Yargıtay rules QR-coded foreign divorce documents insufficient for recognition in Turkey

Turkey's Supreme Court (Yargıtay) has upheld a ruling regarding the recognition of foreign divorce decrees, establishing a precedent for citizens living abroad. The case involved a couple who divorced in Belgium and sought to have the decision recognized in Turkey.

The Eskişehir 5th Family Court initially rejected the request because the foreign court decision and the certificate of finalization were submitted as QR-coded documents. The court determined that these digital versions did not meet the legal requirement for authenticated original documents as specified under Article 53 of the Law on Private International Law and Procedural Law (Law No. 5718).

Following appeals to the regional court and subsequently the Supreme Court, the 2nd Civil Chamber of Yargıtay upheld the local court's decision. The ruling clarifies that digital and QR-coded applications do not replace the necessity for original, officially authenticated documents or certified copies and translations required by law for the recognition of foreign judicial decisions.