Filing a Lawsuit in Türkiye 2026: Petition and First Hearing

تركيا · Dec 29, 2025

Filing a Lawsuit in Türkiye 2026: From the Petition to the First Hearing

1) Before filing: two questions
What evidence supports the claim, and what precisely do you want the court to order? Contracts, transfers, messages, witnesses and invoices should support a defined request, such as payment, termination of a contract, delivery or compensation. A strong sense of injustice is not a substitute for a properly supported claim.

2) Identify the type of dispute

Civil: contracts, debts, compensation and tenancy matters.
Commercial: qualifying business and commercial disputes.
Employment: wages, dismissal and employment compensation.
Criminal: suspected offences, reports and prosecution; a complaint follows a different route from an ordinary civil claim.
Administrative: challenges involving public authorities, with their own court system and rules.

Using the wrong court or procedure can cause delay and additional costs.

3) Is mediation required first?
Many employment, commercial, consumer and rental disputes require a prior mediation application, subject to their respective scope and exceptions. Without it, a claim may be dismissed procedurally. Check the Ministry of Justice's mediation guidance and obtain the final record where needed. Do not assume that every dispute in one category follows identical rules.

4) What belongs in the petition?
A petition is a structured procedural document. It should correctly identify the parties and addresses, set out a concise chronology, explain the requested order and its basis, identify supporting evidence and meet the applicable formal requirements. Monetary claims also need an accurate claim value. Check the competent court, jurisdiction, filing fees and expense advance.

5) Organise the evidence
Group the agreement, payment records, dated correspondence, invoices and delivery records, and relevant photographs or video. Label them clearly and explain their connection to the facts. Preserve originals. Undated or isolated material may require further explanation.

6) What normally happens after filing?
The case receives a file number, the papers are served, the other party has an opportunity to respond, and the court progresses through the applicable written and hearing stages. The sequence depends on the procedure. An initial hearing may clarify claims, disputed facts and evidence rather than conclude the case.

7) What should you expect at the first hearing?
The judge may request documents, set procedural deadlines, explore settlement or later appoint an expert for a technical issue. Property, damage and accounting disputes can require expert evidence. There is no reliable promise that the case will end after one hearing.

8) Practical points for foreign parties

Arrange suitable language assistance and legal representation where needed. Do not assume that a free interpreter is available in every civil case.
Turn important communications into an accurate written record.
Keep the claim proportionate to the facts and evidence.
Discuss whether the aim is a judgment, a negotiated settlement or another realistic remedy.

Practical takeaway
Choose the correct procedure, prepare a precise petition and evidence file, check mediation and deadlines, and approach the first hearing with realistic expectations.

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Filing a Lawsuit in Türkiye 2026: Petition and First Hearing

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