Divorced in the US, but still married on Turkish records? Since a 2018 regulation, a final US divorce decision can in many cases be registered through the Turkish consulate, without a court case in Turkiye. Custody, alimony and property are different: they need a recognition or enforcement (tanıma / tenfiz) case before a Turkish court, handled by the Turkish attorneys at Sonmez Partners.
- 01
The route
Registration through the consulate.
Under a 2018 regulation, a final US divorce decision can be registered in Turkish civil records through the consulate, without a Turkish court case, when the conditions are met.
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Conditions
When this route applies.
- The decision is final
- It is not clearly against public order
- No Turkish case on it is pending, decided or rejected
- 03
Documents
What consulates usually ask for.
- Certified final decree, apostilled
- Sworn Turkish translation
- Proof of finality if not on the decree
- Turkish ID card or passport
- 04
Not covered
Custody, alimony and property.
These need a recognition or enforcement (tanıma / tenfiz) case in a Turkish court. That is also the route if registration is refused. A Turkish attorney can act under a POA.
- 05
Which consulate
It depends on the court.
Each consulate handles decisions from state courts in its own district. Applications are made in person, by appointment.
Good to know
One decree, two records to update.
Rules and office practice change. Turkish-law matters are handled by the Turkish attorneys at Sonmez Partners.
Official sources
- Turkish consular services – Registration of foreign divorce decisions
- Turkish Consulate General New York – Divorce registration (PDF)
- Turkish Consulate General Sydney – Regulation of 7 February 2018 (PDF)
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Sonmez Consulting LLC is not a U.S. law firm.