1. Special Grounds for Divorce

According to the Turkish Civil Code, special grounds for divorce are based on specific events and must be directly proven:

Adultery (Cheating) (TMK Article 161):
If one of the spouses cheats on the other, the cheated party can file for divorce. Concrete evidence is required to prove the allegation of adultery.
Attempts at Life, Very Bad Treatment or Dishonorable Behavior (TMK Article 162):
A spouse’s physical or psychological violence against the other, attempted murder, or serious insults are grounds for divorce.
Committing a Crime and Living a Dishonorable Life (TMK Article 163):
A spouse committing a crime that dishonors (e.g. theft, fraud) or adopting a lifestyle that is degrading in society can be grounds for divorce.
Abandonment (TMK Article 164):
If one of the spouses abandons the other in order to avoid fulfilling the requirements of the marriage union and this situation continues for at least 6 months, the abandoned spouse can file for divorce.
Mental Illness (TMK Article 165):
If the mental illness of one of the spouses makes the marriage unbearable and if it is documented by a medical report that the illness cannot be treated, it is considered a reason for divorce.

2. General Reason for Divorce: The Fundamental Disruption of the Marriage Union (TMK Article 166)

This article covers situations where the continuation of the marriage becomes unbearable for the parties without a special reason.

Severe Incompatibility: Constant arguments, incompatibility or lack of communication between the spouses can be a reason for divorce.

Loss of Trust: Lack of loyalty or honesty damages the marriage union.

Economic Problems: Disruption of peace in the marriage due to financial difficulties can be put forward as a reason for divorce.

3. Consensual Divorce (TMK Article 166/3)

If the spouses have reached a complete agreement on the divorce and its consequences (custody, property sharing, alimony, etc.), they can file a case for consensual divorce. For this:

The marriage must have lasted at least 1 year.
The spouses must apply to the court together or one spouse must accept the other’s case.

4. De facto Separation (TCC Article 166/4)

If the spouses have been living separately for at least 3 years and this situation shows that it is not possible to continue the marriage union, a divorce case can be filed.

Sufficient reasons for divorce must be supported by concrete events and evidence. It is important to proceed on a strong legal basis by consulting a lawyer before filing for divorce. This prevents loss of rights during the process and ensures that the case is concluded quickly.