How Long Does a Contested Divorce Last? (2025)
Divorce, especially the contested divorce process, is a complex and long process not only emotionally but also legally. When couples decide to divorce, they experience a great change both financially and spiritually. Contested divorce cases are usually cases where there are disagreements between the parties on basic issues such as property division, alimony, and child custody, and such cases can last much longer than other types of divorce.
So, how long will a contested divorce case last as of 2025? What factors affect the duration of the case? In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect the duration of a contested divorce case and the time expectations for 2025.
1. What is Contested Divorce?
Contested divorces are cases where the parties agree to divorce but disagree on the results of the divorce. The most common disputes in these cases are:
Property division: The division of assets between the spouses,
Alimony: The amount of alimony to be paid to the spouse or children after the divorce,
Child custody: Who will keep the children, under what conditions and with whom they will live,
Compensation claims: The compensation to be paid for the spouse’s faulty behavior.
Such cases require more than one hearing and evaluation, especially if there are serious disagreements between the parties. Therefore, contested divorce cases may take longer than other types of divorce.
2. What Depends on the Duration of a Contested Divorce Case?
The duration of a contested divorce case varies depending on various factors. These factors are an important determinant of how long the case process will take.
a. Court Intensity and Processing Speed
Each court’s workload is different. In big cities, especially in busy courts such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, contested divorce cases may take longer. This is because there are more cases in these courts and it may take time for each case file to be resolved. In smaller cities, the courts usually have a lower workload, which can allow cases to be concluded in a shorter time.
For example: A contested divorce case in Istanbul can last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the workload of the court. However, the same case can be completed between 6 months and 12 months in a smaller city.
b. Requests and Disputes of the Parties
The duration of the case varies depending on which issues the parties disagree on. If there are complex issues such as property division and alimony, the case can take a long time. In such cases, additional processes such as presenting evidence, hearing witnesses, and obtaining expert reports come into play. In addition, the court will examine sensitive issues such as child custody more carefully, which can prolong the case.
For example: A contested divorce case for a couple who had a large amount of assets during their marriage and had serious disagreements over the custody of their children can last between 1 and 2 years on average.
c. Witness and Evidence Processes
In contested divorce cases, the parties can present witnesses and present evidence. The presentation and evaluation of these witnesses and evidence to the court may affect the duration of the case. For example, as the number of witnesses presented by a party increases, the number of hearings will also increase. In addition, if expert reports are requested, the preparation and submission of the reports to the court may also take time.
Example: If a party requests a psychologist’s report regarding child custody, it may take up to 3 months for the psychologist’s report to be prepared.
d. The Parties’ Willingness to Resolve Disputes
In contested divorces, the parties reaching an agreement during the court process may shorten the duration of the case. If the parties agree to resolve their disagreements through negotiations, the case may be concluded in a few months. However, if the parties do not reach an agreement and there are mutual objections at every stage of the court, the duration of the case will be considerably extended.
Example: If the parties do not reach an agreement on the division of property, the case may continue for 1 year. However, if a settlement is reached, the process may be completed in a few months.
3. Duration of Contested Divorce Cases 2024 Estimates
As of 2025, the duration of contested divorce cases in Turkey can be estimated as follows:
In small cities: Contested divorce cases can generally be concluded between 6 months and 12 months.
In large cities: In busy courts and complex cases, the duration of the case can last between 1 and 2 years.
Very complex cases: Especially if there are serious disputes such as assets, alimony and child custody, it can last more than 2 years.
4. What Can Be Done to Shorten the Duration in a Contested Divorce Case?
The duration of contested divorce cases can sometimes be long, but it is possible to shorten this process by taking some precautions. Here are a few suggestions:
Choosing a good lawyer: An experienced divorce lawyer can help speed up the process. Preventing unnecessary delays in the legal process is important for the lawyer to follow a good strategy
