{"id":2874,"date":"2023-04-30T20:17:13","date_gmt":"2023-04-30T20:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/?p=2874"},"modified":"2026-10-05T21:26:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T21:26:26","slug":"last-will-and-testament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/last-will-and-testament\/","title":{"rendered":"Validity Requirements for a Last Will and Testament in Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"<style id=\"cb-bh-css\">h1.cb-bh,h2.cb-bh{text-transform:uppercase}<\/style><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_small\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-image align_center\"><div class=\"w-image-h\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768-800x400.jpg\" class=\"attachment-us_800_400 size-us_800_400\" alt=\"last will and testament\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768-800x400.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768-100x50.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768-90x45.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768-120x60.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-in-turkish-law-e1744742156768.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_275474cc has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><style>nav.cb-toc{background:#fff;border:1px solid #8b3516;border-radius:6px;padding:10px 16px;margin:0 0 1.5em;display:table;max-width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-align:left}nav.cb-toc summary{cursor:pointer;font-weight:400;font-size:15px;color:#000;list-style:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.5em}nav.cb-toc summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}nav.cb-toc summary:after{content:\"\\25BE\";color:#8b3516;transition:transform .2s}nav.cb-toc details[open] summary:after{transform:rotate(180deg)}nav.cb-toc ol{list-style:none;margin:8px 0 0;padding:0}nav.cb-toc ol ol{margin:2px 0 4px 4px;padding-left:14px;border-left:1px solid #e6dcd8}nav.cb-toc li{margin:4px 0;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#000}nav.cb-toc ol ol li{font-size:13px}nav.cb-toc a,nav.cb-toc a:visited{color:#000;text-decoration:none}nav.cb-toc ol ol a,nav.cb-toc ol ol a:visited{color:#444}nav.cb-toc a:hover,nav.cb-toc a:focus{color:#8b3516;text-decoration:underline}h1[id],h2[id],h3[id],h4[id]{scroll-margin-top:120px}html{scroll-behavior:smooth}<\/style><nav class=\"cb-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"><details><summary>Table of Contents<\/summary><ol><li><a href=\"#HOW_TO_MAKE_A_WILL_IN_TURKEY_TYPES_VALIDITY_REQUIREMENTS_A_LEGALLY_VALID_WILL_AND_THE_CANCELLATION_LAWSUIT\">How to Make a Will in Turkey: Types, Validity Requirements, a Legally Valid Will and the Cancellation Lawsuit<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#What_Is_the_Difference_Between_a_Will_and_an_Inheritance_Contract_in_Turkey\">What Is the Difference Between a Will and an Inheritance Contract in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Write_a_Will_in_Turkey\">How to Write a Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_How_to_Write_a_Holographic_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">1. How to Write a Holographic (Handwritten) Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#Sample_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">&#8220;Sample Handwritten Will in Turkey&#8221;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_How_to_Make_an_Official_Will_in_Turkey\">2. How to Make an Official Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#Official_Will_Sample_in_Turkey\">&#8220;Official Will Sample in Turkey&#8221;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Who_Cannot_Be_a_Witness_to_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. Who Cannot Be a Witness to a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_When_Can_an_Oral_Will_Be_Made_in_Turkey\">4. When Can an Oral Will Be Made in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5_Comparison_of_the_Types_of_Wills_in_Turkey\">5. Comparison of the Types of Wills in Turkey<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Make_a_Legally_Valid_Will_in_Turkey\">How to Make a Legally Valid Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Can_a_Will_Be_Made_in_a_Marriage_Contract_or_Divorce_Protocol_in_Turkey\">1. Can a Will Be Made in a Marriage Contract or Divorce Protocol in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Why_Are_Testamentary_Intent_and_Capacity_Important_in_Turkey\">2. Why Are Testamentary Intent and Capacity Important in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_What_Are_the_Formal_Requirements_for_the_Validity_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. What Are the Formal Requirements for the Validity of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#31_Validity_Requirements_for_an_Official_Last_Will_in_Turkey\">3.1. Validity Requirements for an Official Last Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#32_Validity_Requirements_for_a_Holographic_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">3.2. Validity Requirements for a Holographic (Handwritten) Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#33_Validity_Requirements_for_an_Oral_Will_in_Turkey\">3.3. Validity Requirements for an Oral Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Is_a_Will_Invalid_if_the_Formal_Requirements_Are_Not_Met_in_Turkey\">4. Is a Will Invalid if the Formal Requirements Are Not Met in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5_Can_a_Notarized_Will_Be_Challenged_in_Turkey\">5. Can a Notarized Will Be Challenged in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Are_the_Special_Cases_in_Will_Drafting_in_Turkey\">What Are the Special Cases in Will Drafting in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_How_Do_Visually_Impaired_Individuals_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. How Do Visually Impaired Individuals Make a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_How_Do_Deaf_and_Mute_Individuals_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">2. How Do Deaf and Mute Individuals Make a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Can_Non-Turkish_Speakers_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. Can Non-Turkish Speakers Make a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Where_Is_a_Will_Kept_in_Turkey\">4. Where Is a Will Kept in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Assets_Can_Be_Bequeathed_by_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Assets Can Be Bequeathed by a Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Types_of_Assets_That_Can_Be_Bequeathed_in_Turkey\">1. Types of Assets That Can Be Bequeathed in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Appointing_an_Heir_and_a_Specific_Bequest_in_Turkey\">2. What Is the Difference Between Appointing an Heir and a Specific Bequest in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_What_Else_Can_Be_Arranged_in_a_Will_in_Turkey_Besides_Distributing_Assets\">3. What Else Can Be Arranged in a Will in Turkey Besides Distributing Assets?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_What_Are_the_Reserved_Portions_Forced_Heirship_Shares_in_Turkey\">4. What Are the Reserved Portions (Forced Heirship Shares) in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5_Is_Disinheritance_Possible_by_Will_in_Turkey\">5. Is Disinheritance Possible by Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6_Why_Is_It_Important_to_Stay_Within_Legal_Limits_When_Drafting_a_Will_in_Turkey\">6. Why Is It Important to Stay Within Legal Limits When Drafting a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Are_the_Conditions_for_Drafting_a_Will_for_Individuals_Over_65_in_Turkey\">What Are the Conditions for Drafting a Will for Individuals Over 65 in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Legal_Capacity_and_Mental_Competence_Requirement\">1. Legal Capacity and Mental Competence Requirement<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#11_How_Is_Mental_Competence_Determined\">1.1. How Is Mental Competence Determined?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#12_Is_a_Medical_Report_Mandatory_for_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1.2. Is a Medical Report Mandatory for a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#13_Is_a_Will_Valid_if_Legal_Capacity_Has_Been_Lost\">1.3. Is a Will Valid if Legal Capacity Has Been Lost?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Formal_Requirements_and_Legal_Safeguards\">2. Formal Requirements and Legal Safeguards<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#21_Official_Will_Most_Reliable_Option\">2.1. Official Will (Most Reliable Option)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#22_Handwritten_Will_and_Associated_Risks\">2.2. Handwritten Will and Associated Risks<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#23_Oral_Will_for_Individuals_Over_65_Exceptional_Cases_Only\">2.3. Oral Will for Individuals Over 65 (Exceptional Cases Only)<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_How_Can_the_Risk_of_Invalidation_and_Legal_Challenges_Be_Reduced\">3. How Can the Risk of Invalidation and Legal Challenges Be Reduced?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Documents_Are_Required_for_Drafting_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">What Documents Are Required for Drafting a Will at a Notary in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Which_Documents_Are_Requested_for_Drafting_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">1. Which Documents Are Requested for Drafting a Will at a Notary in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#11_Identity_Document\">1.1. Identity Document<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#12_Medical_Report_If_Required\">1.2. Medical Report (If Required)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#13_Will_Text_or_Instructions\">1.3. Will Text or Instructions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#14_Title_Deed_Vehicle_Registration_and_Bank_Statements_If_Necessary\">1.4. Title Deed, Vehicle Registration, and Bank Statements (If Necessary)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#15_Are_Witnesses_Required_for_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">1.5. Are Witnesses Required for a Will at a Notary in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_How_Does_the_Process_of_Drafting_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey_Work\">2. How Does the Process of Drafting a Will at a Notary in Turkey Work?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_How_Much_Does_a_Will_Cost_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">3. How Much Does a Will Cost at a Notary in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#Revocation_Completion_and_Modification_of_a_Testament_in_Turkey\">Revocation, Completion, and Modification of a Testament in Turkey<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_How_Is_a_Will_Modified_or_Completed_in_Turkey\">1. How Is a Will Modified or Completed in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_How_Is_a_Will_Revoked_in_Turkey\">2. How Is a Will Revoked in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_Long_Is_a_Will_Valid_in_Turkey\">How Long Is a Will Valid in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#When_Is_a_Last_Will_and_Testament_Invalid_in_Turkey\">When Is a Last Will and Testament Invalid in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Nonexistence\">1. Nonexistence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Absolute_Nullity\">2. Absolute Nullity<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Automatic_Invalidity_by_Law\">3. Automatic Invalidity by Law<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_In_Which_Cases_Can_a_Lawsuit_Be_Filed_for_the_Annulment_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">4. In Which Cases Can a Lawsuit Be Filed for the Annulment of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Are_the_Legal_Requirements_for_the_Validity_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Are the Legal Requirements for the Validity of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Testamentary_Capacity_Condition_of_Legal_Capacity\">1. Testamentary Capacity (Condition of Legal Capacity)<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#11_Minimum_Age_to_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey_At_What_Age_Can_You_Make_a_Will\">1.1. Minimum Age to Make a Will in Turkey: At What Age Can You Make a Will?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#12_Can_a_Person_Under_Guardianship_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1.2. Can a Person Under Guardianship Make a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Formal_Requirements_for_a_Will_Execution_Formalities\">2. Formal Requirements for a Will (Execution Formalities)<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#21_Official_Notarized_Will_in_Turkey\">2.1. Official (Notarized) Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#22_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">2.2. Handwritten Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#23_Oral_Will_Exceptional_Cases_Only\">2.3. Oral Will (Exceptional Cases Only)<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Substantive_Requirements_Legal_and_Ethical_Compliance\">3. Substantive Requirements (Legal and Ethical Compliance)<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#31_Can_a_Will_Be_Made_Subject_to_a_Condition_in_Turkey\">3.1. Can a Will Be Made Subject to a Condition in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Summary_of_the_Validity_Requirements_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">4. Summary of the Validity Requirements of a Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Are_the_Reasons_for_Cancellation_of_a_Last_Will_and_Testament_in_Turkey\">What Are the Reasons for Cancellation of a Last Will and Testament in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Incapacity\">1. Incapacity<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Disturbance_of_Will\">2. Disturbance of Will<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Contradiction_to_Law_and_Morality\">3. Contradiction to Law and Morality<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Lack_of_Form\">4. Lack of Form<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_Is_a_Will_Opened_in_Turkey\">How Is a Will Opened in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_How_Is_the_Inheritance_Divided_if_There_Is_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. How Is the Inheritance Divided if There Is a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Can_Heirs_Object_to_a_Will_in_Turkey\">2. Can Heirs Object to a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Happens_if_a_Will_Is_Not_Executed_in_Turkey\">What Happens if a Will Is Not Executed in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_In_Which_Cases_Is_a_Will_Not_Executed_in_Turkey\">1. In Which Cases Is a Will Not Executed in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_What_Legal_Ways_Are_Available_if_the_Will_Is_Not_Executed_in_Turkey\">2. What Legal Ways Are Available if the Will Is Not Executed in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#21_Opening_and_Announcing_the_Will\">2.1. Opening and Announcing the Will<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#22_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_the_Will_in_Turkey\">2.2. Lawsuit for Cancellation of the Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#23_Forced_Execution_of_the_Will_Partition_and_Registration_of_the_Estate\">2.3. Forced Execution of the Will (Partition and Registration of the Estate)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#24_Applying_to_the_Court_for_Execution_of_the_Will_in_Turkey\">2.4. Applying to the Court for Execution of the Will in Turkey<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_What_Is_an_Executor_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. What Is an Executor of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_What_Sanctions_Apply_for_Non-Execution_of_the_Will_in_Turkey\">4. What Sanctions Apply for Non-Execution of the Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Is_a_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Is a Lawsuit for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_What_Are_the_Grounds_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. What Are the Grounds for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Which_Court_Is_Competent_for_the_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">2. Which Court Is Competent for the Lawsuit for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_What_Is_the_Time_Limit_for_Filing_a_Cancellation_of_a_Will_Lawsuit_in_Turkey\">3. What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Cancellation of a Will Lawsuit in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_What_Are_the_Possible_Outcomes_of_the_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">4. What Are the Possible Outcomes of the Lawsuit for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Is_a_Lawsuit_for_the_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Is a Lawsuit for the Execution of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_What_Is_the_Purpose_of_the_Lawsuit_for_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. What Is the Purpose of the Lawsuit for Execution of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_How_Does_the_Legal_Process_in_the_Lawsuit_for_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey_Work\">2. How Does the Legal Process in the Lawsuit for Execution of a Will in Turkey Work?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_What_Are_the_Rights_of_the_Beneficiary_in_the_Lawsuit_for_Enforcement_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. What Are the Rights of the Beneficiary in the Lawsuit for Enforcement of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_Does_a_Notarized_Will_Automatically_Transfer_the_Title_Deed_in_Turkey\">4. Does a Notarized Will Automatically Transfer the Title Deed in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#5_Which_Court_Is_Competent_for_the_Lawsuit_for_Enforcement_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">5. Which Court Is Competent for the Lawsuit for Enforcement of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#6_What_Is_the_Statute_of_Limitations_for_the_Lawsuit_for_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">6. What Is the Statute of Limitations for the Lawsuit for Execution of a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#Are_Wills_Made_by_Foreigners_Valid_and_Enforceable_in_Turkey\">Are Wills Made by Foreigners Valid and Enforceable in Turkey?<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_How_Do_Turkish_Courts_Assess_a_Foreign_Will\">1. How Do Turkish Courts Assess a Foreign Will?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Must_a_Foreign_Will_Be_Opened_and_Enforced_in_Turkey_for_Assets_Located_in_Turkey\">2. Must a Foreign Will Be Opened and Enforced in Turkey for Assets Located in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_Is_an_Apostille_and_Sworn_Translation_Required_for_a_Foreign_Will_in_Turkey\">3. Is an Apostille and Sworn Translation Required for a Foreign Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4_How_Can_Turkish_Citizens_Living_Abroad_Make_a_Will\">4. How Can Turkish Citizens Living Abroad Make a Will?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_Should_Be_Considered_When_Drafting_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Should Be Considered When Drafting a Will in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Importance_of_Legal_Assistance_from_a_Will_Lawyer_in_Turkey_in_Drafting_a_Valid_Will\">The Importance of Legal Assistance from a Will Lawyer in Turkey in Drafting a Valid Will<\/a><ol><li><a href=\"#1_Why_Has_the_Legislator_Imposed_Strict_Formalities_on_Wills_in_Turkey\">1. Why Has the Legislator Imposed Strict Formalities on Wills in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2_Which_Risks_Does_Legal_Assistance_Prevent\">2. Which Risks Does Legal Assistance Prevent?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_What_Happens_Among_the_Heirs_if_a_Will_Is_Annulled_in_Turkey\">3. What Happens Among the Heirs if a Will Is Annulled in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/details><\/nav>\n<h1 id=\"HOW_TO_MAKE_A_WILL_IN_TURKEY_TYPES_VALIDITY_REQUIREMENTS_A_LEGALLY_VALID_WILL_AND_THE_CANCELLATION_LAWSUIT\" class=\"cb-bh\">How to Make a Will in Turkey: Types, Validity Requirements, a Legally Valid Will and the Cancellation Lawsuit<\/h1>\n<p><strong>A will in Turkey is a unilateral disposition upon death through which the testator determines to whom and how their assets will pass after their death, and which takes effect upon the testator&#8217;s passing.<\/strong> For a will to be valid in Turkey, the testator must have completed the age of fifteen and have the capacity to discern, and the will must be made in official form or in the testator&#8217;s own handwriting or, in extraordinary circumstances, orally,<strong> in compliance with the formal requirements of the law (TCC Art. 502, 531, 539).<\/strong> The legislator grants the testator (the person leaving an inheritance) the right to <strong>make a disposition upon death<\/strong>. <strong>A disposition upon death is made directly by the testator, and its content is determined by them.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Through this legal act, the testator can appoint heirs, allocate specific assets to chosen individuals, and ensure that these provisions take effect after their passing in Turkey. <strong>Among the different types of dispositions upon death, drafting a last will and testament is the most commonly preferred method.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The most accurate answer to the question &#8220;What is a will?&#8221;<\/strong> is that a last will and testament is a legal document that specifies how a person&#8217;s assets will be distributed after their death and takes effect upon their passing. Drafting a last will and testament ensures that a person&#8217;s wishes are legally recognized. <strong>By preparing a will in Turkey, the individual establishes the legal procedures that will take place after their death and helps prevent disputes regarding the distribution of their assets.