Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in Türkiye: Legal Framework and Sample Contract

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement helps couples define and protect their property rights before or during marriage. In Türkiye, such agreements are recognized under the Turkish Civil Code and must comply with specific legal requirements to be valid.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to marital property regimes in Türkiye, including how to draft an agreement and a bilingual example of a “Separation of Property” contract.

What Is a Marital Property Regime?

Under Turkish law, couples may select one of the following property regimes:

• Participation in Acquired Property (Default Regime)

• Separation of Property

• Shared Separation of Property

• Community of Property

If the spouses do not expressly select a regime by contract, the default regime of participation in acquired property applies.

What Is a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement (before marriage) or a postnuptial agreement (after marriage) is a legal contract signed by both spouses before a notary. It governs the ownership, control, management, and division of property during and after marriage.

Why Do Couples Choose a Property Agreement?

• To protect individual assets

• To avoid complex disputes in case of divorce

• To determine inheritance rules

• To regulate financial responsibilities during marriage

When and How Can a Property Agreement Be Made?

• Before marriage:Couples may sign a prenuptial agreement before a notary public.

• During marriage:They may change their marital regime by signing a new notarized contract.

• After marriage:Changing the regime may require a court decision, especially if real estate is involved.

Validity and Requirements of Property Agreements in Türkiye

For the agreement to be legally binding:

• It must be signed before a Turkish notary public

• It must clearly state the chosen marital property regime

• It must comply with Article 203 and onwardof the Turkish Civil Code

• Both parties must have full legal capacity and consent

How Is Property Divided in the Event of Divorce?

If a valid agreement exists, division is made according to the contract. If not, the default regime of “participation in acquired property” applies. In that case, assets acquired during marriage are shared equally, while personal property (inheritance, gifts, premarital assets) remains separate.

Does a Marital Agreement Kill Romance?

Absolutely not. It provides clarity, prevents financial disputes, and offers legal protection to both spouses. It is a rational and preventive tool, not a sign of mistrust.

Is It Only for Wealthy Couples?

No. Couples of all income levels may sign a property agreement. Its purpose is to legally secure property rights, not to reflect financial status.

Is a Marital Agreement Only Valid in Divorce?

No. A property agreement also governs the use, administration, and disposal of assets during the marriage. It may also affect inheritance rights in case of death.

Also Read; Residence permit and Turkish citizenship for foreigners married to Turkish citizens

Sample Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreement: Turkish & English

Below is a bilingual template of a “Separation of Property” contract, frequently used by couples in Türkiye:

📄 Evlilikte Mal Ayrılığı Sözleşmesi Örneği (Türkçe)

....................... ile ………………………arasında, yapılacak/yapılmış …/…/… tarihli evlilik akdi sebebiyle, taraflar Türk Medeni Kanunu’nun Yürürlüğü ve Uygulama Şekli Hakkında Kanun’un verdiği açık yetkiye dayanarak ve evlenme tarihinden itibaren geçerli olmak üzere aralarında mal ayrılığı rejimini kabul ettiklerini aşağıda belirtilen yasal sınırlar çerçevesinde beyan etmişlerdir.

1. Her birimiz, kendisine ait olan kişisel mallarını yönetmek, bunlardan yararlanmak ve tasarruf etmek hakkına sahip olacaktır. Diğer eşin malları üzerinde hak iddia edilemez.

2. Manevî ve maddî tazminat alacakları, kişisel kullanım eşyaları ve evlilik süresince kazanılan bireysel mallar, kişisel mal sayılacaktır.

3. Miras, bağış ve karşılıksız kazanımlar kişisel mal sayılacak; diğer eşin bu mallarda hakkı olmayacaktır.

4. Malın kime ait olduğunu iddia eden taraf, bunu ispatla yükümlüdür.

5. Her eş yalnızca kendi borçlarından sorumlu olacak ve diğeri üzerinde yükümlülük doğuramayacaktır.

6. Meslek veya sanat icrasına ilişkin gelirler yalnızca o eşin tasarrufunda olacaktır.

7. Aile birliği masrafları ortak karşılanacaktır.

8. Sosyal güvenlik gelirleri, iş gücü kaybı tazminatları kişisel mal sayılır.

9. Tahvil, faiz, icra, repo, kira ve banka gelirleri gibi kazançlar kişisel mal kabul edilir.

10. Mal rejiminin sona ermesi hâlinde herkes kendi mallarını geri alacaktır. Paylı mallar için ödeme yapılarak devri talep edilebilir.

11. Boşanma hâlinde ortak konutta kalma ve ev eşyalarının kullanımı, ............ tarafından sürdürülecektir.

İmza
İmza

📄 Separation of Property Agreement Template (English Translation)

Between ....................... and ………………………, based on the marriage dated …/…/…, the parties hereby declare under the authority granted by the Turkish Civil Code and its application law that they agree to apply the separation of property regime, effective from the date of their marriage, under the following legal framework:

1. Each party shall have the right to manage, benefit from, and dispose of their own personal assets. The other spouse shall have no rights over these assets.

2. Personal items, compensation claims, and assets acquired personally during marriage are considered personal property.

3. Inheritances, gifts, and gratuitous acquisitions from third parties shall be treated as personal property and are not subject to division.

4. The burden of proof rests with the party claiming ownership of a disputed asset.

5. Each spouse is solely responsible for their own debts and may not impose liability on the other.

6. Income from a profession or business shall belong exclusively to the spouse performing it.

7. Household expenses and costs for managing the family will be jointly shared.

8. Social security payments, lump sum compensations, and related income are considered personal property.

9. Earnings from bonds, interest, enforcement receivables, rental income, and similar assets shall be treated as personal property.

10. Upon termination of the property regime, each party shall reclaim their own belongings. For jointly owned property, transfer can be requested by payment.

11. In case of divorce or annulment, .......... shall continue to reside in the marital home and use the household goods.

Signature
Signature