The Turkish Civil Code provides for several types of alimony that serve different purposes both during the union of marriage and after divorce.
Interim Alimony
This is a temporary type of alimony ordered to provide for the spouses and any children during a divorce or separation case, until the case is concluded (TCC Art. 169). It may be ordered during the case in favor of the spouse in need, and in favor of the children even if custody has not been awarded to that spouse.
Child Alimony (İştirak Nafakası)
This is the type of alimony paid, after divorce, by the parent who has not been awarded custody, to contribute to the child's care, education, and expenses (TCC Art. 182, Art. 329). It continues until the child reaches the age of majority (turns 18); this period may be extended if the child continues their education after reaching majority.
Poverty Alimony
A party who will fall into poverty as a result of the divorce may, provided their fault is not more severe, request indefinite poverty alimony from the other party in proportion to that party's financial capacity (TCC Art. 175). Being "indefinite" does not mean it remains unchanged for life; the alimony automatically ends, or its removal may be requested, in circumstances such as the alimony creditor remarrying, the death of either party, or the elimination of the creditor's poverty.
How Is the Amount of Alimony Determined?
The amount of alimony is determined by striking a balance between the financial capacity of the party obliged to pay and the needs of the party entitled to receive it. There is no fixed percentage or formula; the parties' income level, assets, other persons they are obliged to support, and general standard of living are evaluated together.
Increase/Decrease of Alimony
If a significant change occurs in the parties' economic circumstances after alimony has been ordered, a lawsuit for the increase or decrease of the alimony may be filed (TCC Art. 176). In practice, alimony amounts are often ordered to be updated annually at the CPI rate.
Conclusion
Alimony is a claim shaped by the parties' specific economic circumstances, without a fixed formula in the law. It is very important that the amount of alimony requested/objected to be supported by reasonable justifications.
You can prepare your petition containing your alimony request using Lawyer Services' Create Petition tool.