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Category V — Family Law

Family Law Law

Articles on uncontested and contested divorce, the liquidation of the matrimonial property regime, alimony, custody and damages claims appear in this section. The provisions on family law in the Turkish Civil Code form the basis of these articles.

10 articlesWith statutory referencesAll Categories
LatestUncontested Divorce: Conditions, Procedure and Preparing the Protocol25 April 2026
28 March 2026

Custody Action: The Best-Interest-of-the-Child Principle and Awarding Custody

Custody regulation under TMK m.182 and m.336-351

Who is awarded custody, and how is the best-interest-of-the-child principle applied? Actions for modification of custody and the views of children of discernment.

Upon divorce, custody of a common child is awarded by the judge to one of the spouses, observing the best interest of the child. TMK m.182 provides that, before deciding on custody and on personal relationship, the judge hears the parents and, where appropriate, the child.

The Best-Interest-of-the-Child Principle

The best-interest-of-the-child principle is enshrined both in the TMK and in Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Turkey is a party. In a custody decision, the assessment focuses on which parent can better meet the child's physical, psychological, educational and social development needs.

Settled case law of the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation holds that, although factors such as the child's young age and need for maternal care and affection generally weigh in favour of the mother, custody may be awarded to the father where the circumstances so require. Unsuitable lifestyle, indifference towards the child, or psychological unsuitability of the mother affect this decision.

Views of a Child of Discernment

In Court of Cassation practice, the child's age and degree of maturity are assessed together; a child considered to be of discernment is heard in an appropriate setting. The child's statements are not binding in themselves but provide important input to the judge's discretion. Reports from a pedagogue, psychologist or social worker may be obtained where necessary.

Modification of Custody

Under TMK m.183, where new circumstances such as the remarriage, relocation or death of a parent so require, the judge takes the necessary measures ex officio or upon the request of either parent. Violence, neglect or any conduct of the custodial parent adversely affecting the child's psychological or physical development is also a ground for modification.

An action for modification of custody is brought before the Family Court and is not subject to any time limit; it may be filed at any time as new circumstances arise.

Practical Considerations

In family-law matters, the legal assessment is made by taking into account the fault of the parties, the best interest of the children, their economic circumstances, and the lawfulness of the evidence. Message records, witness statements, bank transactions, medical reports and police reports become effective only when submitted in proper form.

Claims for divorce, support, custody, compensation and division of matrimonial property may produce independent outcomes. The petition must therefore clearly set out which claim is based on which facts and which evidence.

In disputes concerning children, the court takes into account the child's physical, emotional, educational and social needs rather than the parties' assertions. Social-investigation reports, school arrangements, health condition and the parents' communication style play an important role in the court's assessment.

Relevant Statutory Provisions

  • TMK m.182Custody and personal relationship in divorce

    Original (Turkish, official):

    Madde 182 - Mahkeme boşanma veya ayrılığa karar verirken, olanak bulundukça ana ve babayı dinledikten ve çocuk vesayet altında ise vasinin ve vesayet makamının düşüncesini aldıktan sonra, ana ve babanın haklarını ve çocuk ile olan kişisel ilişkilerini düzenler.
(Ek ikinci fıkra:24/11/2021-7343/37 md.) Mahkeme, kararında kişisel ilişki düzenlemesinin gereklerinin yerine getirilmemesi hâlinde, çocuğun menfaatine aykırı olmamak kaydıyla velayetin değiştirilebileceğini ihtar eder.
Velâyetin kullanılması kendisine verilmeyen eşin çocuk ile kişisel ilişkisinin düzenlenmesinde, çocuğun özellikle sağlık, eğitim ve ahlâk bakımından yararları esas tutulur. Bu eş, çocuğun bakım ve eğitim giderlerine gücü oranında katılmak zorundadır.
Hâkim, istem hâlinde irat biçiminde ödenmesine karar verilen bu giderlerin gelecek yıllarda tarafların sosyal ve ekonomik durumlarına göre ne miktarda ödeneceğini karara bağlayabilir.

    English summary (non-binding):

    Article 182- In deciding divorce or separation, the court — having heard the parents where possible and obtained the opinion of any guardian and supervisory authority where the child is under guardianship — regulates parental rights and the personal relationship with the child. The court warns in its judgment that, where the personal-relationship arrangement is not complied with, custody may be changed if not contrary to the child's interest. In regulating the personal relationship of the non-custodial spouse, the child's interests, particularly in health, education and morals, are paramount. The non-custodial spouse must contribute to the child's maintenance and education in proportion to means. On request, the judge may rule on the amount payable in future years.

    Source: mevzuat.gov.tr · last reviewed: 2026-05-12

  • TMK m.183Modification of custody

    Original (Turkish, official):

    Madde 183- Ana veya babanın başkasıyla evlenmesi, başka bir yere gitmesi veya ölmesi gibi yeni olguların zorunlu kılması hâlinde hâkim, re'sen veya ana ve babadan birinin istemi üzerine gerekli önlemleri alır.

