HOW CAN I ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH MY CHILD LIVING IN TURKEY?

Establishing and maintaining a relationship with your child living in Turkey depends on your legal status as the parent, the child's custody arrangements, and the cooperation of the custodial parent or guardian. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Legal Recognition of Parenthood

If your parentage is legally recognized, you have the right to request contact, visitation, and involvement in your child’s life.
If not, you may need to establish parentage through a paternity or maternity declaration or lawsuit, which can involve DNA testing.

2. Custody and Visitation Rights

If the child is in the custody of the other parent, you can file a request with the Turkish Family Court for visitation rights (kişisel ilişki tesisi).
The court will consider the child's best interests, your living conditions, and the existing relationship with the child.
Visitation arrangements may include scheduled visits, video calls, or holidays spent together.

3. Mediation

If you and the custodial parent can communicate, consider resolving custody or visitation disputes through mediation.
Mediation is a less confrontational process and may lead to agreements beneficial for both parents and the child.

4. Long-Distance Communication

If living outside Turkey, you can request the court to include provisions for remote contact, such as video calls, in the visitation agreement.
Courts in Turkey encourage maintaining emotional ties between the child and the non-custodial parent.

5. Ensure Child Support Compliance

Providing financial support to your child strengthens your position as a caring parent.
If a child support agreement does not exist, you may voluntarily contribute or request the court to formalize a nafaka (child support) arrangement.

6. Build Emotional Connections

Stay consistent in your communication and show genuine interest in the child's life, such as education, hobbies, and well-being.
Engage in age-appropriate activities to bond with the child during visits or virtual interactions.

7. Turkish Family Law Support

Turkish Family Law prioritizes the child’s best interests in all parental rights cases. Courts typically favor maintaining a relationship with both parents unless there are concerns about abuse or neglect.

8. International Custody or Visitation Issues

If you are outside Turkey and face difficulties accessing your child, you may need to involve Turkish authorities or apply through The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, if applicable.

9. Seek Legal Assistance

A family lawyer in Turkey can help you navigate legal procedures for custody or visitation rights.
They can assist in filing petitions, representing you in court, and negotiating with the other parent.

Steps to Take

Legalize Parentage: Ensure your status as the parent is legally recognized in Turkey.
File for Visitation Rights: Petition the Turkish Family Court for visitation or custody, if necessary.
Work on Cooperation: Try to maintain open communication with the custodial parent for smoother access.
Stay Involved: Use all available opportunities to connect with your child emotionally and legally.

If you share more details about your situation, I can offer tailored advice to help establish or strengthen your relationship with your child in Turkey.