Paramount Consideration of the Child’s Best Interest
Turkish Family Courts prioritize the best interest of the child (Çocuğun Üstün Yararı) above all else when resolving custody disputes.
1. Joint vs. Sole Custody
While sole custody was traditionally awarded to one parent post-divorce, recent rulings by the Turkish Court of Cassation fully recognize joint custody (Ortak Velayet).
2. The Hague Convention on Child Abduction
If a child is wrongfully removed to or retained in Turkey without parental consent, expedited return proceedings are initiated under the Hague Abduction Convention.