    English summary (non-binding):

    Article 183- Where new circumstances — such as the remarriage of a parent, his/her relocation or death — so require, the judge takes the necessary measures ex officio or on the request of either parent.

    Source: mevzuat.gov.tr · last reviewed: 2026-05-12

  • TMK m.336Custody belongs to the parents

    Original (Turkish, official):

    Madde 336- Evlilik devam ettiği sürece ana ve baba velâyeti birlikte kullanırlar.
Ortak hayata son verilmiş veya ayrılık hâli gerçekleşmişse hâkim, velâyeti eşlerden birine verebilir.
Velâyet, ana ve babadan birinin ölümü hâlinde sağ kalana, boşanmada ise çocuk kendisine bırakılan tarafa aittir.

    English summary (non-binding):

    Article 336- While the marriage continues, parents exercise custody jointly. If the common life has been terminated or there is a separation, the judge may award custody to one spouse. Upon the death of a parent, custody belongs to the survivor; upon divorce, to the parent to whom the child has been awarded.

    Source: mevzuat.gov.tr · last reviewed: 2026-05-12

  • TMK m.339Scope of custody

    Original (Turkish, official):

    Madde 339- Ana ve baba, çocuğun bakım ve eğitimi konusunda onun menfaatini göz önünde tutarak gerekli kararları alır ve uygularlar.
Çocuk, ana ve babasının sözünü dinlemekle yükümlüdür.
Ana ve baba, olgunluğu ölçüsünde çocuğa hayatını düzenleme olanağı tanırlar; önemli konularda olabildiğince onun düşüncesini göz önünde tutarlar.
Çocuk, ana ve babasının rızası dışında evi terkedemez ve yasal sebep olmaksızın onlardan alınamaz.
Çocuğun adını ana ve babası koyar.

    English summary (non-binding):

    Article 339- Parents take and apply the decisions necessary for the child's maintenance and education, having regard to the child's interest. The child is bound to obey the parents. Parents allow the child to organise his/her life to the extent of his/her maturity, and consider the child's views on important matters as far as possible. The child cannot leave the home without parental consent and cannot be taken from them without legal cause. Parents give the child his/her name.

    Source: mevzuat.gov.tr · last reviewed: 2026-05-12

  • TMK m.346Measures for the protection of the child

    Original (Turkish, official):

    Madde 346- Çocuğun menfaati ve gelişmesi tehlikeye düştüğü takdirde, ana ve baba duruma çare bulamaz veya buna güçleri yetmezse hâkim, çocuğun korunması için uygun önlemleri alır.

    English summary (non-binding):

    Article 346- If the child's interest and development are endangered, and the parents cannot remedy the situation or have no capacity to do so, the judge takes appropriate measures to protect the child.

    Source: mevzuat.gov.tr · last reviewed: 2026-05-12

  • BM Çocuk Hakları Sözleşmesi m.3Best interest of the child

    Original (Turkish, official):

    Madde 3
1. Kamusal ya da özel sosyal yardım kuruluşları, mahkemeler, idari makamlar veya yasama organları tarafından yapılan ve çocukları ilgilendiren bütün faaliyetlerde, çocuğun yararı temel düşüncedir.
2. Taraf Devletler, çocuğun ana-babasının, vasilerinin ya da kendisinden hukuken sorumlu olan diğer kişilerin hak ve ödevlerini de göz önünde tutarak, esenliği için gerekli bakım ve korumayı sağlamayı üstlenirler ve bu amaçla tüm uygun yasal ve idari önlemleri alırlar.
3. Taraf Devletler, çocukların bakımı veya korunmasından sorumlu kurumların, hizmet ve faaliyetlerin özellikle güvenlik, sağlık, personel sayısı ve uygunluğu, hizmet ve faaliyetlerin denetiminin yetkili makamlarca konmuş olan ölçülere uygun olmalarını taahhüt ederler.

    English summary (non-binding):

    Article 3- 1. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social-welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. 2. States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures. 3. States Parties shall ensure that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for the care or protection of children conform with the standards established by competent authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, in the number and suitability of their staff, as well as competent supervision.

    Source: Resmî Gazete (27.01.1995, S.22184) – 4058 sayılı Kanun eki · last reviewed: 2026-05-12

The statutory provisions are reproduced for information purposes only. The current and official text on mevzuat.gov.tr is authoritative.

Conclusion

In custody disputes the paramount criterion is the best interest of the child. The parents' care conditions, the child's school and health situation, social-investigation reports and the parents' attitudes towards the child are assessed together.

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you would like professional assistance on a specific matter, you may request a consultation.

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