How to File a Lawsuit in Turkey: A Legal Guide for Foreign Clients. Filing a lawsuit in Turkey can be a complex process, especially for foreign individuals or companies unfamiliar with the Turkish legal system. Whether you’re seeking to resolve a commercial dispute, enforce a contract, or recover damages, working with an experienced law firm is essential. Ongur & Partners International Law Office, based in Ankara, provides expert litigation services to international clients in Turkey.
- 1 Understanding the Turkish Legal System
- 2 Step-by-Step Guide: How to File a Lawsuit in Turkey
- 3 Foreign Plaintiffs and Legal Representation
- 4 Why Ongur & Partners?
- 5 Need to file a lawsuit in Turkey?
- 6 How to File a Lawsuit in Turkey
- 7 Understanding the Turkish Legal System
- 8 How to Sue in Turkey: Legal Requirements and Filing Process
- 9 Choosing the Right Litigation Lawyer in Turkey
- 10 Common Types of Lawsuits: Commercial Dispute in Turkey
- 11 International Litigation in Turkey: Cross-Border Legal Matters
- 12 Why Work with a Law Firm in Turkey?
- 13 Conclusion: Protecting Your Legal Interests in Turkey
Understanding the Turkish Legal System
Turkey operates under a civil law system, influenced by European continental law. Legal proceedings are mainly written, and strict procedures must be followed for a lawsuit to be valid.
Key features:
- Court of First Instance for general disputes
- Specialized courts for commercial, labor, administrative, and criminal cases
- Possibility to appeal to Regional Courts of Appeal and Court of Cassation
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File a Lawsuit in Turkey
1. Legal Assessment
A thorough legal review of your case is necessary. Our lawyers assess jurisdiction, applicable laws, and your chances of success before proceeding.
2. Prepare the Petition (Dava Dilekçesi)
Lawsuits in Turkey begin with a formal statement of claim. It must include:
Parties’ names and contact details
A summary of facts and legal grounds
Supporting evidence and documents
Specific legal demands
3. Determine Jurisdiction and Competent Court
The location of the defendant or the subject matter usually determines the competent court.
4. Filing the Lawsuit
The claim is filed electronically via UYAP (National Judiciary Informatics System) or submitted physically to the court registry.
5. Paying Court Fees
Filing fees and potential deposit for expert witnesses or translations must be paid during submission.
6. Service of Process
The court serves the lawsuit to the defendant and sets a deadline for a response.
7. Hearings and Evidence Presentation
Proceedings include written defenses, expert reports, witness testimony, and document submission.
8. Judgment and Appeals
Once the court delivers its judgment, either party may file an appeal. Our litigation team handles all appeal procedures and enforcement of judgments.
Foreign Plaintiffs and Legal Representation
Foreign nationals and companies must appoint a licensed Turkish lawyer to represent them in court. Ongur & Partners offers bilingual legal representation in English, Turkish, and Italian, ensuring full transparency and communication throughout your case.
- Common Types of Lawsuits in Turkey
- Commercial and Contract Disputes
- Debt Collection and Enforcement Cases
- Real Estate and Construction Disputes
- Employment and Labor Claims
- Intellectual Property Infringement
- Investment Disputes and Arbitration Enforcement
Why Ongur & Partners?
- 20+ years of experience in Turkish and international litigation
- Proven success in cross-border disputes
- Fluent legal team with English-speaking lawyers in Ankara
- Full representation in civil, commercial, and administrative courts
- Strong record in enforcing foreign judgments and arbitral awards
Need to file a lawsuit in Turkey?
Contact Ongur & Partners International Law Office today for a case evaluation and strategic legal support.
How to File a Lawsuit in Turkey
Filing a lawsuit in a foreign country can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal procedures and language. Whether you’re dealing with a commercial dispute or a civil matter, understanding the Turkish legal system and knowing how to sue in Turkey is essential. This guide outlines the key aspects of litigation in Turkey and provides insights into court procedures in Turkey, how to find a litigation lawyer in Turkey, and where to seek English-speaking legal support.