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Although drafting a will in Turkey is primarily considered within the scope of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/inheritance-law-in-turkey\/\">inheritance law<\/a>, it is also directly related to other legal fields, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/legal-services\/tax-lawyer-in-turkey\/\">tax law<\/a> and civil law.<\/strong> For this reason, when the content of a will in Turkey is determined, not only the inheritance shares but also <strong>the tax and civil law consequences of the assets passing to the heirs<\/strong> should be taken into account.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_small\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-iconbox us_custom_aea21514 iconpos_left style_default color_secondary align_center no_title\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-icon\" style=\"font-size:2rem;\"><i class=\"fas fa-gavel\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"w-iconbox-meta\"><div class=\"w-iconbox-text\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"24\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mevzuat.gov.tr\/mevzuatmetin\/1.5.4721.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"22\">Turkish Civil Code<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"125\"><strong data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"41\">Article 531<\/strong> \u2013 A will may be made in an official form, handwritten by the testator, or orally.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"314\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"142\">Article 532<\/strong> \u2013 An official will is drawn up by an official in the presence of two witnesses. The official may be a justice of the peace, a notary, or another officer authorized by law.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto width_full\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_275474cc has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2 id=\"What_Is_the_Difference_Between_a_Will_and_an_Inheritance_Contract_in_Turkey\">What Is the Difference Between a Will and an Inheritance Contract in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Under Turkish law, a will is a unilateral disposition upon death that the testator may revoke at any time, whereas an inheritance contract is a bilateral disposition upon death that the testator concludes with another party and, as a rule, cannot revoke unilaterally.<\/strong> The Turkish Civil Code regulates dispositions upon death in two forms: the will and the inheritance contract. Both take effect upon the testator&#8217;s death; <strong>however, they differ in how they are made, how binding they are, and their form.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under TCC Art. 545,<strong> an inheritance contract in Turkey is executed in the form of an official will, with the parties declaring their intentions to the official at the same time;<\/strong> it can be revoked unilaterally only in the cases provided for in TCC Art. 546. A will, on the other hand, <strong>is created by the testator&#8217;s own declaration alone<\/strong> and can be made in one of the three forms provided by law. The main differences between the two are summarised in the table below.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 700px; margin: 20px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 7px; padding: 10px; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 5px;\">\ud83d\udccb WILL AND INHERITANCE CONTRACT IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 0;\">\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; width: 49%; margin: 0 1% 0 0; padding: 13px; min-height: 285px; box-sizing: border-box; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eadbd3; border-top: 4px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 12px;\">\ud83d\udcdc WILL<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 9px; margin-bottom: 9px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\u2696\ufe0f Legal nature<\/div>\n<p>Unilateral declaration of intent<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 9px; margin-bottom: 9px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\ud83d\udcdd Form<\/div>\n<p>Official, handwritten or oral<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 9px; margin-bottom: 9px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\ud83d\udd04 Revocation<\/div>\n<p>Testator may revoke at any time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\ud83d\udc64 Capacity<\/div>\n<p>Age 15 and capacity to distinguish<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; width: 49%; margin: 0; padding: 13px; min-height: 285px; box-sizing: border-box; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eadbd3; border-top: 4px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 12px;\">\ud83d\udcd1 INHERITANCE CONTRACT<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 9px; margin-bottom: 9px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\u2696\ufe0f Legal nature<\/div>\n<p>Bilateral contract<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 9px; margin-bottom: 9px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\ud83d\udcdd Form<\/div>\n<p>Form of an official will, with both parties present<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 9px; margin-bottom: 9px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\ud83d\udd04 Revocation<\/div>\n<p>As a rule, cannot be revoked unilaterally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 800; color: #8b3516; margin-bottom: 3px;\">\ud83d\udc64 Capacity<\/div>\n<p>Of full age and not under guardianship<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"How_to_Write_a_Will_in_Turkey\">How to Write a Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Under Articles 532, 538 and 539 of the Turkish Civil Code, a will in Turkey can only be made in three ways: as an official will, a handwritten (holographic) will or an oral will.<\/strong> A will is not <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/contract-law-in-turkey\/\">a contract that imposes obligations on both parties<\/a><\/strong>; <strong>a will is a unilateral declaration of intent.<\/strong> The answer to the question <strong>&#8220;How to write a will in Turkey?<\/strong>&#8221; therefore lies in the formal requirements, which differ depending on which of these three forms is chosen.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_How_to_Write_a_Holographic_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">1. How to Write a Holographic (Handwritten) Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A holographic will in Turkey is a will written entirely in the testator&#8217;s own handwriting, bearing a clear date and signed by hand.<\/strong> <strong>A holographic will<\/strong> <strong>is the simplest and easiest way for a testator<\/strong> (the person making the will) to express their last wishes. This type of will must be entirely handwritten by the testator, include a clearly written date, and be signed by the testator.<\/p>\n<p>A handwritten will cannot be made in ordinary written form. <strong>Turkish law requires a qualified written form for a handwritten will.<\/strong> The requirements for a handwritten will in Turkey are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Entirely Handwritten:<\/strong> <strong>The requirement that the entire document, including its content, date, and signature, must be in the testator\u2019s own handwriting ensures its authenticity.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Clear Date:<\/strong> The will must bear a clearly written date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Handwritten Signature:<\/strong> The will must be signed by the testator by hand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Link Between Pages:<\/strong> If the will in Turkey consists of multiple pages, it is advisable to number and sign each page to ensure internal consistency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Any <strong>additions, deletions, or modifications<\/strong> made by third parties could invalidate the will, <strong>either in whole or in part<\/strong>. In such a case, the Turkish court may, following an expert examination, decide that <strong>the entire will is invalid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A handwritten will in Turkey can be kept by the testator or deposited with a notary, a civil court judge, or an authorized official, either openly or in a sealed form.<\/strong> If found after the testator\u2019s death, the person who discovers the will must immediately<strong> submit it to the civil court judge<\/strong>, regardless of its validity.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"Sample_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\" style=\"text-align: center;\">&#8220;Sample Handwritten Will in Turkey&#8221;<\/h4>\n<p><strong>A sample handwritten will in Turkey should be structured as a text that contains the three elements required by law: handwriting from beginning to end, a date stating the day, month and year, and a signature.<\/strong> The sample below is intended only to illustrate the structure;<strong> the will must not be typed on a computer and printed out, but written entirely on paper in the testator&#8217;s own handwriting.<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>THIS IS MY WILL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I, [Full Name], holder of Turkish ID number [ID number], residing at [address], write this will entirely in my own handwriting, of my own free will and without being under any pressure. I revoke all wills I have previously made.<\/p>\n<p>1. I leave my immovable property located at [province, district, block, parcel] to [Full Name], holder of Turkish ID number [ID number].<\/p>\n<p>2. I leave all the money in my accounts at [bank name] to [Full Name].<\/p>\n<p>3. I appoint [Full Name] as executor of this will.<\/p>\n<p>[Day] [Month] [Year] \u2014 [Place]<br \/>\n[Signature] [Full Name]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The fields in square brackets are completed by the testator, <strong>by hand, with their own information<\/strong>. <strong>Respecting the rights of heirs entitled to a reserved portion and clearly identifying the assets and the beneficiaries with their identity details<\/strong> reduces the risk of future disputes before the Turkish courts.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_How_to_Make_an_Official_Will_in_Turkey\">2. How to Make an Official Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>An official will in Turkey is a will made in the presence of two witnesses, before a notary, a probate judge, or an authorized officer.<\/strong> <strong>The main formalities and additional formal requirements<\/strong> must be adhered to in an official will. The process for drafting an official will in Turkey is as follows:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Drafting of the Will:<\/strong> The testator expresses their last wishes, and the official authority drafts the will accordingly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reading and Signature by the Testator:<\/strong> The testator reads and signs the will.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Date and Signature of the Official:<\/strong> The official authority dates and signs the will.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Declaration Before Witnesses:<\/strong> Without interruption, the testator declares in front of two witnesses that they have read and approved the will as their final wishes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Signature of Witnesses and Safekeeping:<\/strong> The witnesses sign the will, which is then stored by the notary and reported to the Civil Registry Office.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>An official will in Turkey carries stronger legal weight compared to a handwritten will.<\/strong> It is prepared by legal professionals, ensuring clarity and eliminating ambiguous expressions. Moreover, <strong>the testator does not need to be literate for this type of will to be valid.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"Official_Will_Sample_in_Turkey\" style=\"text-align: center;\">&#8220;Official Will Sample in Turkey&#8221;<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Unlike a handwritten will, an official will in Turkey is not a text written by the testator but a document written, or caused to be written, by the official on the basis of the wishes the testator communicates (TCC Art. 533).<\/strong> The text of a will made before a notary is therefore <strong>prepared by the notary&#8217;s office;<\/strong> the sample below is given only to show where the elements required by law for an official will appear in the document.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>OFFICIAL WILL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Before [name of the notary&#8217;s office], [Full Name], holder of Turkish ID \/ passport number [number], has declared their last wishes as follows:<\/p>\n<p>1. I bequeath my immovable property located at [province, district, block and parcel details] to [Full Name], holder of ID number [number].<\/p>\n<p>2. [Other dispositions]<\/p>\n<p>The testator has read and signed this will written by the official. [Signature of the testator]<br \/>\n[Day] [Month] [Year] \u2014 [Name and signature of the notary]<\/p>\n<p>Witnesses&#8217; statement: We declare that the testator stated in our presence that they have read this will and that it contains their last wishes, and that we consider the testator capable of making the disposition. [Name and signature of the 1st witness] [Name and signature of the 2nd witness]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>The order in the sample comes from the law: the testator reads and signs the will, the official dates and signs it, and immediately afterwards the testator declares to two witnesses, in the presence of the official, that they have read the will and that it contains their last wishes (TCC Art. 533\u2013534) under Turkish law.<\/strong> The witnesses sign after writing, or having written, on the will that this declaration was made in their presence and that they consider the testator capable of making the disposition; <strong>the witnesses do not need to be informed of the content of the will.<\/strong> For anyone looking for a will that cannot be challenged in Turkey, what matters is not a ready-made text but <strong>meeting the capacity, form and content requirements together.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_Who_Cannot_Be_a_Witness_to_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. Who Cannot Be a Witness to a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Under Article 536 of the Turkish Civil Code, those without legal capacity, individuals prohibited from public service by a criminal court judgment, illiterate persons, the testator\u2019s spouse, direct ancestors and descendants, siblings, and the spouses of these individuals cannot serve as witnesses or act as officers in the preparation of an official will in Turkey.<\/strong> Under the same article, no gift may be made by that will <strong>to the official or the witnesses, their direct ancestors and descendants, siblings or spouses<\/strong>. The participation of a prohibited person as a witness<strong> may lead to the annulment of the will for lack of form;<\/strong> however, where the defect arises only from a gift to a person who took part in the drafting or to their relatives, under TCC Art. 558 <strong>only those gifts are annulled<\/strong>, not the disposition as a whole.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_When_Can_an_Oral_Will_Be_Made_in_Turkey\">4. When Can an Oral Will Be Made in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The legislator has ruled that oral wills can only be made in exceptional circumstances, when neither of the other two types of wills can be made.<\/strong> Examples of extraordinary situations include <strong>imminent danger of death, transportation disruption, illness, and war<\/strong>. The extraordinary situation must exist at the moment the <strong>oral will<\/strong> is made under Turkish law.<\/p>\n<p><strong>An oral will in Turkey has two stages:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>First Stage \u2014 Declaration Before Witnesses:<\/strong> The person making the will <strong>orally expresses their final wishes in the presence of two witnesses.<\/strong> These witnesses should not be individuals who will benefit from the will. Additionally, apart from the literacy requirement,<strong> the same restrictions on witnesses as in the official will<\/strong> apply to oral wills (TCC Art. 539).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Second Stage \u2014 The Witnesses&#8217; Role:<\/strong> Witnesses are not obliged to carry out the task assigned to them by the testator. If they accept, they may either <strong>write down the testator&#8217;s final wishes, indicating the place and date, on a document<\/strong> and submit it without delay <strong>to a civil court of peace or a civil court of first instance<\/strong>, or they may <strong>apply to the court and convey the testator\u2019s final wishes to the judge.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>An oral will has no expiration date under Turkish law.<\/strong> However, if the testator later gains the possibility of <strong>creating a will<\/strong> in another form, the oral will remains valid for <strong>one month<\/strong> from the moment this possibility arises. <strong>If the one-month period passes, the oral will becomes automatically void.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5_Comparison_of_the_Types_of_Wills_in_Turkey\">5. Comparison of the Types of Wills in Turkey<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The three types of wills in Turkey differ in terms of the authority before which they are made, the need for witnesses and their evidential strength.<\/strong> The type to be chosen should be determined by taking into account the testator&#8217;s circumstances and the risk that the will may later be challenged in an annulment lawsuit before the Turkish courts.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 20px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 7px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 11px 14px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;\">\ud83d\udcdc TYPES OF WILLS AND THEIR REQUIREMENTS IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"width: 22%; padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; color: #8b3516; font-weight: bold;\">Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 23%; padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: center; color: #8b3516; font-weight: bold;\">Who Drafts It \/ Where<\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 15%; padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: center; color: #8b3516; font-weight: bold;\">Witnesses<\/th>\n<th style=\"width: 40%; padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; color: #8b3516; font-weight: bold;\">Key Requirement<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3; font-weight: bold;\">\u270d\ufe0f Handwritten will<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">(TCC Art. 538)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3; text-align: center;\">The testator personally<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3; text-align: center;\">Not required<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">Entirely handwritten, dated and signed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3; font-weight: bold;\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Official will<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">(TCC Art. 532)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3; text-align: center;\">Notary, civil court judge or authorized officer<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3; text-align: center;\">Two witnesses<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eadbd3;\">Reading, signature, declaration before witnesses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; font-weight: bold;\">\u26a0\ufe0f Oral will<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">(TCC Art. 539)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; text-align: center;\">Two witnesses; then the court<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px; text-align: center;\">Two witnesses<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 10px;\">Extraordinary circumstances; valid 1 month once another form becomes possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-3227\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-800x190.jpg\" alt=\"how to write a will in Turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-800x190.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-1024x243.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-100x24.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-90x21.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will-120x28.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/how-to-write-a-will.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"How_to_Make_a_Legally_Valid_Will_in_Turkey\">How to Make a Legally Valid Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>A legally valid will in Turkey is one made by a person who has the intent to make a will and the capacity to distinguish, in full compliance with the formal requirements of the Turkish Civil Code.<\/strong> In Turkish Law, wills are subject to strict formal requirements. In order to <strong>draft a legally valid will in Turkey<\/strong>, one must be well aware of the formal requirements set by the law.<\/p>\n<p><strong>According to the Turkish Civil Code (TMK), for a will to be valid, it must comply with certain formal conditions.<\/strong> Wills that are not prepared in accordance with these conditions<strong> may be annulled or deemed invalid. <\/strong>The existence of an invalid will may lead heirs to file lawsuits, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/stolen-inheritance-and-fraudulent-conveyance\/\"><strong>inheritance fraud cases<\/strong><\/a> or <strong>title deed cancellation and registration lawsuits based on abuse of a power of attorney<\/strong> before the Turkish courts.