Turkey proposes reform to replace indefinite alimony with graduated system

Turkey is preparing to introduce the 13th Judicial Package to the Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in October, which includes significant reforms to family law. A primary focus of the package is the replacement of indefinite alimony with a graduated system based on the duration of the marriage and the economic status of the individuals.

Under the proposed draft, alimony periods would be linked to the length of the marriage. For example, marriages lasting three years might result in a maximum of five years of alimony, while a ten-year marriage could see payments lasting between 12 and 15 years. A minimum threshold of five years of alimony is also being considered.

Judges will retain discretionary power to extend these periods based on specific circumstances, such as the recipient's age, health, professional experience, or inability to re-enter the workforce. Existing alimony payments finalized under current laws will not be immediately terminated; they are expected to continue for at least one year after the regulation is implemented.

Additionally, the package aims to streamline divorce proceedings by introducing a two-stage judicial process and reducing the statute of limitations for property division to five years.