Which Documents Are Required for a Foreign Divorce Judgment?

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Prepared by: Constantinople

The starting point is the complete foreign judgment and a document or record showing finality. The country, issuing authority and intended use affect the document list. A short document showing only that the marriage ended may not always suffice to enforce maintenance or property provisions. For default judgments, records relating to service and the right to be heard may be particularly important.

The need for an apostille, another certification route or a treaty exemption should be checked. Not every foreign document necessarily requires an apostille. Nor does an apostille approve the judgment's content or legal effects in Türkiye. The necessary Turkish translation and acceptable certification method depend on the document and selected procedure. No general rule confines all translations to preparation in Türkiye and certification only by a Turkish notary.

Before obtaining another copy or commissioning translation, clarify which omission you are addressing. A paid written review checks the chain of judgment, finality, certification and translation, identifying available documents, missing copies and points requiring verification. If a power of attorney will be used, its scope is prepared accordingly. Do not conceal earlier Turkish proceedings, administrative applications or judgments; all must be seen to assess the new step. For initial contact, the country, judgment date and desired result are sufficient. Document transfer and required copies are clarified later when the paid review's scope is agreed.