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Can_a_Will_Be_Made_in_a_Marriage_Contract_or_Divorce_Protocol_in_Turkey\">1. Can a Will Be Made in a Marriage Contract or Divorce Protocol in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Provisions of a testamentary nature included in documents such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/family-law\/pre-nuptial-agreements-in-turkey\/\">prenuptial agreements<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/marriage-contract-in-turkey\/\">marriage contracts<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/uncontested-divorce-process-in-turkey\/\">uncontested divorce protocols<\/a> are not legally valid.<\/strong> A will constitutes a special declaration of intent under inheritance law and must be executed <strong>in accordance with the formal requirements set out in the Turkish Civil Code<\/strong> in order to be valid.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, <strong>any inheritance-related provisions contained in agreements jointly signed by the parties<\/strong> are not legally binding in Turkey unless they meet the formal requirements of a valid will. For a will to be considered valid, it must be prepared in one of the legally recognized forms\u2014<strong>official will, handwritten will, or oral will<\/strong>\u2014and in accordance with the legal procedures.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Why_Are_Testamentary_Intent_and_Capacity_Important_in_Turkey\">2. Why Are Testamentary Intent and Capacity Important in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>First and foremost, for a will in Turkey to be considered valid, the person must have the intent to make a will.<\/strong> If there is no explicit or implicit declaration of intent, then there is no will.<\/p>\n<p>After the testator&#8217;s intent, it is necessary to check whether <strong>the will complies with the legal requirements set by the legislator<\/strong>. Even if the testator expresses their intent, if the will <strong>does not meet the formal conditions set by the law<\/strong>, <strong>the declaration of intent will be deemed invalid, and the will shall have no legal effect under Turkish law.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Under Article 502 of the Turkish Civil Code, a person must have the capacity to distinguish and have reached the age of 15 to make a will in Turkey<\/strong>; there is no upper age limit. However, in order to make a <strong>legally valid will in Turkey<\/strong>, the person must <strong>be of sound mind and must make their decisions consciously<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_What_Are_the_Formal_Requirements_for_the_Validity_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. What Are the Formal Requirements for the Validity of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The Turkish Civil Code (TMK) regulates the written form requirements for a last will in three different ways: the official will, the handwritten will and the oral will.<\/strong> Each type has its own validity requirements, and the lack of a requirement for one type cannot be cured by meeting the requirements of another type.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"31_Validity_Requirements_for_an_Official_Last_Will_in_Turkey\">3.1. Validity Requirements for an Official Last Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<p><strong>An official last will in Turkey is a type of will that is drafted in the presence of a notary, a justice of the peace, or an authorized officer, with the participation of two witnesses (TMK Article 532).<\/strong> In order for an official last will to be legally valid, the following conditions must be met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Drafted Before an Authorized Authority:<\/strong> The last will in Turkey must be prepared in the presence of a notary, a justice of the peace, or an authorized officer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reading and Signing Requirement:<\/strong> The testator must read and sign the text prepared in accordance with their declared intent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Participation of Witnesses:<\/strong> The testator must declare to two witnesses, in the presence of the official, that they have read the will and that it contains their last wishes; the witnesses then write or have written on the will that this declaration was made before them and that they <strong>consider the testator competent to make the disposition<\/strong>, and sign it (TCC Art. 534).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>An official will in Turkey is one of the most secure types of wills and has the lowest risk of annulment.<\/strong> The participation of an official authority and witnesses makes it easier to prove the testator&#8217;s identity and intent.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"32_Validity_Requirements_for_a_Holographic_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">3.2. Validity Requirements for a Holographic (Handwritten) Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<p><strong>A holographic will in Turkey is a type of will that is entirely written and signed by the testator (TMK Article 538).<\/strong> For it to be valid, the following conditions must be met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Must Be Entirely Handwritten:<\/strong> The last will must be written entirely in the testator\u2019s own handwriting. Wills typed on a computer or typewriter are not considered valid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Must Contain a Date:<\/strong> The last will must include a full date (day, month, and year). If the date is missing or incorrect, the will may be considered invalid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Must Be Signed:<\/strong> The testator must sign the holographic will. If there is no signature, the will is deemed invalid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>A holographic will in Turkey carries a higher risk of annulment compared to an official will. However, if it is prepared in compliance with legal requirements, it remains legally valid.<\/strong> This risk arises in particular from objections as to whether the handwriting and signature belong to the testator and whether the date is correct.<\/p>\n<p>In its decision <strong>E. 2021\/8301, K. 2023\/1076, dated 23.02.2023<\/strong>, the 7th Civil Chamber of the Turkish Court of Cassation stressed that TCC Art. 538 requires not a simple written form but a <strong>qualified written form<\/strong> for a handwritten will, so that <strong>the entire text, the date in day-month-year form and the signature must all be in the testator&#8217;s own handwriting<\/strong>. The same decision held that depositing a handwritten will with a notary, civil court judge or authorised officer is <strong>not an absolute formal requirement<\/strong> under Turkish law but is left to the testator&#8217;s discretion, and it <strong>upheld the dismissal of an annulment claim against a handwritten will where Forensic Medicine Institute reports established the testator&#8217;s capacity on the date of drafting and that the handwriting and signature were theirs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"33_Validity_Requirements_for_an_Oral_Will_in_Turkey\">3.3. Validity Requirements for an Oral Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<p><strong>An oral will in Turkey is a method used in exceptional circumstances where drafting a written will is impossible (e.g., war, natural disasters, serious illness) (TMK Article 539).<\/strong> For it to be valid, the following conditions must be met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Must Be Declared in the Presence of Two Witnesses:<\/strong> The testator must verbally express their last wishes before two witnesses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Must Be Recorded by Witnesses:<\/strong> The witnesses must immediately write down the testator\u2019s statements, sign the document, and submit it to a judge.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Witness Testimony Before the Court:<\/strong> If a written document is not available, the witnesses must testify before the court regarding the testator\u2019s last wishes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>An oral will lapses one month after the testator becomes able to make a will in one of the other forms (TCC Art. 541); the testator must therefore make an official or handwritten will within that period.<\/strong> In this respect, an oral will should be regarded not as a permanent estate planning tool in Turkey, but only as a temporary route used in cases of necessity.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_Is_a_Will_Invalid_if_the_Formal_Requirements_Are_Not_Met_in_Turkey\">4. Is a Will Invalid if the Formal Requirements Are Not Met in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>For a last will in Turkey to be legally valid, it must fully comply with the formal conditions set by the Turkish Civil Code.<\/strong> Otherwise, it can be annulled through a lawsuit filed by heirs or other interested parties. Common reasons for a will in Turkey to be declared invalid include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Failure to Draft an Official Will Before an Authorized Authority:<\/strong> An official will not made before a civil court judge, a notary or another officer authorised by law <strong>can be annulled<\/strong> for lack of form (TCC Arts. 532, 557).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Missing or Incorrect Date:<\/strong> A holographic will that lacks a complete and correct date <strong>may be annulled.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-Compliant Witnesses:<\/strong> If persons subject to the witness prohibition (for example, the testator&#8217;s descendants or spouse) act as witnesses, the will may be annulled; <strong>gifts made to a witness or their relatives are annulled (TCC Arts. 536, 558).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Coercion, Fraud, or Undue Influence:<\/strong> If the testator drafted the will under <strong>coercion, fraud, or deception<\/strong>, this constitutes a valid reason for annulment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"5_Can_a_Notarized_Will_Be_Challenged_in_Turkey\">5. Can a Notarized Will Be Challenged in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A notarized official will in Turkey can also be set aside by a court decision in an annulment lawsuit filed by the heirs or other interested persons if one of the statutory grounds for annulment exists.<\/strong> The fact that the official will is the type with the lowest risk of annulment does not mean that it can never be annulled. In particular, claims that the testator <strong>lacked the capacity to distinguish at the time of drafting, that their intent was vitiated by mistake, fraud or duress, or that the prohibition on witnesses was breached<\/strong> can also be raised against notarized wills.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, even if the will is valid in form, if it infringes the reserved portions of heirs entitled to them, these heirs<strong> may file a reduction action and request that the part of the disposition exceeding their reserved portions be reduced.<\/strong> Reduction does not set aside the will as a whole; it only reduces the part that infringes the reserved portion under Turkish inheritance law.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To create a legally valid and unbreakable will in Turkey, one must strictly comply with the formal conditions specified in the Turkish Civil Code (TMK).<\/strong> Ensuring compliance with these legal requirements prevents potential annulment lawsuits and ensures that the inheritance is distributed according to the testator\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\u2696\ufe0f VALIDITY REQUIREMENTS OF A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Element<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Requirement<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Consequence of Absence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdd Testamentary intent<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Explicit or implicit declaration of intent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">There is no will<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udc64 Capacity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Sound mind and conscious decision<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">May be annulled<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdc Form<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official, handwritten or oral form requirements<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">May be annulled<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u2696\ufe0f Free will<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">No coercion, threat or fraud<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">May be annulled<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcc4 Type of document<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Marriage contracts or divorce protocols are not sufficient<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Inheritance provisions are not binding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Are_the_Special_Cases_in_Will_Drafting_in_Turkey\">What Are the Special Cases in Will Drafting in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>In Turkish Law, special provisions have been established for certain exceptional cases in the will-making process in Turkey, such as visually impaired persons, deaf and mute persons, non-Turkish speakers and the safekeeping of the will.<\/strong> Compliance with these provisions is essential for drafting a <strong>legally valid testament in Turkey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_How_Do_Visually_Impaired_Individuals_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. How Do Visually Impaired Individuals Make a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Visually impaired individuals must draft their testament in Turkey in the same manner as illiterate persons, meaning they must declare their will orally before an official authority with witnesses present.<\/strong> This is because, in legal doctrine, it is generally accepted that visually impaired individuals cannot compare a text written in Braille with the official text prepared by the authorized officer. Article 535 of the Turkish Civil Code likewise provides that, where the testator cannot read the will personally, the official <strong>reads it to them in the presence of two witnesses<\/strong> and <strong>the testator declares that it contains their last wishes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_How_Do_Deaf_and_Mute_Individuals_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">2. How Do Deaf and Mute Individuals Make a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Literate deaf and mute individuals can draft their wills in the form of an official will in Turkey.<\/strong> Illiterate deaf and mute individuals must draft their official wills without reading or signing them, <strong>following the same procedure as illiterate persons<\/strong>. Under Article 73 of the Notaries Law, where the person is hearing or speech impaired and cannot communicate in writing, the transaction is carried out in the presence of <strong>two witnesses and a sworn interpreter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_Can_Non-Turkish_Speakers_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. Can Non-Turkish Speakers Make a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A testator who does not speak Turkish may draft a will in Turkey with the assistance of a sworn translator; under Article 74 of the Notaries Law, a sworn translator also takes part in the transaction if the person does not know Turkish.<\/strong> The participation of the translator ensures that the testator&#8217;s declaration is correctly understood by the official and that the text is conveyed to the testator in their own language.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_Where_Is_a_Will_Kept_in_Turkey\">4. Where Is a Will Kept in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>In Turkey, official wills are kept by notaries, who also notify the civil registry office that a will exists.<\/strong> Under Article 69 of the Notaries Law, the notary notifies the <strong>civil registry offices<\/strong> in writing of the wills it keeps and the dispositions upon death it has drafted, so that it can be informed of the testator&#8217;s death. Holographic (handwritten) wills can be kept by anyone but must be <strong>submitted immediately to the justice of the peace<\/strong> after the testator\u2019s death, regardless of whether they are valid (TCC Art. 595).<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">MAKING A WILL IN SPECIAL CASES IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Special Case<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Applicable Procedure<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udc41\ufe0f Visually impaired testator<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official will procedure for illiterate persons (prevailing view in doctrine)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udc42 Literate deaf and mute testator<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official will<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdd Illiterate testator<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official will drafted without reading and signing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83c\udf10 Non-Turkish speaking testator<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">With the assistance of a sworn translator<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd10 Safekeeping<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official will at the notary; handwritten will may be kept by anyone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Assets_Can_Be_Bequeathed_by_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Assets Can Be Bequeathed by a Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>According to the Turkish Civil Code, it is possible to bequeath both monetary and non-monetary assets through a will in Turkey.<\/strong> A will is a unilateral and revocable disposition mortis causa through which an individual determines how their assets will be distributed after death.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Types_of_Assets_That_Can_Be_Bequeathed_in_Turkey\">1. Types of Assets That Can Be Bequeathed in Turkey<\/h3>\n<p>Various types of assets can be bequeathed by a will in Turkey. These assets may consist of both tangible and intangible values owned by the individual:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Movable and Immovable Property: Houses, land, vehicles and other belongings.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Cash and Negotiable Instruments: Funds in bank accounts, negotiable instruments and securities.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Income: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/taxation-of-foreign-sourced-income-in-turkey\/\">foreign incomes<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Intellectual Property: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/ip-law-in-turkey\/\">intellectual property rights<\/a> (such as copyrights, patents, design rights, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/trademark-registration-in-turkey\/\">trademarks<\/a>).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Shareholdings: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/corporate-law-in-turkey\/\">company shares<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2_What_Is_the_Difference_Between_Appointing_an_Heir_and_a_Specific_Bequest_in_Turkey\">2. What Is the Difference Between Appointing an Heir and a Specific Bequest in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>By will, the testator in Turkey may either leave the whole or a fraction of the estate to a person and thereby appoint them as heir, or leave a specific asset to a person and thereby make them a legatee.<\/strong> In the appointment of an heir (TCC Art. 516), the appointed person<strong> becomes a universal successor to the whole or a share of the estate<\/strong>, like the statutory heirs, and also becomes liable for the testator&#8217;s debts. <strong>In a specific bequest (TCC Art. 517), the beneficiary does not become an heir;<\/strong> they only acquire a <strong>claim<\/strong> entitling them to request the transfer of the bequeathed asset from the heirs.<\/p>\n<p>This distinction also determines how the will is executed in Turkey. <strong>An appointed heir<\/strong> can take over <strong>the inheritance<\/strong> by obtaining a certificate of inheritance after the will is opened, whereas <strong>a legatee<\/strong> must file<strong> a lawsuit for the execution<\/strong> <strong>of the will<\/strong> if the asset is not transferred to them.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_What_Else_Can_Be_Arranged_in_a_Will_in_Turkey_Besides_Distributing_Assets\">3. What Else Can Be Arranged in a Will in Turkey Besides Distributing Assets?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Besides the distribution of assets, a will in Turkey may appoint an executor, attach conditions and burdens to dispositions, disinherit an heir entitled to a reserved portion on statutory grounds and establish a foundation.<\/strong> Each of these dispositions is subject to the validity requirements of the will and can only be made within the limits permitted by law. <strong>The main dispositions that can be made by will in Turkey are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Appointment of an Executor:<\/strong> The testator may appoint one or more persons with full legal capacity to oversee the execution of the will<strong> (TCC Art. 550).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Conditions and Burdens:<\/strong> The testator may make dispositions subject to a condition or impose a burden on the beneficiary <strong>(TCC Art. 515).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Disinheritance:<\/strong> An heir entitled to a reserved portion may be disinherited if the statutory grounds exist <strong>(TCC Art. 510).