04.06.2026 11:41
The Constitutional Court has annulled the regulation regarding indefinite alimony for a divorced spouse by a majority vote. A period of 9 months was given for a new regulation to be made.
The Constitutional Court (AYM) ruled on the request to annul the regulation regarding indefinite alimony for a divorced spouse, after discussing the merits at the General Assembly agenda.
Antalya 12th Family Court, in a case it examined in 2025, applied to the AYM for the annulment of the regulation concerning the "indefinite duration" of poverty alimony, as stipulated in Article 175 of the Turkish Civil Code No. 4721. The High Court placed the application on the General Assembly agenda today.
MINISTER GÜRLEK HAD SAID "WE WILL RESOLVE IT"
Most recently, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek drew attention to the length of time in divorce cases, stating, "Divorce cases take 10 years, and during this period, the person paying alimony could not build a new life for themselves. We will resolve this."
INDEFINITE ALIMONY ANNULLED
In this context, the High Court finalized the application at its meeting today. According to the decision reached by a majority vote, the Constitutional Court annulled the regulation on indefinite alimony. A period of 9 months was given to prepare a new regulation.
IT IS INCLUDED IN ARTICLE 175 OF THE CIVIL CODE
Article 175 of the Turkish Civil Code, titled "poverty alimony," includes the provision: "The party who will fall into poverty due to divorce may request indefinite alimony from the other party, in proportion to their financial capacity, provided that they are not at greater fault. The fault of the alimony debtor is not sought."
WHAT IS IN THE NEW DRAFT?
In the new alimony regulation on the AK Party's agenda, it is planned to consider the duration of the marriage as the basis. It is envisaged that alimony will be paid for 5 years to those married for 3 years; 7 years to those married for 5 years; and 12 years to those married for 10 years. At the end of this period, the termination of the alimony obligation is on the agenda.
For women who may face financial difficulties following the termination of alimony, it is being considered to activate social assistance mechanisms. The aim is to mitigate any grievances that may arise when alimony is cut off through state support.
Additionally, reducing contentious divorce cases is among the goals of the regulation. It is planned to separate the elements that cause cases to prolong and handle them within separate lawsuits, thus concluding the process more quickly.