CAN I GET RIGHTS TO MY TURKISH SPOUSE'S ASSETS IN TURKEY?

Yes, you may be entitled to a share of your Turkish spouse's assets in Turkey in the event of a divorce, depending on factors like the marital property regime you and your spouse selected, as well as the type of assets in question.

In Turkey, the following key points apply to asset division:

1. Marital Property Regime: Since 2002, the default marital property regime in Turkey is participation in acquired property (edinilmiş mallara katılma). Under this regime, assets acquired during the marriage are typically considered joint property, which means they are subject to equal division upon divorce. However, any assets that were acquired before the marriage or received through inheritance or gifts during the marriage are generally considered personal property and are not subject to division.

2. Other Property Regimes: Couples may also choose different marital property regimes, such as the separation of property, shared property, or community of property regimes, either at the time of marriage or later through a marital property contract. The division of assets will follow the terms of whichever regime was chosen.

3. Types of Assets: Assets acquired during the marriage—such as real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles—are generally included in the marital property and subject to division. However, the value of personal assets may also be considered in certain circumstances if those assets contributed significantly to the family's well-being or financial situation.

4. Court Process and Documentation: To claim your share, you will need to file a petition in a Turkish family court, providing documentation that proves the assets were acquired during the marriage. It can be helpful to work with a Turkish family lawyer, who can navigate the court processes, including asset discovery and valuation.

5. Foreigners’ Rights: Turkish law grants foreigners similar rights as Turkish citizens in property division cases. Therefore, as a non-Turkish spouse, you have the same rights to marital assets in Turkey as a Turkish spouse would.

If your spouse has assets abroad, Turkish courts may also consider these if they impact the overall financial standing in the marriage.