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Establishing a Foundation:<\/strong> The intention to establish a foundation may also be expressed by a disposition upon death (TCC Art. 102).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recognition of a Child:<\/strong> A father may recognise a child by an official deed or by will <strong>(TCC Art. 295).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Wishes regarding the burial place or the funeral may also be expressed in a will in Turkey.<\/strong> However, since these wishes do not constitute a gift of property, they are not separately regulated among the types of dispositions upon death in the Turkish Civil Code, and<strong> in practice their fulfilment depends largely on the attitude of the heirs and relatives.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_What_Are_the_Reserved_Portions_Forced_Heirship_Shares_in_Turkey\">4. What Are the Reserved Portions (Forced Heirship Shares) in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p>A will in Turkey cannot infringe<strong> the statutory portion of the legal inheritance share reserved for forced heirs:<\/strong> <strong>one half<\/strong> of the statutory share for descendants, <strong>one quarter<\/strong> for each parent, and for the surviving spouse <strong>either the whole or three quarters of the statutory share<\/strong> depending on the class of heirs with whom the spouse inherits <strong>(TCC Art. 506).<\/strong> However, an important point to consider when drafting a will in Turkey is the protection of the rights of statutory heirs entitled to a reserved portion of the estate. <strong>The legally protected shares of such heirs (such as descendants or a spouse) cannot be restricted, even by a will.<\/strong> Since an adopted child and their descendants inherit from the adoptive parent like blood relatives, <strong>they are among the descendants of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/family-law\/adoption-in-turkey\/\">adoptive parent<\/a> entitled to a reserved portion (TCC Art. 500).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>If a will infringes upon these reserved shares, the affected heirs may file a <em>reduction action<\/em> to claim their rights before the Turkish courts (TCC Art. 560).<\/strong> The right to file a reduction action <strong>lapses<\/strong> <strong>one year<\/strong> after the heir learns that their reserved portion has been infringed and in any case <strong>ten years<\/strong> after the opening of the will;<strong> the reduction claim can, however, always be raised as a defence (TCC Art. 571).<\/strong> The testator may freely dispose of the part of the estate outside the reserved portions, known as the disposable portion <strong>(TCC Art. 505).<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5_Is_Disinheritance_Possible_by_Will_in_Turkey\">5. Is Disinheritance Possible by Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A testator in Turkey may disinherit an heir entitled to a reserved portion by will only if one of the grounds listed in the law exists and the ground is stated in the disposition (TCC Arts. 510\u2013512).<\/strong> Under the law, the grounds for disinheritance are that the heir <strong>has committed a serious crime against the testator or one of the testator&#8217;s relatives, or has substantially failed to fulfil their family law obligations towards the testator or the testator&#8217;s family.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Under Turkish law, a disinherited person cannot receive a share of the estate and cannot file a reduction action.<\/strong> If the disinherited heir objects to the disinheritance, the burden of proving the ground lies with the heir or legatee who benefits from it; if the ground cannot be proven or has not been stated in the disposition, the disposition is <strong>carried out outside the heir&#8217;s reserved portion<\/strong> <strong>(TCC Art. 512).<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6_Why_Is_It_Important_to_Stay_Within_Legal_Limits_When_Drafting_a_Will_in_Turkey\">6. Why Is It Important to Stay Within Legal Limits When Drafting a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Therefore, while drafting a will in Turkey, it is essential to ensure that the disposition reflects the testator&#8217;s intentions and remains within the boundaries of the law.<\/strong> Seeking assistance from a legal expert is advisable to help prevent potential disputes in the future.<\/p>\n<p><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/evlilik-sozlesmesi-nasil-yapilir-e1735594512547.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-4368\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/evlilik-sozlesmesi-nasil-yapilir-800x260.jpg\" alt=\"legally valid will in Turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"260\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What_Are_the_Conditions_for_Drafting_a_Will_for_Individuals_Over_65_in_Turkey\">What Are the Conditions for Drafting a Will for Individuals Over 65 in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Individuals over 65 may draft a will in Turkey as long as they have the capacity to distinguish; although the law sets no separate requirement for this age group, proving the capacity to distinguish becomes more important in practice.<\/strong> According to the Turkish Civil Code (TMK), any individual with legal capacity may draft a will in Turkey. <strong>However, although the law sets no additional requirement for individuals over 65, proving the capacity to distinguish gains particular importance in practice due to age-related factors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>When drafting a will at this age in Turkey, it is crucial to meet specific criteria, particularly regarding mental competence, legal capacity, and formal requirements.<\/strong> These criteria are explained under separate headings below.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Legal_Capacity_and_Mental_Competence_Requirement\">1. Legal Capacity and Mental Competence Requirement<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Under Article 502 of the TMK, a person must be mentally competent and have reached the age of 15 to draft a last will in Turkey; being of full age is not required.<\/strong><strong> For individuals over 65, the determination of mental competence<\/strong> is critical because it directly affects the validity of the will in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"11_How_Is_Mental_Competence_Determined\">1.1. How Is Mental Competence Determined?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>As individuals age, their cognitive abilities may decline due to conditions such as Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia.<\/strong> If there is a lack of mental competence, the will may later be contested and declared invalid before the Turkish courts. To prevent such disputes, <strong>individuals over 65<\/strong> should consider the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opt for an Official Will:<\/strong> Since a notary evaluates the testator\u2019s<strong> mental competence<\/strong>, <strong>official wills are less likely to be contested.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Obtain a Medical Report:<\/strong> To prevent future legal conflicts among heirs, <strong>obtaining a medical report at the time of drafting the will is advisable<\/strong>. This report can serve as strong evidence if the testator\u2019s mental capacity is later questioned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In its decision <strong>E. 2022\/5792, K. 2022\/6390, dated 31.10.2022<\/strong>, <strong>the 7th Civil Chamber of the Turkish Court of Cassation<\/strong> held that, in a lawsuit seeking annulment of a notarised will for lack of capacity, the court must <strong>investigate whether the testator received treatment before and after the will, obtain all doctor&#8217;s reports, patient observation records and imaging, and then obtain a report from the Forensic Medicine Institute on whether the testator had legal capacity on the date the will was drafted<\/strong>. The judgment given without this investigation was reversed for <strong>incomplete examination<\/strong>; <strong>medical records<\/strong> for the date of drafting are therefore directly decisive in determining capacity in an annulment lawsuit.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"12_Is_a_Medical_Report_Mandatory_for_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1.2. Is a Medical Report Mandatory for a Will in Turkey?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>The Turkish Civil Code contains no provision making a medical report mandatory for drafting a will; what the law requires is that the testator has the capacity to distinguish at the time of drafting.<\/strong> Nevertheless, since Article 72 of the Notaries Law obliges the notary to fully ascertain the capacity of the persons for whom they act, <strong>notaries may in practice request a medical report before the transaction from elderly persons or persons whose health condition raises doubts.<\/strong> A report obtained close to the date of drafting and stating that <strong>the person is competent to perform legal transactions<\/strong> considerably facilitates proof of capacity in any annulment lawsuit that may be filed later in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"13_Is_a_Will_Valid_if_Legal_Capacity_Has_Been_Lost\">1.3. Is a Will Valid if Legal Capacity Has Been Lost?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>If an individual lacks legal capacity or mental competence at the time of drafting the will in Turkey<\/strong>, the document will be invalid. If a person diagnosed with dementia signs a testament in Turkey and <strong>medical records indicate a lack of competence<\/strong>, the will can be annulled by a court. A court order placing the testator under guardianship does not, however, automatically invalidate a will; what matters is whether the testator had the capacity to distinguish at the time of drafting (TCC Arts. 16, 502).<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Formal_Requirements_and_Legal_Safeguards\">2. Formal Requirements and Legal Safeguards<\/h3>\n<p><strong>To ensure the validity of the will for individuals over 65, it is crucial to strictly follow the legal formalities outlined in the TMK.<\/strong> The type of will chosen directly determines the protection provided against later objections concerning the capacity to distinguish and the authenticity of the signature before the Turkish courts.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"21_Official_Will_Most_Reliable_Option\">2.1. Official Will (Most Reliable Option)<\/h4>\n<p><strong>An official will in Turkey is prepared in the presence of a notary, justice of the peace, or an authorized officer, along with two witnesses (TMK Article 532), and is the most secure method for individuals over 65.<\/strong> The reasons are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Assessment of Competence:<\/strong> A notary confirms the testator\u2019s <strong>mental competence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Witness Safeguard:<\/strong> The will is witnessed, <strong>reducing the risk of future disputes.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Official Record:<\/strong> Since the original is kept by the official who drafted it (TCC Art. 537), the risk of <strong>loss or forgery<\/strong> is minimised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"22_Handwritten_Will_and_Associated_Risks\">2.2. Handwritten Will and Associated Risks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>A handwritten will in Turkey is written entirely by the testator and signed (TMK Article 538).<\/strong> However, for individuals over 65, handwritten wills pose certain risks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mental competence may be questioned.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Forgery or manipulation claims may arise.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Omissions or errors in the date can lead to invalidation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To minimize risks; <strong>the last will and testament in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>should be signed in the presence of witnesses<\/strong> and <strong>a medical report<\/strong> confirming the testator\u2019s competence should be obtained. In this way, both the authenticity of the signature and the capacity to distinguish at the time of drafting become provable.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"23_Oral_Will_for_Individuals_Over_65_Exceptional_Cases_Only\">2.3. Oral Will for Individuals Over 65 (Exceptional Cases Only)<\/h4>\n<p><strong>An oral will is only possible in extraordinary circumstances (for example, serious illness or natural disasters) (Turkish Civil Code, Article 539).<\/strong><strong> It is quite difficult for individuals over the age of 65 to have an oral will accepted<\/strong>, as the witnesses are required to later apply to the court to have it written down.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_How_Can_the_Risk_of_Invalidation_and_Legal_Challenges_Be_Reduced\">3. How Can the Risk of Invalidation and Legal Challenges Be Reduced?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>To reduce the risk of cancellation or legal disputes, individuals over 65 in Turkey can take four steps consisting of an official will, a medical report, witnesses and legal assistance.<\/strong> These steps are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Choice of Type:<\/strong> Prefer an official will prepared by a notary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medical Report:<\/strong> Obtain a medical report confirming mental competence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Witnesses or Notary:<\/strong> Ensure the will is witnessed and properly documented.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal Assistance:<\/strong> If necessary, seek assistance from a lawyer to avoid legal pitfalls.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Individuals aged 65 and over<\/strong> <strong>can draft a will in Turkey as long as they maintain their legal capacity.<\/strong> However, with aging, cognitive abilities may become questionable, which increases <strong>the risk of their wills being annulled<\/strong>. Therefore, <strong>for individuals over 65, drafting an official will in Turkey<\/strong>, <strong>obtaining a health report, and having the procedure carried out in the presence of a notary are the most effective methods to ensure a valid and irreversible will.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Additionally, for individuals aged 65 and over, it is important to obtain a health report when carrying out transactions through a power of attorney<\/strong>, as this helps prevent the potential misuse of the power of attorney, which could lead heirs to file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/title-deed-cancellation-and-registration-lawsuit\/\"><strong>property cancellation lawsuits.<\/strong><\/a> A report obtained at the time of the transaction serves as evidence of the principal&#8217;s capacity in any such dispute in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What_Documents_Are_Required_for_Drafting_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">What Documents Are Required for Drafting a Will at a Notary in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>To draft a will at a notary in Turkey, an identity document, a medical report where necessary, the text of or instructions for the will, documents concerning the assets to be bequeathed and two witnesses are required.<\/strong> <strong>A will and testament is a unilateral legal transaction that determines how an individual&#8217;s assets will be distributed after their death.<\/strong> According to the Turkish Civil Code (TMK), certain formal requirements must be met for a will to be valid.<\/p>\n<p>The most secure and legally binding type of will is the <strong>official will<\/strong>, which is drafted before a notary. The testator must present <strong>the necessary documents to the notary in order to draft a will in Turkey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Which_Documents_Are_Requested_for_Drafting_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">1. Which Documents Are Requested for Drafting a Will at a Notary in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p>Individuals who wish to <strong>draft a will at a notary in Turkey<\/strong> are required to submit the following documents. Preparing the documents completely allows the transaction to be completed in a single visit.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"11_Identity_Document\">1.1. Identity Document<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Valid Identity Document:<\/strong> <strong>A valid identity card, passport, or driver\u2019s license<\/strong> must be provided.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identification Number:<\/strong> The identity document must include the <strong>Turkish Republic identification number<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Invalid Identity Document:<\/strong> <strong>If the identity document is not valid<\/strong>, the notary may refuse to process the transaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"12_Medical_Report_If_Required\">1.2. Medical Report (If Required)<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Notary&#8217;s Assessment:<\/strong> The notary is responsible for assessing whether the <strong>testator has mental competence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Who May Be Asked for a Report:<\/strong> Individuals over 65 years old or those with serious health issues may be required to obtain <strong>a medical report from a fully equipped hospital<\/strong> to avoid potential annulment lawsuits in the future.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Content of the Report:<\/strong> The medical report must explicitly state: <strong>&#8220;Legally competent to perform legal transactions.&#8221;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"13_Will_Text_or_Instructions\">1.3. Will Text or Instructions<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Draft or Oral Declaration:<\/strong> The testator may submit a written draft or <strong>request the drafting of a will<\/strong> by making an oral declaration in the presence of a notary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identity Details:<\/strong> The assets to be bequeathed and the <strong>identity details<\/strong> of the heirs must be specified.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Details of the Assets:<\/strong> If specific immovable or movable properties are being bequeathed, <strong>their details<\/strong> should be clarified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"14_Title_Deed_Vehicle_Registration_and_Bank_Statements_If_Necessary\">1.4. Title Deed, Vehicle Registration, and Bank Statements (If Necessary)<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Immovable Property:<\/strong> If an <strong>immovable property (such as a house or land)<\/strong> is to be included in the will, the <strong>title deed<\/strong> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/title-search-process-in-turkey\/\"><strong>land registry record<\/strong><\/a> of the relevant property is required. If the property does not have a title deed or has an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/ottoman-title-deed\/\"><strong>Ottoman title deed<\/strong><\/a>, documents proving the existence of the immovable property must be submitted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vehicles:<\/strong> If <strong>vehicles<\/strong> are being bequeathed, vehicle registration documents must be submitted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bank Accounts:<\/strong> If bank accounts are to be included, the relevant <strong>account information<\/strong> must be declared before the notary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"15_Are_Witnesses_Required_for_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">1.5. Are Witnesses Required for a Will at a Notary in Turkey?<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Two Witnesses:<\/strong> According to the Turkish Civil Code, an official will must be drafted in the presence of <strong>two witnesses<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impartiality:<\/strong> Witnesses cannot be chosen from among the testator&#8217;s spouse, direct ancestors and descendants, siblings and the spouses of these persons, and <strong>no gift may be made<\/strong> by the will to the witnesses or their relatives (TCC Art. 536).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Witnesses&#8217; Identity:<\/strong> Witnesses must submit their identity documents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2_How_Does_the_Process_of_Drafting_a_Will_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey_Work\">2. How Does the Process of Drafting a Will at a Notary in Turkey Work?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The process of drafting a will at a notary in Turkey begins with an identity check and ends with the will being kept by the notary and reported to the Civil Registry Office.<\/strong> The process consists of the following steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Identity Check:<\/strong> The notary verifies the identity of the testator.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assessment of Competence:<\/strong> The notary assesses whether the testator has mental competence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Statement of Wishes:<\/strong> The testator states their wishes regarding the distribution of assets, either verbally or in writing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drafting:<\/strong> The notary drafts the will in accordance with legal requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reading, Signature and Declaration Before Witnesses:<\/strong> The testator reads and signs the will and the notary dates and signs it; the testator then declares before two witnesses that it contains their last wishes, and the witnesses sign the will (TCC Arts. 533\u2013534).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recording:<\/strong> The notary records and certifies the will.