Inheritance law
Division among heirs after the death of the decedent, and certificate of inheritance procedures. Processes concerning the assets in Türkiye of heirs who are foreign nationals also fall within this field.
Inheritance passes to the heirs automatically at the moment of death. Until the estate is divided, the heirs are joint holders of the rights in it; if they cannot agree, an action for dissolution of co-ownership is filed. Rights can be sought through an action for reduction against gifts and wills that infringe the compulsory share of the statutory heirs.
Matters handled in this field
- Obtaining a certificate of inheritance
- Renunciation of inheritance
- Actions for dissolution of co-ownership (partition)
- Actions for reduction and for sham transactions by the decedent
- Opening and annulment of wills
- Inheritance partition agreements
- Inheritance of foreigners’ assets located in Türkiye
How does the process work?
- Certificate of inheritanceA certificate of inheritance is obtained from a notary or the civil court of peace.
- Identifying the estateReal estate, bank accounts and other assets, as well as debts, are identified.
- Division or litigationIf the heirs agree, a partition agreement is made; if not, an action for dissolution of co-ownership is filed.
- Compulsory share and willWhere necessary, actions for reduction, for sham transactions by the decedent, or for annulment of the will are brought.
Frequently asked questions
Heirs can renounce the inheritance by applying to the civil court of peace within three months of learning of the death and of their status as heirs.
Any heir can file an action for dissolution of co-ownership; the court decides whether the property is divided in kind or sold and the proceeds shared.
Foreigners can acquire real estate through inheritance, but certain restrictions and permits may apply. The matter is assessed according to the heir’s nationality and the nature of the property.
The information on this page is general in nature; each specific case is assessed on its own facts.