed when the parties cannot compromise on custody, alimony, or division of property. Since they require expert reports, witness statements, and multiple hearings, the process can span over years. According to TÜİK 2025 data, 34 percent of divorces occur in the first 5 years of marriage; a significant portion of this group inevitably undergoes a contested process.

What Documents Are Required for a Divorce Case?

Lack of documentation is one of the most common reasons delaying the initiation of a lawsuit. The list below shows the basic requirements for both types of divorce; your lawyer may request additional documents specific to your case.

Common Documents for Both Divorce Types

• Photocopy of identity card (both spouses)

• Current population registry certified copy (can be obtained via e-Devlet)

• Marriage certificate or certified copy of the marriage registry

• Receipt of court fees

Additional Requirement for Uncontested Divorce

• Divorce protocol: A written agreement signed by both parties, covering custody, alimony, division of property, and shared residence arrangements, if any

Frequently Requested Additional Documents in Contested Divorce

• Correspondences, photographs, or documents serving as evidence

• Witness list and deposition records

• If there are children, documents supporting custody such as school registration, health reports

• Title deeds, vehicle registration documents, bank statements regarding assets

Practical note: Preparing the documents together with your lawyer before filing the lawsuit prevents the court from granting additional time and shortens the process.

How Does the Divorce Process Work in Başakşehir?

The divorce process follows a different path depending on the type of lawsuit. The steps below show a typical uncontested divorce process; in contested lawsuits, each stage can take substantially more time.

Uncontested Divorce: Step by Step

1. Lawyer consultation and protocol preparation - Compromise is reached on custody, alimony, and division of property; the protocol is put in writing.

2. Preparation of the petition - The lawyer submits the petition to the Family Court along with the protocol and documents.

3. Notification of the hearing date - The court usually schedules a hearing date within 4-8 weeks.

4. Single hearing and decision - The judge examines the protocol and hears both spouses separately. If the protocol is approved, the divorce decision is rendered on the same day.

5. Finalization of the decision - The decision becomes final upon the expiration of the 2-week appeal period starting from the notification.

Time Expectation

The average duration for an uncontested divorce is 1-3 months. In contested cases, this period may extend up to 1-3 years depending on the scope of the dispute and the workload of the court.

Important: The hearing schedule of the Başakşehir Family Court may become heavily congested periodically. The time elapsed from the filing date to the first hearing date varies depending on the period of the year the application is made.

How Much is the Divorce Lawyer Fee in Başakşehir?

The attorney's fee varies depending on the complexity and duration of the case, and the experience of the law firm. The 2026 Attorney's Minimum Fee Tariff of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations determines the legal lower limit; law offices cannot determine fees below this threshold.

Reference Framework According to the 2026 Tariff

These figures represent the legal minimum. Incorporating additional demands such as custody, alimony, and division of property into the lawsuit increases the overall fee.

Other Expenses to Be Considered Alongside the Attorney's Fee

• Court fee: Court fees are calculated based on the value of the case

• Notification and mailing expenses: Small items, but they should be included in the total

• Expert fee: May be required for property division or custody in contested cases

• Witness expenses: An additional cost item in contested processes

Clear fact: Uncontested divorce is a much more predictable process than a contested one, both in terms of duration and cost. The failure of the parties to reach an agreement on the protocol can multiply the total cost several times.

Custody and the Welfare of Children in Divorce

If there are children in the divorce process, the custody issue becomes the most critical topic both emotionally and legally.

According to TÜİK 2025 data, the number of children affected by divorce in Turkey is 191,371. Custody was awarded to the mother in 74.6% of cases and to the father in 25.4%. This ratio reflects the courts' tendency to consider the mother as the primary caregiver for young children; however, each case is evaluated on its own merits.

What Does the Court Look at in a Custody Decision?

