Contested Divorce Case | Antalya Divorce Lawyer

A contested divorce is a type of divorce filed when spouses cannot reach an agreement on essential issues such as the divorce itself, alimony, child custody, property division, or compensation. Compared to an uncontested divorce, this process is generally longer, more complex, and emotionally challenging.

Obtaining the support of a divorce lawyer in Antalya is crucial to avoid the loss of rights and to effectively manage the process.

When Should You File a Contested Divorce Case?

If spouses wish to divorce but cannot reach an agreement on matters such as alimony, child custody, compensation, or property division, a contested divorce case should be filed.
The party initiating the case is responsible for proving the circumstances that justify the divorce in court.

Legal Grounds for Divorce in Turkey

 

• Adultery
• Attempt on life, abuse or severe mistreatment
• Abandonment
• Mental illness
• Fundamental breakdown of the marital union

 

Divorce cases are filed at the family court located in either the place of residence of one of the spouses or the jurisdiction where they last lived together for at least six months.
In regions without a family court, these cases are heard by the civil court of general jurisdiction.

Due to procedures such as hearing witnesses, gathering evidence, and expert examinations, contested divorce cases generally take about 1 to 2 years.
The first hearing is usually held within 2 to 3 months. However, cases that are not properly managed in accordance with procedural rules may extend to 3 or even 4 years.

What Happens After the First Hearing?

The first hearing is generally a preliminary session where the petition, responses, and main claims are identified.
After this stage, the process continues with hearing witnesses, presenting expert reports, and submitting additional evidence.
Once all these steps are completed, the court announces its divorce decision.

Once contested divorce decisions become final, the court notifies the civil registry office.
Following this notification, the divorce is typically recorded in the civil registry within 2 to 4 weeks.
The parties do not need to take any additional action for this process.

Divorce Expenses and Lawyer Fees

 

Attorney fees in divorce cases are determined according to the minimum fee schedule published annually by the Union of Turkish Bar Associations.
Other expenses may vary depending on factors such as the number of witnesses, the extent of evidence, and expert examinations.

For the most up-to-date information on the 2025 Antalya divorce lawyer fee schedule, you can visit the official website of the Antalya Bar Association or contact our law office directly.

Understanding the Counterparty Lawyer Fee

In contested divorce cases, the court awards a counter attorney fee in favor of the party who wins the case.
This amount is paid by the losing party and constitutes a significant portion of the litigation expenses.
The counter attorney fee is payable directly to the opposing party’s lawyer.

Rights of the Parties in a Divorce Case

In contested divorce cases, the main rights that parties may claim include:

 

• The right to live separately
• Temporary (interim) alimony
• Long-term (poverty) alimony
• Material and moral compensation
• Custody arrangements for children
• Liquidation of the matrimonial property regime
• Protective measures

 

It is extremely important that all these claims are added to the case timely and properly.

📌 Professional Divorce Legal Support in Antalya

Contested divorce cases are challenging processes to navigate, both legally and psychologically.
Working with an experienced divorce lawyer in Antalya helps prevent future losses of rights that may be difficult to remedy.
For detailed information and legal consultancy, you can contact Ebru ÇEBİ Law Office.