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Safekeeping and Notification:<\/strong> A copy of the will is kept by the notary and reported to the Civil Registry Office.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"3_How_Much_Does_a_Will_Cost_at_a_Notary_in_Turkey\">3. How Much Does a Will Cost at a Notary in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The cost of a will at a notary in Turkey is not a fixed amount; under Article 112 of the Notaries Law, the fees for drafting a will are set by the Notary Fee Tariff issued by the Ministry of Justice after obtaining the opinion of the Union of Turkish Notaries.<\/strong> Since amendments to the tariff take effect from the beginning of each calendar year, the amount for the year of the transaction applies, and <strong>the exact amount should be obtained in advance from the notary where the transaction will be carried out.<\/strong> Since the same article also leaves the fee for safekeeping deposits to the tariff, depositing a handwritten will with a notary for safekeeping is subject to a separate fee.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If the will is prepared with the assistance of a lawyer, the attorney&#8217;s fee arises separately from the notary fee.<\/strong> If a medical report is required, the fee of the health institution issuing the report is also added to the total cost in Turkey.<\/p>\n<p>Individuals who wish to <strong>draft a will at a notary in Turkey<\/strong> must present their identification document, a health report (if necessary), information about the contents of the will, and documents related to the relevant assets. <strong>An official will and testament in Turkey, prepared in the presence of a notary and two witnesses, is the safest type of will.<\/strong> A <strong>notarized will<\/strong> that complies with the formal requirements is the type of will with the lowest likelihood of being revoked.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83d\udccb DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Document<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">When Required<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Explanation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83e\udeaa Identity document<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Always<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Identity card, passport or driver&#8217;s licence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfe5 Medical report<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Where necessary<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">\u201cLegally competent to perform legal transactions\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdc Will text or instructions<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Always<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Written draft or oral declaration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfe0 Title deed, registration, account details<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">If the relevant asset is bequeathed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">To identify the asset<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udc65 Two witnesses and their identity documents<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Always<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Persons not subject to the witness prohibition (TCC Art. 536)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"Revocation_Completion_and_Modification_of_a_Testament_in_Turkey\">Revocation, Completion, and Modification of a Testament in Turkey<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Since a testament in Turkey is established through a unilateral declaration of intent, the testator may change, complete or revoke their will at any time.<\/strong> This possibility is one of the most important features distinguishing a will from contracts and allows the testator to update their last wishes during their lifetime without being bound to anyone.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_How_Is_a_Will_Modified_or_Completed_in_Turkey\">1. How Is a Will Modified or Completed in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The testator may make any modifications to the will until it is finalized; a last will in Turkey is considered completed once the testator signs the document.<\/strong> After completion, <strong>any handwritten changes must be accompanied by a date and signature<\/strong> and must be consistent with the entire will.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_How_Is_a_Will_Revoked_in_Turkey\">2. How Is a Will Revoked in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Additionally, a testament in Turkey may be revoked by the testator at any time.<\/strong> The testator may create a new will, thereby nullifying or destroying the previous one. The methods of revocation are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Revocation by a New Will:<\/strong> If the testator fully replaces their previous will, the new will should explicitly state that <strong>the previous will is entirely void<\/strong>. Otherwise, the texts of both wills will be compared to determine whether an implicit revocation has occurred.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Destruction of the Will:<\/strong> The testator may also revoke the will by destroying it, for example by tearing or burning it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Subsequent Disposition:<\/strong> Transactions inconsistent with the earlier disposition, such as the testator selling or donating an asset after bequeathing it, also result in revocation of the bequest with respect to that asset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The revocation of a will in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>does not necessarily have to follow the same form as the original will.<\/strong> A formal (notarized) will can be revoked through a handwritten will.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83d\udd04 AMENDING AND REVOKING A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Action<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">How It Is Done<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Point to Note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u270f\ufe0f Modification \/ completion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Date and signature added under the change<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Must be consistent with the entire will<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdc Revocation by a new will<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">New will in one of the statutory forms<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Revocation of the previous will should be stated expressly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\uddd1\ufe0f Destruction<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Physical destruction of the will<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">The original of an official will kept by the notary is assessed separately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u2696\ufe0f Form<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Not bound to the form of the first will<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">An official will can be revoked by a handwritten will<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"How_Long_Is_a_Will_Valid_in_Turkey\">How Long Is a Will Valid in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Official and handwritten wills in Turkey have no statutory period of validity; unless revoked by the testator or annulled, they remain valid no matter how many years have passed since they were drafted.<\/strong> Since a will takes effect upon the testator&#8217;s death, a long period between the date of drafting and the date of death does not affect its validity. <strong>However, developments during this period, such as the sale of the bequeathed asset or the testator making a new will, may render the relevant provisions of the will ineffective.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The position is different for an oral will.<strong> An oral will becomes automatically void one month after the testator becomes able to use the other forms of will.<\/strong> The time limits for annulment and execution lawsuits that run after the opening of the will are not periods of validity of the will, but <strong>periods within which these lawsuits may be filed before the Turkish courts.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\u23f3 PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%; padding: 10px; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"display: flex; gap: 8px; width: 100%; min-width: 720px; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 0; padding: 10px; box-sizing: border-box; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45;\">\n<div style=\"color: #8b3516; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 7px;\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f OFFICIAL WILL<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 4px;\">No time limit<\/div>\n<div>Valid until revoked or annulled.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 0; padding: 10px; box-sizing: border-box; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45;\">\n<div style=\"color: #8b3516; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 7px;\">\u270d\ufe0f HANDWRITTEN WILL<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 4px;\">No time limit<\/div>\n<div>Valid until revoked or annulled.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 0; padding: 10px; box-sizing: border-box; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45;\">\n<div style=\"color: #8b3516; font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 7px;\">\u26a0\ufe0f ORAL WILL<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 4px;\">1-month period<\/div>\n<div>Valid for 1 month after another form becomes possible.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/distribution-of-inheritance-scaled-e1739046123104.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-3223\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/distribution-of-inheritance-800x190.jpg\" alt=\"execution of a will in turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"190\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"When_Is_a_Last_Will_and_Testament_Invalid_in_Turkey\">When Is a Last Will and Testament Invalid in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>A last will and testament in Turkey is invalid in cases of nonexistence, absolute nullity, automatic invalidity by law arising after the will was made, or where one of the grounds for annulment exists.<\/strong> When examining inheritance provisions, it is observed that two types of invalidity apply to testamentary dispositions: <strong>annulment and automatic invalidity by law<\/strong>. Although less common, a last will and testament in Turkey may also be null and void due to <strong>absolute nullity or nonexistence<\/strong>; in such cases, the will does not produce any legal effect from the outset.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Nonexistence\">1. Nonexistence<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If the testator lacks the intent to create a will in Turkey, a fundamental element of the process is missing.<\/strong> For example, if a third party drafts the will on behalf of the testator or if the testator later renounces making a will in Turkey, the will is considered nonexistent. <strong>In such cases, a declaratory lawsuit can be filed to determine the situation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Absolute_Nullity\">2. Absolute Nullity<\/h3>\n<p><strong>In cases where no result is achieved despite all possible interpretative methods being applied to the content of the will, where the testator completely disregards the formal requirements, or where the content of the disposition is impossible to fulfill, the will is deemed absolutely void.<\/strong> Absolute nullity means that the will produces no effect at all from the outset under Turkish law.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_Automatic_Invalidity_by_Law\">3. Automatic Invalidity by Law<\/h3>\n<p><strong>A last will and testament in Turkey is valid at the moment it is made. However, it may later become invalid due to legal reasons.<\/strong> For example, if the testator later revokes the will through a subsequent legal action, if a suspensive condition has not occurred, or if the basis of the transaction is removed, <strong>these reasons can invalidate the will.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Under Turkish law, the testator&#8217;s divorce from a spouse who benefits under the will also has this effect;<\/strong> unless the disposition shows otherwise, divorced spouses cannot claim rights granted to them <strong>by dispositions upon death made before the divorce<\/strong> (TCC Art. 181\/2). <strong>The same rule applies if one of the spouses dies while the<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/family-law\/divorce-in-turkey\/\"><strong>divorce case<\/strong><\/a> <strong>is pending, one of the heirs continues the case and the fault of the defendant spouse is proven.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_In_Which_Cases_Can_a_Lawsuit_Be_Filed_for_the_Annulment_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">4. In Which Cases Can a Lawsuit Be Filed for the Annulment of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Under Article 557 of the Turkish Civil Code, a lawsuit for the annulment of a will in Turkey can be filed in cases of lack of capacity, defect of intent, content contrary to law or morality, and lack of form.<\/strong> If a will in Turkey is made for any of the following reasons, a lawsuit can be filed for its annulment:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>If the testator lacks the capacity to distinguish<\/strong> (e.g., if the testator has a mental illness when the will is made).<\/li>\n<li><strong>If the formal requirements are not followed<\/strong> (e.g., a will written on a computer is invalid).<\/li>\n<li><strong>If it was made as a result of mistake, fraud, threat or coercion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If its content, or the conditions or burdens attached to it, are contrary to law or morality<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Infringement of the heirs&#8217; reserved shares, on the other hand, is not a ground for annulment under Turkish law; <strong>in that case the forced heirs may sue for the reduction of the part of the disposition exceeding the disposable portion (TCC Art. 560).<\/strong> Where a will is destroyed by accident or through the fault of a third party and its content cannot be established exactly and completely, the will <strong>becomes void<\/strong> <strong>without the need for an annulment lawsuit<\/strong>; the right to claim compensation is reserved <strong>(TCC Art. 543).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Where one of these grounds for annulment exists, the heirs or relevant parties can file <strong>a lawsuit for the annulment of the will in Turkey<\/strong>. The types of invalidity and their consequences are summarised in the table below:<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\u2696\ufe0f GROUNDS OF INVALIDITY OF A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Type of Invalidity<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Example<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Consequence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u274c Nonexistence<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Will drafted by a third party<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Declaratory lawsuit can be filed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u26a0\ufe0f Absolute nullity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Content that cannot be interpreted or is impossible<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">No effect from the outset<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u23f3 Automatic invalidity by law<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Revocation, non-occurrence of a suspensive condition<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">The will becomes invalid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u2696\ufe0f Voidability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Incapacity, lack of form, defect of intent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Set aside by an annulment lawsuit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Are_the_Legal_Requirements_for_the_Validity_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Are the Legal Requirements for the Validity of a Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Three essential conditions must be met for a last will and testament in Turkey to be valid: the testator&#8217;s capacity, drafting in a valid form, and compliance of the content with the law and morality.<\/strong> These conditions are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>The testator\u2019s capacity (legal capacity requirement)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The will must be drafted in a valid manner (formal requirements)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The will must comply with the law and morality (content requirements)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If these conditions are not fulfilled, the will <strong>may be annulled or considered void<\/strong> under Turkish law. Each condition is explained under a separate heading below.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Testamentary_Capacity_Condition_of_Legal_Capacity\">1. Testamentary Capacity (Condition of Legal Capacity)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>To be able to draft a will in Turkey, legal capacity requirements consisting of age, capacity to distinguish and, where necessary, a supporting health report must be met.<\/strong> These requirements are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Age Requirement:<\/strong> The testator must be <strong>at least 15 years old<\/strong> (Turkish Civil Code, Article 502).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capacity to Distinguish:<\/strong> The testator <strong>must be of sound mind and capable of making conscious decisions<\/strong>. Wills made by individuals with mental illness, dementia, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be considered invalid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health Report (If Necessary):<\/strong> A health report is recommended, especially for <strong>individuals aged 65 and over<\/strong> or <strong>those who are claimed to have mental health issues<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If a person loses their capacity to distinguish while making a will, the last will and testament in Turkey will not meet <strong>the validity conditions<\/strong> and <strong>may be legally invalid.<\/strong> Since capacity is assessed as of the moment of drafting, <strong>documenting the testator&#8217;s state of health<\/strong> on the date the will is made becomes decisive in any later dispute.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"11_Minimum_Age_to_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey_At_What_Age_Can_You_Make_a_Will\">1.1. Minimum Age to Make a Will in Turkey: At What Age Can You Make a Will?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Under Article 502 of the Turkish Civil Code, a will can be made by anyone who has the capacity to distinguish and has reached the age of 15; the law sets no upper age limit.<\/strong> A will made by a person under the age of 15 is invalid <strong>for lack of testamentary capacity<\/strong>, even if the person has the capacity to distinguish. Since being of full age is not required for testamentary capacity, persons between the ages of 15 and 18 can also<strong> make a will without needing the consent of their legal representatives.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"12_Can_a_Person_Under_Guardianship_Make_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1.2. Can a Person Under Guardianship Make a Will in Turkey?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>A person under guardianship in Turkey can make a will if they have the capacity to distinguish at the time of drafting; the consent of the guardian or the guardianship authority is not required (TCC Arts. 16, 502).<\/strong> The conditions required by law for testamentary capacity are the capacity to distinguish and having reached the age of 15;<strong> a guardianship order alone does not remove testamentary capacity.<\/strong> However, since whether persons placed under guardianship due to mental illness or mental weakness<strong> had the capacity to distinguish at the time of drafting<\/strong> is frequently disputed in annulment lawsuits, <strong>documenting this with a medical report<\/strong> is important.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Formal_Requirements_for_a_Will_Execution_Formalities\">2. Formal Requirements for a Will (Execution Formalities)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>For a will to be legally valid in Turkey, it must comply with certain formal requirements of Turkish Law; according to the Turkish Civil Code, a will can be executed in three ways.<\/strong> The main elements required for each form are:<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"21_Official_Notarized_Will_in_Turkey\">2.1. Official (Notarized) Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Authority:<\/strong> Executed before a notary public (TCC Art. 532).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Witnesses:<\/strong> Must be signed in the presence of two witnesses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Safeguard:<\/strong> Recorded and archived by the notary, minimizing the risk of loss or forgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"22_Handwritten_Will_in_Turkey\">2.2. Handwritten Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Handwriting and Signature:<\/strong> Must be entirely handwritten and signed by the testator (TCC Art. 538).