• The child's age and gender

• The economic and social status of each parent

• The emotional bond established with the child and the history of daily care

• The continuity of the child's school and social environment

• The child's own preference, if any (from a certain age onwards)

Important: In an uncontested divorce, custody is determined in the protocol and approved by the judge. In contested cases, the court may request a social investigation report and expert opinion when necessary.

Division of Property in Divorce: Basic Framework

The legal matrimonial property regime in force since 2002 is the regime of participation in acquired property. This means that the assets acquired during the marriage are shared equally upon divorce; however, some exceptions are important.

Assets Included in the Division

• Income and savings obtained during the marriage

• Immovable and movable properties purchased with this income

• Investment tools except those for personal use

Assets Excluded from the Division

• Assets acquired before marriage

• Assets inherited or received via donation

• Items for personal use

Critical point: If a different regime has been chosen through a matrimonial property agreement (such as separation of property), the sharing rules change. The existence of this agreement must be verified prior to the lawsuit.

Disputes regarding the division of property are among the primary reasons for the prolongation of contested divorce cases. For a more detailed guide on property division in Başakşehir, you can visit our blog page.

Divorce with a Foreign National Spouse: Special Cases

As a district receiving heavy immigration, Başakşehir also stands out in divorce cases arising from international marriages. In these cases, the process involves additional legal layers.

Which Law Appliable?

Pursuant to Act No. 5718 on Private International Law and Procedural Law (MÖHUK) Art. 14, the applicable law is determined in the following order:

1. Common national law - If both spouses are citizens of the same country

2. Law of common habitual residence - If they have different nationalities and the country where they live together can be determined

3. Turkish law - If the above conditions cannot be met

Points to Consider in Divorcing a Foreign Spouse

• A foreign national spouse can file a lawsuit in Turkey in the same manner as a Turkish citizen

• Documents must be apostilled and have certified Turkish translations

• In order for a divorce decree obtained abroad to be valid in Turkey, a recognition or enforcement lawsuit must be filed

International divorce processes have a more complex structure compared to domestic lawsuits due to documentation requirements and the application of MÖHUK. For our guide addressing this matter separately, you can examine our other blogs.

First Step: Clarify the Process

Making the decision to divorce and managing the process correctly are different things. Lack of documentation, errors in the protocol, or choosing the wrong type of lawsuit will increase both the duration and the cost.

If there is still a point that is not clear after reading the topics in this guide, you can contact us directly for an initial legal evaluation:

Initial Meeting with Akıl Law Firm You can request an initial legal evaluation via phone or WhatsApp to clarify your process, documents, and risks. We will resolve the uncertainty regarding fees, duration, or the type of lawsuit in the first meeting.

Phone and WhatsApp: Reach us through the contact page

Frequently Asked Questions

1. In which court is a divorce case filed in Başakşehir?

   A divorce case is filed in the court of the place of residence of one of the spouses or the court of the place where they have cohabited for the last six months. In cases connected to Başakşehir, the competent court is the Family Court.

   
   

2. What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and a contested divorce?

   In an uncontested divorce, the parties compromise on the divorce and its consequences, submit a written protocol, and the process generally takes less time. In a contested divorce, however, the process may take longer because there is a dispute regarding custody, alimony, division of property, or the ground for divorce.

   
   

3. What documents are required for a divorce case?

   Basically, a photocopy of identity card, a certified copy of population registry, documents relating to the marriage registry, and court documents are required. Additionally, a signed divorce protocol is prepared in uncontested divorces, whereas evidence and a witness list are prepared in contested divorces.

   
   

4. How much is the divorce lawyer fee in 2026?

   The attorney's fee varies according to the nature of the case file. The 2026 Attorney's Minimum Fee Tariff of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations indicates the legal lower limit, but the final fee is determined based on the level of contestation and the scope of the file.

   
   

5. Does the process work differently in a divorce with a foreign spouse?

   Yes. In divorces involving an international element, the applicable law, competent court, translation and apostille procedures of foreign documents, and the need for recognition and enforcement are evaluated separately.