Paternity Suit in Turkey

This service is essential for individuals in Turkey who need legal assistance in establishing or disputing paternity. 

It applies to parents who had children outside of marriage and individuals involved in legal disputes regarding the acknowledgment of paternity.

Legal documents and potentially evidence like DNA test results are needed. Both parties should provide accurate and comprehensive information for the proceedings.

In Turkey, paternity tests are regulated under a framework that combines provisions from civil law, specifically focusing on family law, and regulations pertaining to genetic testing. The key legal instruments include:

• Turkish Civil Code (Türk Medeni Kanunu): The Civil Code, particularly Articles 285 to 309, deals with the establishment of paternity. These provisions allow for the recognition of a child by the father, and also set out the procedures for contesting paternity. The law provides for the possibility of using scientific methods, including DNA testing, to prove or disprove biological relationships. However, such tests are generally ordered by the court in the context of legal disputes concerning paternity.
• Law on Civil Registration Services (Nüfus Hizmetleri Kanunu): This law, among other things, outlines the procedures for the registration of births and the determination of parentage. While it does not directly address DNA testing, it is relevant in the context of establishing paternity for civil status purposes.
• Regulations on Forensic Medicine: These regulations can include guidelines for conducting DNA tests in the context of legal proceedings. The Turkish Forensic Medicine Institute (Adli Tıp Kurumu) plays a critical role in performing such tests when ordered by the court.
• Family Courts Law (Aile Mahkemeleri Kanunu): This law establishes the jurisdiction of family courts in Turkey, which includes cases involving paternity disputes. Family courts are authorized to order paternity tests as part of their proceedings to resolve such disputes.

In Turkey, while private paternity testing is available, the results of such tests may not be legally recognized unless the test was ordered by a court as part of a legal process to establish or dispute paternity. This ensures that the testing process adheres to legal standards and that the rights and privacy of individuals involved are protected. 

Court-ordered DNA tests are considered a reliable means of establishing paternity and can be decisive in legal matters related to family law, such as custody, inheritance, and child support.

• In Turkey, the paternity suit is a legal process that can be initiated by the mother or the child, aiming to establish a legal relationship between the child and the father. 
• The suit can be filed against the alleged father or, if he has passed away, his heirs. 
• The mother has a one-year period after the child's birth to file the suit, whereas the child can file the suit at any time after reaching legal maturity. 
• The procedure involves DNA testing if necessary, and the courts play a proactive role in investigating the claims made in the suit​

1. Initial Legal Consultation: Assessing the case within the framework of Turkish family law.
2. Filing the Suit: Preparing and submitting the necessary documents to the family courts or, where they are not available, the civil courts of first instance.
3. DNA Evidence: If applicable, organizing and presenting DNA test results as part of the evidence.
4. Court Representation: Legal representation during court hearings.
5. Judicial Determination: Aiming for a court ruling on paternity as per the Turkish Civil Code.

• Expertise in Turkish Family Law: Knowledgeable in handling paternity suits under Turkey's legal system.
• Personalized Legal Approach: Tailored legal strategies for each unique situation.
• Confidential Handling: Ensuring privacy in managing sensitive cases.
• Comprehensive Support: Offering guidance from the start to the resolution of the legal process.
• Outcome-Oriented: Focused on achieving favourable results for clients.

• Legal Proficiency: Skilled in Turkish paternity suit procedures and related family law.
• DNA Test Management: Assistance with DNA testing and interpretation of results.
• Client-Centric Representation: Customized representation in Turkish courts.
• Adherence to Legal Deadlines: Ensuring all legal actions are taken within the stipulated time frames.
• End-to-End Case Management: Comprehensive legal support from initial advice to court representation.