How to File for Divorce? 2026 Costs and Process

A divorce case is initiated by submitting a petition to the family court. As of 2026, the costs of a divorce case are calculated based on the fees and expenses set annually by the Ministry of Justice. This article is for general legal information only and does not constitute specific legal advice for your situation. Each divorce case may vary depending on the parties' circumstances and the content of the file. • A divorce case is filed with a petition submitted to the family court. • For 2026, divorce case costs and fees are updated annually. • This article is for general legal information; for advice specific to your situation, legal support may be sought.

Divorce cases can be filed in two main ways: uncontested and contested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all matters and is usually concluded more quickly. A contested divorce arises when there is a dispute between the parties and tends to be longer and more detailed. In both types, the case is initiated by one party submitting a petition to the family court. The process and costs may vary depending on the type of case and the parties' approach. • Uncontested divorce can be finalized in a single hearing if both parties agree on all issues. • Contested divorce is filed when there is disagreement between the parties and may take longer. • Both types of cases are filed in the family court; process and costs may differ. • For more detailed information, guides on uncontested and contested divorce can be consulted.

The first step in filing for divorce is preparing a proper petition. The petition should clearly state the grounds for divorce and any requests (such as alimony, custody, property division). In addition to the petition, documents such as a copy of the civil registry and a photocopy of the marriage certificate must be submitted. Preparing complete and accurate documents is important for the smooth progress of the case. • A divorce case is initiated with a properly prepared petition. • The petition must clearly state the grounds for divorce and any requests. • Documents such as a civil registry copy and marriage certificate photocopy are usually attached. • Preparing a complete and accurate petition is important for a healthy process.

The competent court for divorce cases is the family court. The authorized court is the court of the residence of either spouse or the court where the spouses lived together for the last six months. For those residing in Ankara, the family courts in Çankaya or the relevant district may have jurisdiction. Determining the correct authorized court before applying is important to avoid procedural dismissal. • The competent court for divorce cases is the family court. • The authorized court is the court of the residence of either spouse or where they last lived together for six months. • For Ankara residents, the family courts in Çankaya or the relevant district may be authorized. • It is recommended to check court jurisdiction before applying.

For 2026, the initial court fee and advance on expenses for filing a divorce case are set annually by the Ministry of Justice. These items are mainly: application fee, advance court fee, and advance on expenses. Attorney fees vary according to the minimum fee schedule published by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. It is possible to file a case without a lawyer; however, procedural errors during the process may result in loss of rights. It is not possible to file for divorce via e-government (e-Devlet). However, the status of an ongoing case can be tracked through e-government. • For 2026, divorce case filing fees and advance on expenses are set annually by the Ministry of Justice. • The total of application fee, advance court fee, and advance on expenses at filing may amount to several thousand TL. • Attorney fees are determined according to the minimum fee schedule recommended by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. • It is possible to file a case without a lawyer; however, the risks of procedural errors and loss of rights should be considered. • Divorce cases cannot be filed via e-government; applications must be made directly to the court.

The divorce process begins with the submission of the petition to the court. The court reviews the petition, sends notifications to the parties, and sets a date for the preliminary hearing. The next stages include collecting evidence, hearing witnesses, and making a decision on the merits. Uncontested cases usually conclude quickly, while contested cases may take longer. At each stage, the court evaluates and decides based on the specifics of the file. • The process begins with submission of the petition to the court. • Notifications are sent to the parties and a preliminary hearing is scheduled. • The stages of collecting evidence, hearing witnesses, and decision on the merits follow. • Uncontested cases are usually resolved more quickly; contested cases may take longer. • At each stage, the court decides based on the specifics of the file.

It should not be assumed that filing for divorce is completely free of charge. By law, the application fee and advance on expenses must be paid. Divorce cases cannot be filed directly via e-government; only the status of existing cases can be tracked. It is legally possible to file a case without a lawyer; however, errors in the petition or process may result in loss of rights. Since each case has its own unique circumstances, relying solely on general information may lead to misleading results. • Filing for divorce is not completely free; fees and expenses are mandatory. • Divorce cases cannot be filed directly via e-government; only case tracking is possible. • Although it is possible to file without a lawyer, errors in the petition or process may cause loss of rights. • Since each case is unique, relying only on general information may be misleading.

The divorce process may vary depending on the parties' approach and the content of the file. Procedural errors during the process may result in loss of rights, so caution is advised. This article is for general information purposes only. For specific legal assessment and guidance, it is recommended to seek expert support. To avoid loss of rights in family court proceedings, it is possible to benefit from legal consultancy services. • The divorce process may vary depending on the file content and the parties' approach. • This article is for general information; expert support may be sought for specific legal assessment. • To avoid loss of rights in family court proceedings, legal consultancy is recommended.