Protecting Maintenance Against Inflation
When a family court awards maintenance it generally requires a party claim. On request it may set an annual uplift; under the principle of being bound by claims it may also award maintenance without any regular increase.
In a high-inflation environment, if poverty maintenance is sought, a strategic step is needed so the amount does not erode. Uplift should be claimed by reference to annual CPI or PPI, a chosen exchange rate, or a valuable commodity such as gold.
If that claim is omitted, while a contested divorce continues — also under force majeure such as pandemic or war — the figure sought may lose economic meaning by judgment day.
- Annual CPI or PPI
- A defined exchange rate
- A valuable commodity (e.g. gold)
Can Maintenance Be Increased, Reduced or Terminated?
After divorce, nothing is frozen. Under TCC Art. 176, changing economic conditions and finances create new rights of action.
Increase: If no uplift rate was set in the divorce, or the rate has become inadequate due to inflation, the creditor may sue for an increase.
Reduction or termination: The debtor may seek reduction or full termination if the creditor’s finances improve (employment, inheritance, etc.) or the debtor’s ability to pay is seriously impaired.
2026 Example and Conclusion
Where uplift tracks CPI or PPI, the tranche (six-monthly or annual) sets the rates. Concrete example (February 2026): annual CPI was announced at 31.53%; maintenance subject to annual CPI uplift in February must be increased by 31.53%.
A contested divorce shapes future economic welfare as well as the present. To avoid rights losses under inflation, work from the start with a specialist divorce lawyer. In Ankara, Karınca Law Firm in Çankaya recommends planning uplift claims and variation/termination files.
- Bound by claims: uplift must be requested in the petition
- TCC 176: increase, reduction or termination suits possible
- February 2026 annual CPI: 31.53%
- Uplift tranche may be six-monthly or annual