Legal support in guardianship and alimony cases.

Parental Obligations Regarding the Care and Protection of Children in Turkey

The physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development of the child is the joint responsibility of both the mother and the father. After the divorce, the parent who does not have custody is legally obliged to participate in all expenses for the care and upbringing of the child.

Maintenance obligations may arise on the basis of both biological parentage and adoption relationship.

Period of Alimony Obligation

• The obligation to pay maintenance continues as a rule until the child reaches the age of 18.

• If the child continues his/her education after reaching the age of majority, alimony continues until the education is completed.

• A different period may be set by court decision or by agreement of the parties.

Persons entitled to claim alimony

Alimony can be requested by the following persons:

• The mother or father who actually raises the child

• Parent with parental custody

• Parent living with the child

• If a guardian or custodian has been appointed for the child, they can also request maintenance from the biological parents

• A minor (adult) child can file a maintenance case on his/her own behalf if necessary

Persons to whom alimony can be claimed

• Parent not actually raising the child

• The parent who does not have custody but is obliged to contribute to the care of the child

• If a guardian/conservator has been appointed for the child → biological parents

Start Date and Amount of Alimony

• The alimony obligation enters into force upon the finalization of the divorce or custody decision.

• Alimony amount:

  • If the parties have agreed according to the agreement,

  • If there is no agreement, it is determined by the court.

Amounts of alimony in practice:

• It is usually in the range of 100 - 1000 USD per month.

• In most cases, maintenance is set at no more than 30% of the parent's income.

📌 Education expenses, additional costs such as health, transportation, private school can be arranged separately by the court.

Collection of alimony

Court-ordered alimony:

• Can be deducted from the debtor's salary

• If the debtor fails to pay, execution proceedings are initiated

📌 A direct request to the workplace is invalid - the deduction can only be made through the enforcement office.

Consequences of Not Paying Alimony in Turkey

Non-payment of alimony carries serious civil and criminal consequences:

• Enforcement proceedings are initiated

• Annual 9% - 15% interest may apply

• Failure to pay alimony regularly may result in criminal proceedings

• The creditor must file a complaint within **3 months from the date of the alimony obligation

• The debtor may receive 1 to 3 months imprisonment

• If the address is unknown, a search warrant may be issued

Sanctions not applied in Turkey:

• Ban on leaving the country

• Prohibition of driving

Elimination of Alimony Obligation

Alimony is terminated if:

• The child reaches the age of 18

• Failure to continue education

• Adoption of a child by another person

• Death of the alimony obligor parent or child

Legal Support in Alimony and Custody Issues in Turkey

Issues such as alimony obligations, custody, personal relationship with the child, education and care expenses are sensitive and technical processes.

Our experienced lawyers provide you with professional support in the following areas:

• 🧾 Legal counseling

• 📄 Preparation of documents

• ⚖️ Representation in court proceedings

• Determination of custody and personal relationship order

• 💼 Alimony increase/reduction cases

• Enforcement and collection procedures

If you would like to get professional support in all processes related to child care and custody in Turkey - we can help you right away.