Turkish Supreme Court rules on return of wedding jewelry in divorce

The Turkish Court of Cassation (Yargıtay) has issued a precedent-setting ruling regarding the return of wedding jewelry during divorce proceedings. The 2nd Civil Chamber overturned a lower court decision, ruling that a husband must return jewelry used for household needs or vehicle purchases unless he can prove the items were given specifically to be non-refundable.

In the case, a woman sought the return or monetary value of gold jewelry used by her husband to pay debts and purchase a car. While the husband argued the jewelry was given voluntarily, the Supreme Court determined that the burden of proof lies with the husband to demonstrate that the gold was intended to be a permanent gift rather than a temporary use of assets. The ruling mandates the return of seven 22-karat bracelets, weighing 15 grams each, or their cash equivalent with legal interest.