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Date:<\/strong> Must include a clear date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Invalid Methods:<\/strong> Computer-typed or typewritten wills are invalid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"23_Oral_Will_Exceptional_Cases_Only\">2.3. Oral Will (Exceptional Cases Only)<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Extraordinary Circumstances:<\/strong> Only valid in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., war, natural disaster, life-threatening situations) (TCC Art. 539).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Witnesses and Court:<\/strong> Must be made orally in the presence of two witnesses, who must then document and submit it to a court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Failure to comply with <strong>formal requirements<\/strong> may lead to the annulment of the will due to procedural invalidity under Turkish law. The specific requirements of the chosen type must therefore be fully met at the time of drafting.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_Substantive_Requirements_Legal_and_Ethical_Compliance\">3. Substantive Requirements (Legal and Ethical Compliance)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The content of a will in Turkey must comply with legal and ethical standards.<\/strong> The Turkish Civil Code outlines the following requirements:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Must not violate the law or public morals:<\/strong> Clauses that contradict legal or <strong>public order<\/strong> are invalid. For example a testator cannot impose <strong>a condition requiring an heir to marry<\/strong> a specific person.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Must not infringe upon the reserved shares of heirs:<\/strong> Under the TCC, certain heirs (spouse, children, parents) are protected and entitled to a <strong>reserved share<\/strong>. If a will violates reserved shares, heirs may file a <strong>reduction lawsuit (tenkis davas\u0131)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assets must be explicitly specified:<\/strong> <strong>Vague or contradictory statements<\/strong> may complicate the execution of the will.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Beneficiaries must be clearly identified:<\/strong> Instead of broad statements like <strong>&#8220;I leave my entire estate to charity,&#8221;<\/strong> the will should name specific institutions or individuals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Provisions that contradict these substantive requirements may be deemed invalid or challenged in court.<\/strong> As a rule, the invalidity of one provision does not affect the other provisions of the will; however, if the invalid provision is linked to the will as a whole, the consequence is assessed separately by the Turkish courts.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"31_Can_a_Will_Be_Made_Subject_to_a_Condition_in_Turkey\">3.1. Can a Will Be Made Subject to a Condition in Turkey?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>A testator in Turkey may make the dispositions in a will subject to a condition or impose a burden on the beneficiary (TCC Art. 515).<\/strong> For example, it is possible to leave an immovable property on condition that the beneficiary completes a certain education, or to bequeath an asset with the burden that part of its income be paid to a charity. However, <strong>under TCC Art. 515, conditions and burdens contrary to law or morality<\/strong> <strong>render invalid<\/strong> the disposition to which they relate, and this is <strong>a ground for annulment under TCC Art. 557;<\/strong> conditions and burdens that are meaningless or merely annoying to others are <strong>disregarded<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_Summary_of_the_Validity_Requirements_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">4. Summary of the Validity Requirements of a Will in Turkey<\/h3>\n<p>A last will and testament in Turkey is a legally binding document, and heirs and related individuals are required to comply with it. If the will is not honored, <strong>creditors of the will can resort to legal action by applying to the court to enforce it or initiate a lawsuit<\/strong>; additionally, intentionally failing to execute the will can result in legal and criminal liability for the heirs. Therefore, <strong>if the heirs do not fulfill the will, creditors of the will can initiate legal proceedings to claim their rights.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For a will to be valid in Turkey, <strong>the conditions for the validity of the will<\/strong> must be met. <strong>The validity of the will is crucial to prevent potential inheritance disputes in the future.<\/strong> Therefore, it is recommended to prepare an official will and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/online-legal-services\/\"><strong>seek legal advice in Turkey.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Wills that do not meet the validity requirements may be annulled or deemed void.<\/strong> For this reason, it is of great importance that the will is prepared in line with the law and recorded with the official authorities in Turkey.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\u2696\ufe0f VALIDITY REQUIREMENTS OF A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 650px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Validity Requirement<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Content<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Legal Basis<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udc64 Capacity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Reaching the age of 15 and capacity to distinguish<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">TCC Art. 502<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdc Form<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official, handwritten or oral will form<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">TCC Arts. 532, 538, 539<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udccb Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Compliance with law, morality and reserved shares; clear identification of assets and persons<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">TCC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/inheritance-in-turkey-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-3265\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/inheritance-in-turkey-800x207.jpg\" alt=\"drafting a will in Turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"207\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What_Are_the_Reasons_for_Cancellation_of_a_Last_Will_and_Testament_in_Turkey\">What Are the Reasons for Cancellation of a Last Will and Testament in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>The reasons for the cancellation of a will in Turkey are stated in Article 557 of the Civil Code in four points: incapacity, disturbance of will, contradiction to law and morality, and lack of form.<\/strong> The existence of one of these grounds does not make the will disappear automatically; the will is set aside as a result of a cancellation lawsuit.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Incapacity\">1. Incapacity<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The person who makes the will must have the ability to distinguish and be at least 15 years old.<\/strong> A will made by a person who does not meet these conditions can be cancelled on the ground of incapacity under Turkish law.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Disturbance_of_Will\">2. Disturbance of Will<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Wills made under the influence of mistake, deceit, fear, or coercion are invalid.<\/strong> In the case of a disturbance of will, the will is subject to a<strong> cancellation lawsuit<\/strong> before the Turkish courts because it does not reflect the testator&#8217;s true intent.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_Contradiction_to_Law_and_Morality\">3. Contradiction to Law and Morality<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If the content of a will or the conditions and stipulations attached to the disposition are contrary to law and morality, the will is invalid.<\/strong> In assessing the contradiction to law and morality, the <strong>legal and moral rules<\/strong> at the time the disposition was made are taken into account by the Turkish courts.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_Lack_of_Form\">4. Lack of Form<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If the will does not meet the formal requirements stipulated in the law, this is a reason for cancellation.<\/strong> The lack of form is generally found in handwritten wills in Turkish practice.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"How_Is_a_Will_Opened_in_Turkey\">How Is a Will Opened in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>After the testator&#8217;s death, a will in Turkey is delivered to the civil court of peace regardless of whether it is valid, and is opened and read to the interested parties by the judge of the civil court of peace within one month of delivery (TCC Arts. 595\u2013596).<\/strong> The official who drafted or kept the will, and any person who kept or found it, <strong>must deliver the will to the judge of the civil court of peace<\/strong> as soon as they learn of the death. Under Turkish law, the known heirs and interested parties are summoned to the opening, and a certified copy of the parts of the will concerning them <strong>is served on those entitled under the inheritance (TCC Art. 597).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The opening of the will is not a decision on its validity.<\/strong> At the opening stage, the judge does not examine whether the will is valid; <strong>objections concerning validity are raised in an annulment lawsuit.<\/strong> Nevertheless, <strong>the opening of the will and its service on the interested parties<\/strong> are decisive for the start of the time limits for the annulment and execution lawsuits in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_How_Is_the_Inheritance_Divided_if_There_Is_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. How Is the Inheritance Divided if There Is a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If there is a will in Turkey, the inheritance is divided after the opening of the will by taking into account both the dispositions in the will and the reserved portions of the statutory heirs.<\/strong> Under TCC Art. 598, <strong>unless the heirs or other beneficiaries object to the appointment of an heir or to the bequest within one month of its notification to them, the civil court of peace issues the beneficiary a certificate showing that they are an appointed heir or a legatee.<\/strong> Legatees who have been left a specific asset, on the other hand, are not heirs under Turkish law; they request the transfer of the bequeathed asset from the heirs, and<strong> if it is not transferred, a lawsuit for the execution of the will is filed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The part of the estate not covered by the will is divided according to the rules of statutory inheritance under Turkish law.<\/strong> If the will infringes the reserved portions, the division is brought into line with the reserved portions as a result of a<strong> reduction action<\/strong> filed by the forced heirs.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Can_Heirs_Object_to_a_Will_in_Turkey\">2. Can Heirs Object to a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>After the opening of the will, heirs in Turkey can object to the issuance of a certificate of inheritance to the appointed heirs and can file an annulment lawsuit to assert the invalidity of the will.<\/strong> This objection is made <strong>within one month<\/strong> <strong>of the disposition being notified to the objector and prevents the certificate from being issued to the appointed heirs;<\/strong> however, since under TCC Art. 598 the right to sue for annulment of the disposition is reserved, the objection <strong>does not set the will aside before the Turkish courts.<\/strong> For the will to cease to have effect, <strong>an annulment lawsuit must be filed<\/strong> in time on one of the statutory grounds for annulment, or <strong>a reduction action must be filed<\/strong> in the case of infringement of the reserved portion.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83d\udcdc THE PROCESS OF OPENING AND IMPLEMENTING A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 680px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Stage<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Authority<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Result<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udce5 Delivery of the will<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Civil court of peace<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Duty to deliver as soon as the death is known<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcd6 Opening and reading<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Judge of the civil court of peace<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Opened within one month of delivery; validity not examined<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udce8 Service<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Civil court of peace<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">A copy is served on the beneficiaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcc4 Certificate for appointed heirs<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Civil court of peace<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Issued if no objection is raised within one month of notification (TCC Art. 598)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u2696\ufe0f Annulment \/ reduction<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Civil court of first instance<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 8px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Invalidity or reduction of the will<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Happens_if_a_Will_Is_Not_Executed_in_Turkey\">What Happens if a Will Is Not Executed in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>If a valid will is not executed in Turkey, the beneficiaries can apply to the court for the execution of the will, start enforcement proceedings and, where the conditions are met, claim compensation; a person who conceals or destroys the will may also face criminal liability.<\/strong> According to the Turkish Civil Code (TMK), when a valid will is made, heirs and other related persons <strong>are obliged to act in accordance with this will.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, in some cases, if the will is not executed, it is considered to be violated by the heirs. In such cases, legal sanctions come into play, and various legal ways are available <strong>for the execution of the will<\/strong> in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_In_Which_Cases_Is_a_Will_Not_Executed_in_Turkey\">1. In Which Cases Is a Will Not Executed in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The non-execution of the will in Turkey may occur where heirs do not comply with the will, the will is concealed, the process is delayed by an annulment lawsuit, or the beneficiaries do not claim their rights.<\/strong> These cases are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Heirs or relevant persons do not comply with the will:<\/strong> Heirs may not wish to fulfill the content of the will. The property bequeathed may not be transferred to the designated beneficiary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The will is hidden or concealed:<\/strong> It is possible for some heirs to deliberately hide or destroy the will.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal process for invalidating the will is initiated:<\/strong> Some heirs may file a lawsuit for the cancellation of the will, and the process may be delayed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legal actions are not taken to execute the will:<\/strong> If the beneficiaries of the will (those benefiting from the will) do not demand their rights, the will may not be implemented in practice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"2_What_Legal_Ways_Are_Available_if_the_Will_Is_Not_Executed_in_Turkey\">2. What Legal Ways Are Available if the Will Is Not Executed in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If the will is not executed in Turkey, the routes of opening and announcing the will, awaiting the outcome of the cancellation lawsuit, forced execution of the will and applying to the court are available.<\/strong> These routes are explained below in order.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"21_Opening_and_Announcing_the_Will\">2.1. Opening and Announcing the Will<\/h4>\n<p><strong>The last will and testament in Turkey must be opened by the civil court judge and communicated to the relevant parties.<\/strong> Under TMK Article 595, a will found after the testator&#8217;s death<strong> must be delivered immediately to the civil court judge<\/strong> regardless of whether it is valid; under Article 596 <strong>it is opened and read to the interested parties by the civil court judge of the testator&#8217;s domicile<\/strong> <strong>within one month<\/strong> of delivery<strong>, and under Article 597 it must be served on the persons entitled under it.<\/strong> If heirs or relevant persons <strong>do not execute the will<\/strong> despite it being opened, legal avenues are activated.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"22_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_the_Will_in_Turkey\">2.2. Lawsuit for Cancellation of the Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Heirs who do not comply with the will<\/strong> may file <strong>a lawsuit claiming that the will is invalid<\/strong>. However, this lawsuit can only be based on certain legal grounds under Turkish law:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The testator lacks the ability to distinguish<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The will was made under pressure, threat, or fraud<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The will does not meet the legal formal requirements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the court rules that the will is valid, the heirs are obliged to execute the will in Turkey. <strong>An heir who has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/disclaimer-of-inheritance\/\">rejected the inheritance<\/a><\/strong> <strong>has no right to file this lawsuit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 id=\"23_Forced_Execution_of_the_Will_Partition_and_Registration_of_the_Estate\">2.3. Forced Execution of the Will (Partition and Registration of the Estate)<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Under Article 600 of the Turkish Civil Code, a beneficiary of the will has a personal claim against the executor, if there is one, or otherwise against the statutory or appointed heirs; if the heirs refuse to comply with the will in Turkey, beneficiaries exercise this claim through the courts.<\/strong> The available routes are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Transfer with the Heirs&#8217; Consent:<\/strong> If the heirs carry out the bequest voluntarily, <strong>the real estate designated by the will can be transferred to the relevant person<\/strong> at the land registry office.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Action for Delivery or Transfer:<\/strong> If the heirs do not consent, the beneficiary may sue for the <strong>delivery<\/strong> of the bequeathed property or the <strong>transfer<\/strong> of the right; where the bequest is an act, they may claim compensation for the damage caused by its non-performance <strong>(TCC Art. 600).<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Enforcement Proceedings:<\/strong> Where the bequest is a sum of money, it can also be claimed <strong>through enforcement proceedings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"24_Applying_to_the_Court_for_Execution_of_the_Will_in_Turkey\">2.4. Applying to the Court for Execution of the Will in Turkey<\/h4>\n<p>If the heirs do not act in accordance with the will, beneficiaries of the will may file an action for <strong>execution of the will in Turkey<\/strong>, while heirs whose reserved portions are infringed may file an <strong>action for reduction<\/strong> against the will. These actions are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Action for Execution of the Will in Turkey:<\/strong> This ensures the court order that makes the execution of the will in Turkey mandatory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Action for Reduction:<\/strong> If the will violates the compulsory share of heirs (for example, children), the forced heirs can file an action for reduction <strong>(TCC Art. 560).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"3_What_Is_an_Executor_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. What Is an Executor of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>An executor of a will in Turkey is a person with full legal capacity appointed by the testator in the will and charged with ensuring that the testator&#8217;s last wishes are carried out (TCC Art. 550).<\/strong> The appointment is <strong>notified to the executor by the civil court judge<\/strong>; if non-acceptance is not reported to the judge within <strong>fifteen days<\/strong> of notification, the appointment is <strong>deemed accepted<\/strong>. Under<strong> TCC Art. 552, the executor is charged and authorised to draw up an inventory of the estate, administer it, collect its receivables and pay its debts, execute the bequests and prepare a plan for dividing the estate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Appointing an executor in the will makes it easier to carry out the will without leaving it to the will of the heirs.<\/strong> Especially where disputes among the heirs are expected or the estate is complex, such an appointment<strong> significantly reduces the risk of the will not being executed in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_What_Sanctions_Apply_for_Non-Execution_of_the_Will_in_Turkey\">4. What Sanctions Apply for Non-Execution of the Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If an heir or relevant person deliberately obstructs the execution of the will in Turkey, legal sanctions, compensation lawsuits and criminal liability may apply.