Understanding the Turkish Legal System
The Turkish legal system is primarily based on civil law traditions and is heavily influenced by European continental law, particularly the Swiss Civil Code and the German Commercial Code. Turkish courts are divided into several branches, including civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional courts. For foreign nationals and companies, it is important to understand the role of these courts and how jurisdiction is determined.
Main Types of Courts in Turkey
- Peace Civil Courts – Handle simple civil disputes.
- Civil Courts of First Instance – Deal with more complex civil and commercial disputes.
- Commercial Courts – Handle disputes involving companies, contracts, and trade-related matters.
- Administrative Courts – Review actions of government bodies.
- Court of Cassation – The highest court for civil and criminal appeals.
How to Sue in Turkey: Legal Requirements and Filing Process
To file a lawsuit in Turkey, the plaintiff must submit a formal petition (called a “dava dilekçesi”) to the relevant court. The petition must include details of the dispute, the parties involved, supporting evidence, and the legal basis for the claim. Once the lawsuit is filed, the court sets a hearing date, and the defendant is served with the complaint.
Step-by-Step Court Procedures in Turkey
- Petition Submission: The lawsuit begins with a written complaint filed with the competent court.
- Service of Process: The defendant is formally notified of the lawsuit.
- Response and Evidence: Both parties exchange pleadings, witness lists, and documentary evidence.
- Preliminary Hearing: The court assesses the scope of the case and schedules main hearings.
- Main Hearing: Oral arguments, witness testimonies, and expert reports are presented.
- Judgment: The court issues a verdict based on evidence and legal evaluation.
- Appeal: The losing party may appeal the decision to the Court of Cassation.
Choosing the Right Litigation Lawyer in Turkey
Having the right legal representation can make or break your case. A qualified litigation lawyer in Turkey will be familiar with the procedural requirements, court etiquette, and nuances of the local legal system. It is highly recommended to work with an English speaking lawyer in Ankara or other major cities to avoid miscommunication and ensure a smooth litigation process.
Key Qualities of a Good Litigation Lawyer
- Fluent in English and Turkish
- Experienced in international and commercial litigation
- Transparent fee structure
- Good standing with the local bar association
Common Types of Lawsuits: Commercial Dispute in Turkey
One of the most frequent legal matters brought before Turkish courts by foreign individuals and businesses is a commercial dispute in Turkey. These disputes may involve breach of contract, partnership dissolution, unfair competition, or debt collection. Specialized commercial courts handle such cases with a focus on business law and trade practices.
Why Commercial Litigation Requires Expertise
Commercial disputes often involve large financial stakes and complex contractual interpretations. Legal strategies must be carefully crafted with attention to Turkish contract law and commercial codes. This is why foreign investors and companies often seek the guidance of a reputable law firm Turkey that has a dedicated litigation department.
International Litigation in Turkey: Cross-Border Legal Matters
In today’s globalized world, legal disputes frequently cross borders. International litigation in Turkey refers to cases involving foreign parties, international contracts, or jurisdictional issues. These lawsuits require careful handling of conflicts of law, enforcement of foreign judgments, and international treaties to which Turkey is a party.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments
To enforce a foreign court decision in Turkey, the foreign judgment must first be recognized by a Turkish court through a procedure called “exequatur.” This process can be time-consuming but is crucial in international debt recovery and business disputes.
Why Work with a Law Firm in Turkey?
Whether you’re seeking help with litigation, contract negotiation, or regulatory compliance, working with an experienced english speaking lawyer ankara can provide comprehensive legal support. Law firms not only handle court cases but also offer consultancy, due diligence, and alternative dispute resolution services. A full-service law firm can guide you through each step of the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of Turkish and international law.
Benefits of Working with a Local Law Firm
- Local knowledge and procedural familiarity
- Professional networks with courts and institutions
- Multilingual legal support
- Tailored strategies for foreign clients
Conclusion: Protecting Your Legal Interests in Turkey
Understanding how to file a lawsuit in Turkey and being familiar with court procedures in Turkey is vital for individuals and businesses seeking justice or redress. With the right legal support, including an experienced litigation lawyer in Turkey and a reliable law firm in Turkey, you can effectively handle any commercial dispute in Turkey or even pursue international litigation Turkey. For foreign nationals, an English speaking lawyer in Ankara is often the best choice for clear communication and effective representation.