This is the English version of a Turkish article. The original, with further detail and linked petition templates, is at Çekişmeli Boşanma Ne Kadar Sürer? Süreci Uzatan Sekiz Etken.
A contested divorce takes on average one and a half to two years at first instance, and up to three years once an appeal is added. What determines the length is less the nature of the case than how many times a procedural step has to be repeated: an incomplete pleading, a witness notified late, service that fails, an adjourned hearing — each pushes the timetable back by months.
The honest answer to "how long does a divorce take" is: it varies. Below are the factors that decide it — most of which are in the parties' hands.
The Stages
- Petition and first directions order. The court makes its first interlocutory order and sets time limits.
- Exchange of pleadings. Defence, reply, rejoinder — each subject to two-week periods.
- Preliminary examination hearing. The issues are identified and a final period is set for filing evidence.
- The investigation stage. Witnesses are heard, documents collected, expert examinations carried out where needed.
- Oral argument and judgment.
- Reasoned judgment, service and finality.
Judgment is not the end. Writing the reasoned judgment, serving it, and the passing of the appeal period or the appeal itself all take further time.
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Filing, allocation and first directions order | 1–2 weeks |
| Defence | 2 weeks (2 more on request) |
| Reply and rejoinder | 2 weeks each |
| Preliminary examination hearing | 2–4 months after pleadings close |
| Investigation hearings | At 3–6 month intervals, usually 2–5 hearings |
| Judgment and reasoned judgment | 1–2 months |
| Appeal | 6–18 months |
Durations vary with each court's caseload; the ranges are commonly observed values, not undertakings.
What Extends the Case
- Problems with service. Failure to reach the other party, address enquiries and, if necessary, service by publication add months.
- Witnesses who do not attend. Each absent witness means a new hearing date.
- Expert assessment. In custody disputes a report from a pedagogue, psychologist and social worker is required.
- Expert examination of the property regime. Participation claim calculations take a long time.
- A criminal case treated as a preliminary issue. Where violence or threats are alleged, the outcome of the criminal file may be awaited.
- Excuses and adjournment requests. Each one granted adds a hearing cycle.
- Evidence filed late. Evidence not filed within the final period generates a dispute about further time.
- Appeal. Challenging the judgment extends the process considerably.
How to Shorten It
- File all evidence at the outset. Evidence not notified at the pleadings stage has to be fought for later.
- Build the witness list properly. A few witnesses who saw the events directly work faster and better than a long list.
- Give correct addresses. Out-of-date addresses for the other party and the witnesses are the single largest source of delay.
- Consider partial agreement. Agreeing on one heading — custody, or the property — shortens the investigation stage markedly.
- Ask for interim measures at the start. Interim maintenance and a contact arrangement for the duration of the case do not shorten it, but they make the wait bearable.
Your Rights While It Runs
Your position is not suspended while the case runs. Under TMK art. 169 the judge may order interim measures for the duration of the proceedings:
- Arrangements for the spouses' housing and livelihood;
- Interim maintenance for the spouse and the children;
- Custody of the children and the personal relationship arrangement;
- Measures for the administration of property.
These can be sought in the petition and are often decided before the first hearing. Where there is violence, the protective measures under Act No. 6284 operate separately and far more quickly.
The leading cause of delay in a contested divorce is failure to reach the other party and the witnesses. Give current addresses at the outset, file all evidence at the pleadings stage, and put your interim requests in the first petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a contested divorce take?
It varies with the file and with compliance with procedure. Expert assessments, property calculations and an appeal all extend it markedly.
Am I divorced once judgment is given?
No. The reasoned judgment must be written, served and become final; registration follows finality.
Can I get maintenance while the case runs?
Yes. Under TMK art. 169 interim maintenance and a contact arrangement can be ordered for the duration of the proceedings.
How can I shorten it?
File the evidence in full at the outset, keep the witness list short and relevant, give correct addresses, and reach partial agreement where possible.
How much does an appeal add?
It varies with the caseload of the regional court of appeal and extends the process considerably.