<\/strong> These sanctions are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Legal Sanctions:<\/strong> The court may decide on the forced execution of the will.<strong> Heirs may be forced to transfer the bequeathed properties.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Compensation Lawsuits:<\/strong> If heirs deliberately violate the rights of the beneficiaries, <strong>lawsuits for material and moral compensation<\/strong> can be filed. A person who fails to deliver a will found after the death to the civil court judge as soon as they learn of the death is also <strong>liable for the resulting damage<\/strong> (TCC Art. 595).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Criminal Responsibility:<\/strong> <strong>Concealing, destroying, or altering<\/strong> the last will and testament in Turkey is against the law and may lead to criminal liability. Under the Turkish Penal Code, a person who damages, destroys or conceals a genuine official document faces <strong>two to five years&#8217;<\/strong> imprisonment (TPC Art. 205), and a person who does so with a genuine private document faces <strong>one to three years&#8217; imprisonment<\/strong> (TPC Art. 208).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unworthiness to Inherit:<\/strong> A person who intentionally and unlawfully destroys or invalidates a disposition upon death at a time and in circumstances where the testator can no longer make it again <strong>cannot inherit and cannot acquire any right by disposition upon death (TCC Art. 578).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>A last will and testament in Turkey is a legally binding document, and heirs and relevant individuals are required to comply with it<\/strong>. If the will is not executed, the beneficiaries of the will can <strong>approach the court using enforcement of will and legal proceedings<\/strong>. Additionally, deliberate non-execution of the will can lead to legal and criminal liability for the heirs. Therefore, <strong>if the will is not executed<\/strong>, the beneficiaries can initiate legal proceedings to claim their rights.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\u2696\ufe0f REMEDIES FOR IMPLEMENTING A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 38%; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcdc Will not opened<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 62%; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong style=\"color: #8b3516;\">Delivery to and opening by the civil court of peace<\/strong><br \/>\nNotification of interested parties<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfe0 Heir does not transfer the asset<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong style=\"color: #8b3516;\">Execution lawsuit, enforcement proceedings<\/strong><br \/>\nTransfer or registration of the asset<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong>\u2696\ufe0f Infringement of reserved portion<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong style=\"color: #8b3516;\">Reduction action<\/strong><br \/>\nReduction of the disposition<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong>\ud83d\udea8 Concealment or destruction of the will<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong style=\"color: #8b3516;\">Compensation and criminal route<\/strong><br \/>\nCivil and criminal liability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong>\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f Securing execution<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; vertical-align: middle;\"><strong style=\"color: #8b3516;\">Executor of the will (TCC Art. 550)<\/strong><br \/>\nWill carried out by the executor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a ref=\"magnificPopup\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/miras-paylasimi-e1735843841855.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-4550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/miras-paylasimi-800x218.jpg\" alt=\"wills made by foreigners\" width=\"800\" height=\"218\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What_Is_a_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Is a Lawsuit for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>A lawsuit for the cancellation of a will in Turkey is a constitutive lawsuit filed by an heir or beneficiary with an interest in setting the disposition aside, which, if accepted, removes the will retrospectively.<\/strong> A last will and testament in Turkey can only become invalid <strong>through a cancellation lawsuit<\/strong>; existing deficiencies do not automatically invalidate the disposition.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A lawsuit for the cancellation of a will in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>is a constitutive lawsuit.<\/strong> With this lawsuit, the removal of the will is requested from the court. If a decision is made, the last will will be <strong>retrospectively<\/strong> nullified. A lawsuit for the cancellation of a will can be filed by an heir or a beneficiary who has an interest in the annulment of the will in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_What_Are_the_Grounds_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. What Are the Grounds for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>According to the Turkish Civil Code, a will can be annulled on the grounds of contradiction to the law, capacity issues and coercion or deception.<\/strong> <strong>There can be various reasons for the annulment of a will in Turkey:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Contradiction to the Law:<\/strong> A will cannot be contrary to <strong>the provisions of the civil code, public order, or morality<\/strong>. If a will is made in violation of the formal conditions specified by law, it may be considered invalid in Turkey.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capacity Issues for the Cancellation of the Will:<\/strong> If the person making the will<strong> does not have the capacity to make a will, it can be a reason for annulment.<\/strong> If the testator lacks the capacity to distinguish or is under the age of 15 when making the will, the will can be annulled; being under guardianship, by contrast, is <strong>not in itself a ground for annulment<\/strong> as long as the capacity to distinguish exists (TCC Arts. 502, 557).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coercion or Deception:<\/strong> If a will is made under <strong>coercion, threat, or fraud<\/strong>, this constitutes a valid ground for the annulment of the will.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2_Which_Court_Is_Competent_for_the_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">2. Which Court Is Competent for the Lawsuit for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The lawsuit for the cancellation of a will in Turkey is heard by the Civil Court of First Instance.<\/strong> The cancellation lawsuit is filed to determine whether the will is valid or not and can be filed <strong>by the heirs or beneficiaries<\/strong>. <strong>The lawsuit for the cancellation of a will in Turkey<\/strong> is filed, under Article 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure and TCC Art. 576, <strong>at the court of the deceased&#8217;s last domicile<\/strong>; this is <strong>exclusive jurisdiction<\/strong>, so the lawsuit cannot be filed at the court of the place where the will was made.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_What_Is_the_Time_Limit_for_Filing_a_Cancellation_of_a_Will_Lawsuit_in_Turkey\">3. What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Cancellation of a Will Lawsuit in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The plaintiff must file a cancellation of a will lawsuit in Turkey within 1 year from the date they learned about the cancellation reason, the existence of the will, and their right to claim.<\/strong> This time period generally starts from the date the will is opened. Furthermore, against <strong>bona fide defendants<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/file-a-lawsuit-in-turkey\/\"><strong>the right to file a lawsuit<\/strong><\/a> expires after <strong>10 years<\/strong> from the date the will was opened, and after <strong>20 years against bad-faith defendants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Invalidity can still <strong>always be raised as a defence<\/strong> after these periods have expired <strong>(TCC Art. 559);<\/strong> an heir who did not file an annulment lawsuit in time can therefore <strong>rely on the invalidity of the will as a defence<\/strong> in the execution lawsuit brought by the beneficiary. The opening of the will, however, is not a decision on its validity; the civil court judge opens the will regardless of whether it is valid <strong>(TCC Art. 596). If the will is annulled, the provisions of the will become invalid, and the legal inheritance rules apply.<\/strong> Legal heirs can then begin the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/probate-in-turkey\/\"><strong>inheritance transfer process in Turkey.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Turkish law does not provide a one-month time limit for filing a lawsuit to annul a will.<\/strong> The <strong>one-month period often confused with it is the period within which heirs or other beneficiaries may object to a disposition appointing an heir or making a bequest, starting from the date they are notified of it;<\/strong> if no objection is made within this period, the civil court of peace issues the beneficiary a certificate showing that they are<strong> an appointed heir or a legatee<\/strong> <strong>(TCC Art. 598).<\/strong> Missing this one-month period does not take away the right to file an annulment lawsuit in Turkey; the right to sue for annulment of the disposition upon death is reserved, and <strong>the lawsuit can be filed within the periods set out in TCC Art. 559.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_What_Are_the_Possible_Outcomes_of_the_Lawsuit_for_Cancellation_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">4. What Are the Possible Outcomes of the Lawsuit for Cancellation of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>As a result of the lawsuit for the cancellation of a will in Turkey, the court may decide that the will is invalid.<\/strong> In this case, the testator\u2019s property <strong>will be divided according to the legal heirs<\/strong>. However, the lawsuit for the cancellation of the will in Turkey only affects the will, not the relationships between the heirs.<\/p>\n<p>If the court <strong>approves the annulment of the will<\/strong>, this allows the heirs or other beneficiaries to receive their legal entitlements. <strong>The lawsuit for the cancellation of a will in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>can be filed by heirs or other relevant persons and aims to render the will invalid.<\/strong> The validity of the will depends on compliance with legal regulations, formal conditions, law, and morality.<\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 760px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\u2696\ufe0f LAWSUIT FOR CANCELLATION OF A WILL IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 31%; padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83d\udc64 Plaintiff<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Heir or beneficiary with an interest in the annulment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83d\udcdc Nature of the lawsuit<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Constitutive lawsuit; the will is removed retrospectively<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Competent court and venue<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Civil court of first instance; deceased&#8217;s last domicile (exclusive)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; font-weight: 800;\">\u23f1\ufe0f Time limit<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">1 year from knowledge; 10 years against bona fide and 20 years against bad-faith defendants from opening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; background: #f6ede9; font-weight: 800;\">\u2696\ufe0f Outcome<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 9px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Statutory inheritance rules apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Is_a_Lawsuit_for_the_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Is a Lawsuit for the Execution of a Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>The lawsuit for the execution of a will in Turkey is a legal process that ensures the will has been opened, no objections have been raised, and any objections have been dismissed.<\/strong> This lawsuit does not directly transfer an ownership right; it only confirms that <strong>the last will and testament in Turkey has become final and enforceable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>After the opening of the will in Turkey, <strong>the one-year time limit for its annulment starts to run.<\/strong> If <strong>a lawsuit for the annulment of the will has been filed<\/strong>, it would be <strong>unlawful<\/strong> to make a decision in the lawsuit for execution of a will in Turkey before the result of the annulment case is determined. As stated in a ruling by the Turkish Court of Cassation, <strong>concluding the will enforcement lawsuit in Turkey<\/strong> before completing the procedures for opening the will and <strong>notifying all heirs<\/strong> <strong>constitutes inadequate examination and is grounds for annulment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In its decision <strong>E. 2016\/9886, K. 2017\/16965, dated 04.12.2017<\/strong>, <strong>the 3rd Civil Chamber of the Turkish Court of Cassation<\/strong> held, in an execution lawsuit where the will had been ordered to be opened but the reasoned decision had been served on only two heirs and had not become final, that the file on the opening of the will was <strong>still to be treated as a pending case<\/strong>. The Chamber stressed that the <strong>one-year time limit<\/strong> for annulment <strong>starts to run<\/strong> only after the decision on the proper opening and reading of the will becomes final, and it <strong>reversed<\/strong> the judgment under Turkish procedural rules because the court had ordered execution instead of treating the finality of the opening file as a <strong>preliminary issue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_What_Is_the_Purpose_of_the_Lawsuit_for_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">1. What Is the Purpose of the Lawsuit for Execution of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The purpose of the lawsuit for enforcement of a will in Turkey is for the Civil Court of Peace to confirm that the notification process has been completed, that no objections have been raised or that objections have been rejected, and that the will has become final.<\/strong> The matters confirmed by the lawsuit are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Notification:<\/strong> <strong>The notification process has been completed.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Objections:<\/strong> <strong>No objections have been raised or any objections have been rejected.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Finality:<\/strong> The will has <strong>become final<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2_How_Does_the_Legal_Process_in_the_Lawsuit_for_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey_Work\">2. How Does the Legal Process in the Lawsuit for Execution of a Will in Turkey Work?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The execution process in Turkey proceeds after the opening and notification of the will, by awaiting the one-year annulment period and by the beneficiary requesting the transfer or registration of the asset.<\/strong> The process consists of the following steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Notification:<\/strong> After the decision to open the will is made, <strong>it is notified to the relevant heirs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Waiting Period:<\/strong> The <strong>one-year<\/strong> <strong>period for filing an annulment lawsuit<\/strong> is awaited.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Application:<\/strong> If <strong>no annulment lawsuit is filed within this period or if the lawsuit is rejected<\/strong>, an application for enforcement of the will in Turkey can be made to the court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Request:<\/strong> The execution process of the will in Turkey starts when the beneficiary requests the transfer or registration of the property left to them by the will. <strong>The opening and execution of the will in Turkey are different procedures<\/strong>, and the property will not be transferred or registered unless the beneficiary requests the enforcement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"3_What_Are_the_Rights_of_the_Beneficiary_in_the_Lawsuit_for_Enforcement_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">3. What Are the Rights of the Beneficiary in the Lawsuit for Enforcement of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>In the execution lawsuit, the beneficiary in Turkey can request registration at the land registry for immovable property and delivery of the asset for movable property.<\/strong> The scope of these rights depends on the type of asset:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Immovable Property (House, Land, etc.):<\/strong> To transfer the ownership of the bequeathed immovable property to the beneficiary, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/real-estate-law-in-turkey\/\"><strong>registration at the land registry<\/strong><\/a> is required. Until this registration is done, the ownership remains with the heirs. The beneficiary can request the registration of the immovable property in their name by opening <strong>a lawsuit for enforcement of the will in Turkey<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Movable Property (Money, Jewelry, etc.):<\/strong> For movable properties that do not require land registry registration, the beneficiary<strong> can directly request the delivery of the property<\/strong>. If the heirs or the obligated party fail to deliver the property, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/debt-enforcement-in-turkey\/\">enforcement proceedings in Turkey<\/a> can be initiated through general attachment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"4_Does_a_Notarized_Will_Automatically_Transfer_the_Title_Deed_in_Turkey\">4. Does a Notarized Will Automatically Transfer the Title Deed in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Even if an immovable property has been bequeathed by a notarized will in Turkey, the title deed does not pass automatically to the legatee upon the testator&#8217;s death; for ownership to pass, the property must be registered at the land registry in the name of the legatee.<\/strong> A specific bequest gives the legatee a <strong>personal claim<\/strong> against the heirs <strong>(TCC Art. 600)<\/strong>; if the heirs do not transfer the property voluntarily, the legatee must obtain a registration order by filing an execution lawsuit. <strong>Until registration, ownership of the property remains with the heirs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The position is different under Turkish law if an heir has been appointed by leaving the whole or a fraction of the estate by will.<\/strong> Under TCC Art. 599 the appointed heir acquires the inheritance upon the testator&#8217;s death, and under TCC Art. 705 ownership of real estate passes to them before registration; <strong>however, to dispose of the property, ownership must be registered at the land registry.<\/strong> For this registration, the appointed heir obtains from the civil court of peace, after the opening of the will, <strong>the certificate showing that they are an appointed heir<\/strong> <strong>(TCC Art. 598).<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5_Which_Court_Is_Competent_for_the_Lawsuit_for_Enforcement_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">5. Which Court Is Competent for the Lawsuit for Enforcement of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The competent court for the lawsuit for execution of a will in Turkey is the Civil Court of First Instance<\/strong>. Since Article 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure gives exclusive jurisdiction to the court of <strong>the deceased&#8217;s last domicile<\/strong> for all actions against the heirs until the final division of the estate, <strong>execution lawsuits are as a rule filed at that court.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6_What_Is_the_Statute_of_Limitations_for_the_Lawsuit_for_Execution_of_a_Will_in_Turkey\">6. What Is the Statute of Limitations for the Lawsuit for Execution of a Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Under Article 602 of the Turkish Civil Code, the beneficiary&#8217;s right of action becomes time-barred 10 years after they learn of the gift upon death or, if the bequest becomes due later, after the due date.<\/strong> Beneficiaries can request <strong>the transfer of the bequeathed property<\/strong> to themselves; to exercise this right, a lawsuit must be filed within a certain period.<\/p>\n<p>Although there are differing opinions in the Turkish Court of Cassation&#8217;s practice on when the period starts, <strong>the Court of Cassation&#8217;s Assembly of Civil Chambers held in its decision E. 2022\/139, K. 2023\/1213, dated 06.12.2023<\/strong> that the 10-year period starts not from the date the decision to open the will becomes final, but from <strong>the date the will is opened and read or, for those not present at the opening, the date of service<\/strong>. In that case the will had been served on the claimant on 29.04.1997 and the execution lawsuit was filed on 13.01.2014; the Assembly rejected the Chamber&#8217;s view based on the date of finality and <strong>upheld the court&#8217;s decision<\/strong> <strong>dismissing the case as time-barred<\/strong>, and the request for rectification was also rejected <strong>by decision E. 2024\/319, K. 2024\/274, dated 22.05.2024.