How Is a Defence against Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Judgment Prepared?

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Prepared by: Constantinople

First, it must be established whether the request in Türkiye concerns recognition of divorce alone, enforcement of a monetary award or use of another judgment. This distinction affects the defence's scope. General recognition and enforcement review is not a second divorce action reconsidering the events resolved in the foreign judgment. Merely stating dissatisfaction with the foreign judgment's outcome may therefore be insufficient.

The full judgment, its finality, jurisdictional connections and records concerning the right to be heard are examined together. Which documents were notified to you, by which route and when, and whether you had an opportunity to participate or object may matter. Foreign procedure and applicable international conventions are also assessed. Lack of a Turkish translation, not knowing the language or a missing document cannot automatically lead to acceptance or refusal in every case. The connection between the specific allegation and the legal requirement must be shown.

The response deadline in Türkiye and the scope of the request should be checked first. Available objections, supporting documents and omissions are identified together. Any earlier administrative registration, Turkish proceedings or conflicting judgment should also be examined at the outset. It is useful to state your country of residence and the date the documents arrived in the first message. Without seeing the file and foreign judgment, it cannot be said that recognition will be prevented, all maintenance provisions will cease or an outcome will be obtained within a particular period.