Maintenance is not a single legal claim
Turkish family law recognises different forms of maintenance, including interim support during proceedings, child maintenance, post-divorce maintenance for a spouse who would fall into poverty, and support obligations between certain relatives. Each has different conditions and consequences.
Interim maintenance
Temporary support may be ordered during divorce or separation proceedings to protect spouses and children while the case is pending. Income, actual living arrangements, essential expenses and children’s needs are considered.
Child maintenance
The parent without custody contributes to the child’s care and education according to financial capacity. School, health, housing, transport, food and developmental needs are relevant. The amount may be reconsidered as needs and resources change.
Post-divorce maintenance
A spouse who would fall into poverty because of divorce may request maintenance subject to statutory fault and financial conditions. Employment does not automatically exclude a claim; income, assets, age, health, profession, employability and essential expenses are reviewed together.
How is the amount assessed?
There is no universal percentage. Courts may review salary, business income, property, rent, bank records, living expenses, children’s costs and earning capacity. Claims about unrecorded income require lawful evidence.
- Salary, professional or business income
- Property, vehicles, company interests and rental income
- Housing, health and essential expenses
- Education and health costs of children
- Earning capacity and employment opportunities
Increase, reduction, termination and enforcement
A material change in needs or financial circumstances may justify variation. A payer should not unilaterally reduce or stop payments while the existing decision remains in force. Unpaid maintenance may be pursued through enforcement proceedings, and payment records should be retained carefully.