<\/strong> The beneficiary must therefore <strong>file a lawsuit for execution of the will in Turkey within ten years<\/strong> of the will being served on them; otherwise, their request for execution<strong> will be time-barred.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The lawsuit for execution of a will in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>is an important step in the distribution of the inheritance and the identification of the rightful owners.<\/strong> However, a decision on enforcement before the expiration of the annulment period and the completion of all legal procedures is unlawful. Additionally, <strong>if the testator\u2019s full estate is unknown, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/inheritance-determination-in-turkey\/\">a lawsuit for the determination of the estate<\/a> should be filed to identify the assets.<\/strong> Therefore, heirs and interested parties must carefully monitor the process and make the necessary objections on time.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-us_800_400 wp-image-3229\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/will-enforcement-800x198.jpg\" alt=\"execution of a will in turkey\" width=\"800\" height=\"198\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Are_Wills_Made_by_Foreigners_Valid_and_Enforceable_in_Turkey\">Are Wills Made by Foreigners Valid and Enforceable in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Wills made by foreigners who are not Turkish citizens, in accordance with the laws of their own countries, are valid in Turkey.<\/strong> Additionally, <strong>wills and testaments made by foreign testators in Turkey in compliance with<\/strong> <strong>their national law<\/strong> are also valid.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_How_Do_Turkish_Courts_Assess_a_Foreign_Will\">1. How Do Turkish Courts Assess a Foreign Will?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>When a request is made to enforce a foreign will in Turkey, Turkish courts examine the applicable national law of the deceased according to the rules of Private International Law and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/turkish-citizenship\/\">Foreigners Law<\/a>.<\/strong> The crucial factor in the execution lawsuit of the will in Turkey is that the will does not contain <strong>provisions that contradict Turkish mandatory rules and morality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 20 of the Turkish Code on Private International and Procedural Law, inheritance is as a rule governed by <strong>the national law of the deceased<\/strong>, but<strong> Turkish law applies<\/strong> to immovable property located in Turkey. For this reason,<strong> the reserved portion rules of Turkish law should also be taken into account<\/strong> in a foreigner&#8217;s will concerning their immovable property in Turkey.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Must_a_Foreign_Will_Be_Opened_and_Enforced_in_Turkey_for_Assets_Located_in_Turkey\">2. Must a Foreign Will Be Opened and Enforced in Turkey for Assets Located in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>If a foreign national prepares a will either before a foreign notary or in handwritten form in their own country<\/strong>, <strong>the will must first be opened by the competent court in that country. Following this, in order for any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/foreigners-buying-property-in-turkey\/\">immovable property or other assets the foreign national acquired in Turkey<\/a> to be transferred to the beneficiary, the will must also be opened and enforced in Turkey.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Foreign nationals who wish to make a will regarding their property in Turkey\u2014whether at a foreign notary or handwritten\u2014should ensure that the will<strong> does not include provisions contradictory to Turkish law<\/strong>. <strong>The will should comply with both the national law of the foreign country and Turkish law.<\/strong> <strong>If the will contains provisions that contradict Turkish law, execution of the will in Turkey will be impossible.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_Is_an_Apostille_and_Sworn_Translation_Required_for_a_Foreign_Will_in_Turkey\">3. Is an Apostille and Sworn Translation Required for a Foreign Will in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>For a will drafted or opened before an official authority abroad to be used in Turkey, the signature and seal of the foreign authority on the document must be certified and a certified Turkish translation of the document must be made.<\/strong> Under Article 195 of the Notaries Law, <strong>the signature and seal of the competent foreign authority under notarial acts performed abroad are certified by the consul;<\/strong> since the same article reserves special legislation,<strong> in countries party to the Apostille Convention this certification is in practice replaced by an apostille.<\/strong> The certification confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal; <strong>the court separately assesses whether the content of the document complies with Turkish law.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4_How_Can_Turkish_Citizens_Living_Abroad_Make_a_Will\">4. How Can Turkish Citizens Living Abroad Make a Will?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Turkish citizens living abroad can make their wills as an official will at a Turkish consulate, in accordance with the local law of the country where they live, or by complying with the requirements for a handwritten will under Turkish law.<\/strong> Since, under Article 191 of the Notaries Law, notarial functions abroad are performed by consuls, <strong>an official will made at a consulate meets the formal requirements of Turkish law and is one of the safest options for use in Turkey.<\/strong> Article 20 of the Turkish Code on Private International and Procedural Law applies <strong>Article 7 \u2014 which accepts compliance with the law of the country where a legal act is made \u2014<\/strong> to the form of dispositions upon death and also recognises dispositions made in accordance with the deceased&#8217;s national law, so <strong>a will made in the form required by the country of residence is also formally valid.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>In practice, Turkish citizens living in Germany often prepare wills.<\/strong> Whether the testator has property in Turkey or not, the validity of the last will and testament in Turkey is determined based on <strong>its conformity with both the national law and Turkish law<\/strong>. Therefore, <strong>individuals who want to draft a will in Germany should seek legal support from both German and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/inheritance-lawyer-in-turkey\/\">Turkish inheritance lawyers<\/a><\/strong> to avoid any issues during the opening and <strong>enforcement of the will in Turkey<\/strong><strong>. The same assessment applies to Turkish citizens living in France, the United Kingdom and other countries.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 780px; margin: 18px auto; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #8b3516; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; box-sizing: border-box;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 10px 12px; background: #8b3516; color: #fff; text-align: center; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;\">\ud83c\udf0d FOREIGNERS AND WILLS MADE ABROAD: VALIDITY IN TURKEY<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; width: 100%;\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; min-width: 720px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11.5px; line-height: 1.45; color: #222;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #f6ede9;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Situation<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Validity Criterion<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516; text-align: left; font-weight: 800;\">Required Step in Turkey<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83c\udf0d Will made by a foreigner in their own country<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Compliance with that country&#8217;s law<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Opening and execution in Turkey<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 Will made by a foreigner in Turkey<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Compliance with their national law<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Opening and execution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfe0 Immovable property in Turkey<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Turkish law applies (PIL Code Art. 20)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Execution and land registry registration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\u2708\ufe0f Turkish citizen living abroad<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Compliance with national law and Turkish law<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Official will at a consulate recommended<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\"><strong>\ud83d\udcc4 Foreign official document<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Apostille or consular legalisation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 9px 7px; border: 1px solid #8b3516;\">Certified Turkish translation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"What_Should_Be_Considered_When_Drafting_a_Will_in_Turkey\">What Should Be Considered When Drafting a Will in Turkey?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>When drafting a will in Turkey, one should act with a clear mind, follow the legal procedures, clearly identify the heirs and assets, use precise language, store the will securely and seek legal assistance.<\/strong> <strong>Drafting a will in Turkey<\/strong> <strong>is an important legal action that determines how a person&#8217;s assets will be distributed after their death.<\/strong> Here are some key things to consider when preparing a last will and testament in Turkey:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Acting with a clear and healthy mind is essential:<\/strong> Before initiating the process of drafting a last will and testament, <strong>being of sound mind and fully aware<\/strong> is crucial. This ensures the validity and <strong>legal binding nature of the will<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compliance with legal procedures is necessary:<\/strong> The will must be prepared<strong> in accordance with the legal procedures<\/strong> outlined in the Turkish Civil Code. Adhering to these regulations guarantees <strong>its legal validity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heirs should be clearly identified:<\/strong> <strong>The individuals who will inherit assets<\/strong> must be explicitly determined in the last will and testament. In addition to legal heirs, <strong>other beneficiaries can also be included.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>A detailed list of assets should be prepared:<\/strong> The will must clearly specify<strong> the assets being bequeathed, such as real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, stocks, and cash,<\/strong> along with the designated recipients. <strong>If the bequeathed real estate is subject to restrictive rights such as a<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/mortgage-in-turkey\/\"><strong>mortgage<\/strong><\/a><strong>, these rights must be stated.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Clarity and comprehensibility must be ensured:<\/strong> The language used in the last will and testament should be <strong>precise and understandable<\/strong>. Any ambiguity may lead to complications <strong>during the execution process<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The will should be stored securely:<\/strong> <strong>Keeping the will in a safe place<\/strong> is of great importance. Additionally,<strong> informing the heirs about its location and how to access it<\/strong> can help facilitate the legal process.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Seeking legal assistance is advisable:<\/strong> Drafting a will in Turkey is a complex process, and any errors may affect <strong>its legal validity<\/strong>. <strong>Consulting a lawyer ensures that the document is legally sound and properly structured.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"The_Importance_of_Legal_Assistance_from_a_Will_Lawyer_in_Turkey_in_Drafting_a_Valid_Will\">The Importance of Legal Assistance from a Will Lawyer in Turkey in Drafting a Valid Will<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Because drafting a last will and testament in Turkey is governed by strict formal requirements set by law, even the smallest formal error can lead to annulment of the will and to the testator&#8217;s last wishes not being fulfilled; legal assistance is therefore of great importance.<\/strong> The process must consider even the smallest details prescribed by the legislator. Otherwise, <strong>the will in Turkey may be subject to an annulment lawsuit filed by the heirs or relevant parties, rendering the will invalid.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the will is annulled, legal heirs will inherit the estate instead under Turkish law. <strong>Since lack of form is a ground for annulment under TCC Art. 557, the will is not set aside by the judge of their own motion but only upon an annulment lawsuit filed in time<\/strong>; after that, invalidity can only be raised as a defence <strong>(TCC Art. 559).<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1_Why_Has_the_Legislator_Imposed_Strict_Formalities_on_Wills_in_Turkey\">1. Why Has the Legislator Imposed Strict Formalities on Wills in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>There are justified reasons for the legislator imposing strict formalities on the will-drafting process in Turkey.<\/strong> This approach prevents hasty, ill-considered decisions; a decision made in haste could lead to irreparable consequences for the estate of the deceased. Furthermore, <strong>these formalities help prevent the destruction of the last will and testament in Turkey<\/strong> to ensure that the testator&#8217;s true intentions are accurately recorded.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2_Which_Risks_Does_Legal_Assistance_Prevent\">2. Which Risks Does Legal Assistance Prevent?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>For these reasons, seeking legal assistance before drafting a will in Turkey is extremely important.<\/strong> An invalid will not only directly impacts the estate in material terms, but <strong>if a will that does not meet the formal requirements is annulled<\/strong>, the final wishes of the deceased will not be fulfilled, causing emotional harm as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Whether drafting a handwritten will or an official will in Turkey,<\/strong> it is crucial to seek legal assistance from <strong>a will lawyer in Turkey<\/strong> to ensure that the will complies with the law and reflects the testator&#8217;s true intentions. <strong>A small mistake or oversight during the drafting of the will in Turkey can lead to significant consequences.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In addition to ensuring the will meets the formal requirements, <strong>legal necessities for the validity of the will<\/strong> should also be taken into account. Therefore, receiving legal help from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/practice-areas\/inheritance-lawyer-in-turkey\/\"><strong>a will lawyer in Turkey<\/strong><\/a> during <strong>the will-drafting process<\/strong> is critical. With the support of an expert such as a probate lawyer or legal consultant, all legal conditions will be thoroughly fulfilled, ensuring that <strong>the last will and testament in Turkey is legally sound<\/strong> and avoids potential issues.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3_What_Happens_Among_the_Heirs_if_a_Will_Is_Annulled_in_Turkey\">3. What Happens Among the Heirs if a Will Is Annulled in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Moreover, if a will is annulled, disputes and legal proceedings among the heirs are likely to arise.<\/strong> In such cases, heirs may jointly own real estate and could file <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/partition-action-to-force-sale-of-property\/\"><strong>a lawsuit to partition the property<\/strong><\/a>. This could lead to both financial and emotional consequences for the heirs in Turkey.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, obtaining legal assistance <strong>during the will preparation process in Turkey<\/strong> ensures peace of mind and security for both the testator and the heirs. In conclusion, <strong>seeking legal help<\/strong> <strong>from a will lawyer in Turkey during the will-drafting process<\/strong> is of utmost importance to prevent legal issues during the inheritance process and ensure that the will remains valid. By taking the relevant legal requirements into account and ensuring <strong>the testator&#8217;s true intentions<\/strong> are clearly reflected, legal assistance helps to guarantee the safety and success of the process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"w-html\"><div class=\"cb-legal-box\">\n    <div class=\"cb-legal-inner\">\n        <p class=\"cb-legal-text\">\n            You can explore our other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/blog\/\" class=\"cb-legal-link\">articles<\/a> or contact us for your legal support inquiries.\n        <\/p>\n        <div class=\"cb-legal-action\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/contact-us\/\" class=\"cb-legal-btn\">Contact Us<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n.cb-legal-box {\n    background: #ffffff;\n    border: 2px solid #8b3516; \n    border-radius: 8px;\n    padding: 30px;\n    margin: 30px auto;\n    width: 100%;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n    font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);\n}\n\n.cb-legal-inner {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    gap: 30px;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-text {\n    margin: 0;\n    font-size: 19px;\n    color: #333333;\n    line-height: 1.5;\n    flex: 2;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-link {\n    color: #8b3516;\n    text-decoration: underline;\n    font-weight: bold;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-action {\n    flex: 1;\n    text-align: right;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-btn {\n    display: inline-block;\n    background-color: #8b3516;\n    color: #ffffff !important;\n    padding: 14px 28px;\n    border-radius: 5px;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    font-weight: bold;\n    font-size: 16px;\n    transition: all 0.3s ease;\n    border: 2px solid #8b3516;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n}\n\n.cb-legal-btn:hover {\n    background-color: #000000;\n    border-color: #000000;\n}\n\n\/* MOB\u0130LDEK\u0130 G\u00d6R\u00dcNT\u00dcY\u00dc D\u00dcZELTEN KISIM *\/\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .cb-legal-box {\n        padding: 20px 15px; \/* Yan bo\u015fluklar\u0131 azaltt\u0131k *\/\n        margin: 20px 0;\n        width: 100% !important;\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-inner {\n        flex-direction: column !important;\n        gap: 15px; \/* Yaz\u0131 ve buton aras\u0131ndaki bo\u015flu\u011fu daraltt\u0131k *\/\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-text {\n        font-size: 16px; \/* Yaz\u0131y\u0131 mobilde bir t\u0131k k\u00fc\u00e7\u00fcltt\u00fck ki s\u0131\u011fs\u0131n *\/\n        text-align: center !important;\n        width: 100%;\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-action {\n        width: 100%;\n        text-align: center !important;\n    }\n    \n    .cb-legal-btn {\n        width: 80%; \/* Butonun ekran\u0131 komple bo\u011fmas\u0131n\u0131 engellemek i\u00e7in %80 yapt\u0131k *\/\n        padding: 12px 20px;\n        font-size: 15px;\n        display: inline-block; \/* Block yerine inline-block + %80 daha zarif durur *\/\n    }\n}\n<\/style><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"l-section wpb_row us_custom_0a0f4a9a height_auto\"><div class=\"l-section-h i-cf\"><div class=\"g-cols vc_row via_grid cols_1 laptops-cols_inherit tablets-cols_inherit mobiles-cols_1 valign_top type_default stacking_default\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_text_column us_custom_275474cc has_text_color\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><style id=\"cb-yasal-uyari-css\">div.cb-yasal-uyari{background:#f7f7f7;border-left:3px solid #8b3516;border-radius:0 6px 6px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin:0;box-sizing:border-box}div.cb-yasal-uyari p{margin:0;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.6;color:#555;text-align:left}div.cb-yasal-uyari strong{color:#8b3516;font-weight:700}section.l-section:has(div.cb-yasal-uyari){background:none!important;border-radius:0!important}<\/style><div class=\"cb-yasal-uyari\" role=\"note\"><p><strong>Legal Disclaimer:<\/strong> The copyright in the articles and content on this website belongs to Attorney Orbay \u00c7okg\u00f6r; the content may be quoted provided that the source is credited and an active link to the relevant page is given. All content on this website is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The information may have become outdated due to changes in legislation and case law; for your specific legal situation, always seek legal assistance from a lawyer.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"HOW TO MAKE A WILL IN TURKEY: TYPES, VALIDITY REQUIREMENTS, A LEGALLY VALID WILL AND THE CANCELLATION LAWSUIT A will in Turkey is a unilateral disposition upon death through which the testator determines to whom and how their assets will pass after their death, and which takes effect upon the testator&#8217;s passing. For a will...","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6548,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2874"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2874\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cbhukuk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}