Articles

Alimony debates in Türkiye have become increasingly visible in recent years, with the practice of indefinite spousal support emerging as a significant topic of public discussion. Pursuant to Article 175 of the Turkish Civil Code (No. 4721), alimony may be awarded indefinitely in favor of the spouse who would fall into poverty as a result of divorce. While this framework serves a protective function, it has also given rise to debates on fairness in certain cases. Within the judicial reform packages announced during 2024–2025, it has been indicated that efforts are underway to introduce time limitations and to clarify the criteria governing alimony.

In practice, the imposition of lifelong alimony obligations, particularly in short-term marriages, has been criticized in light of the principle of proportionality. On the other hand, the protection of the economically disadvantaged party remains a fundamental principle of the legal system. Striking a balance between these two considerations represents a highly sensitive area for both the legislator and the judiciary.

In our view, rather than adopting a strictly time-limited alimony regime, a more balanced model should be implemented—one that allows for an objective assessment of factors such as the duration of the marriage, the economic circumstances of the parties, their employability, and the degree of fault. Otherwise, the system risks producing outcomes that either lead to unjust hardship or undermine the principle of equity. The extent to which forthcoming reforms will succeed in achieving this balance remains to be closely monitored.