Top Turkish Succession Lawyers in 2026: Expert Probate Services

Handling inheritance matters in Turkey can be complex, particularly for foreign heirs or families with assets spread across several jurisdictions. Our Turkish succession lawyers provide comprehensive legal assistance in probate, asset transfer, estate planning, and cross-border inheritance procedures.

At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, based in Istanbul since 1992, we specialize in providing seamless and multilingual legal solutions for intricate Turkish inheritance law matters.

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Succession matters in Turkey are governed by the Turkish Civil Code, which outlines the rights of heirs, mandatory reserved portions, and the procedural rules for administering a deceased person’s estate. Whether you are dealing with a contested inheritance, need a Certificate of Inheritance, or require estate administration, our lawyers guide you through each legal step with clarity and efficiency.

Why You Need Experienced Turkish Succession Lawyers

Succession law in Turkey involves intricate procedures that can quickly become overwhelming without professional guidance. Disputes commonly arise when heirs disagree on property division, wills, or the legal status of assets. Our legal team ensures that all filings, documentation, and court procedures are handled accurately to avoid costly delays.

Our succession lawyers provide:

• Guidance on Turkish inheritance law and reserved shares
• Representation in probate courts
• Assistance with transferring title deeds, bank accounts, and movable assets
• Legal solutions for foreign heirs requiring apostilles, translations, and notarizations
• Litigation support in contested inheritance cases

For individuals with property in Turkey, having an experienced legal advocate is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring smooth estate administration.

Key Areas of Expertise in Turkish Succession Law

1. Certificate of Inheritance (Veraset Ilamı)

Foreign nationals or heirs abroad often need help obtaining a Certificate of Inheritance from Turkish civil courts. This document legally confirms who the rightful heirs are. Our team prepares applications, gathers required documentation, and represents clients before the courts.

2. Probate & Estate Administration

From identifying assets to registering property transfers, we manage the complete probate process. We also assist heirs living outside Turkey by handling local tasks such as tax filings, bank procedures, and real estate registrations.

3. Will Drafting and Validation

Many foreign clients wish to prepare Turkish-compliant wills to protect their assets. A Turkey-valid will ensures clarity and prevents disputes. Our lawyers draft wills that meet formal requirements under Turkish law and ensure their enforceability.

4. Resolving Inheritance Disputes

Conflicts may arise between heirs regarding property allocation, the validity of a will, or hidden assets. Our litigation team handles disputes before Turkish courts with strategic preparation and strong advocacy.

5. Navigating Inheritance Tax in Turkey

Inheritance Tax (Veraset ve İntikal Vergisi) is levied on assets transferred due to death in Turkey. The tax rate is progressive, ranging from 1% to 10%, depending on the value of the assets and the degree of kinship between the deceased and the heir. The tax must be paid before the title deed transfer or asset release can be finalized.

Our legal team assists in accurately calculating and filing the tax declaration to ensure you meet all fiscal obligations efficiently.

6. Foreign Wills Must Be Recognized and Validated

If the deceased left a will drafted in a foreign country, it can potentially be recognized in Turkey. However, it requires official translation, apostille/legalization, and may need a court decision for validation. Importantly, the Turkish court will still check if the foreign will contradicts fundamental public order rules, particularly concerning reserved shares.

For assets in Turkey, we highly recommend drafting a supplementary Turkish will (or an Official Will) to minimize potential conflicts and delays. You can find more information on this process here: Turkish Will Preparation and Drafting.

7. The Necessity of Multilingual Legal Expertise

Inheritance cases often involve documents from various countries, different legal terminologies, and heirs who do not speak Turkish. Working with a law firm that offers legal solutions in multiple languages, such as English, Turkish, and Russian, is vital for clear communication and error-free document preparation.

Since 1992, Akkas & Associates has served a diverse international clientele, offering a service-oriented approach that bridges legal, linguistic, and cultural gaps.

8. Resolving Complex Inheritance Disputes

Inheritance disputes are unfortunately common, ranging from contesting the validity of a will (Vasiyetnamenin İptali Davası) to demanding the annulment of a Certificate of Inheritance. When disputes arise, you need Istanbul succession lawyers who are skilled in litigation.

Our Turkish succession lawyers represent clients in partition lawsuits (İzale-i Şüyu Davası) to legally divide inherited property among co-heirs or defend them in cases involving malfeasance, such as fraudulent transfers.

9. The Timeline for the Probate Process

The duration of the Turkish probate process can vary significantly. If all documents are in order, the heirs are clearly defined, and there are no disputes, obtaining the Certificate of Inheritance can take a few weeks to a few months.

However, if foreign authorities are involved, the process for obtaining necessary documents via diplomatic channels can take up to a year or more. Having an experienced firm like Akkas & Associates manage the documentation and court liaison is critical for efficiency. Learn about our approach to timely probate: Turkish Probate Process.

How Turkish Succession Law Applies to Foreigners

Foreign nationals inherit property in Turkey under Turkish inheritance law, even if foreign law also applies to other aspects of the estate. The key points for foreign heirs include:

• Real estate in Turkey is governed by Turkish law.
• Movable assets may be governed by the deceased’s national law.
• Certain heirs, such as children and spouses, cannot be fully disinherited due to reserved portions.
• Foreign wills are valid if properly authenticated and translated.

Foreign heirs often encounter challenges with bureaucratic procedures, language barriers, and legal formalities. Our Turkish succession lawyers ensure compliance with all regulations and protect your legal rights throughout the process.

Common Documents Needed for Inheritance Procedures

Heirs typically need to provide:

• Birth certificates
• Passports and IDs
• Death certificate of the deceased
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Apostilles and notarized translations
• Property records, bank statements, or asset documents

Our law firm assists clients with obtaining missing documents, managing translations, and coordinating with foreign authorities.

FAQs: Your Turkish Inheritance Law Questions Answered

Q1: Can a foreigner inherit property in Turkey?

A: Yes, foreigners can inherit property in Turkey. However, for immovable assets (real estate), Turkish law always applies, regardless of the deceased’s nationality. Foreign heirs must obtain a Certificate of Inheritance from a Turkish court or notary to claim their assets.

Q2: What is the first step to claim an inheritance in Turkey?

A: The first and most critical step is to apply for a Certificate of Inheritance (Veraset İlamı) from a Turkish Civil Court of Peace or Notary Public. This document legally confirms your status as an heir and your share of the estate.

Q3: How is property divided if there is no will?

A: If there is no valid will, the assets are distributed according to the statutory order of heirs established by the Turkish Civil Code (spouse and children first, followed by parents and siblings). The court will strictly follow these fixed proportions.

Q4: Do I have to pay taxes on inherited property in Turkey?

A: Yes, an Inheritance and Gift Tax is mandatory. The tax rate ranges from 1% to 10% and must be declared and paid to the relevant tax office before the final transfer of the asset can be completed at the Land Registry.

Q5: Can I reject an inheritance in Turkey?

A: Yes, an heir has the right to formally reject the inheritance (Reddi Miras) within three months from the date they become aware of the death of the testator. This is often advisable if the estate’s liabilities (debts) exceed its assets.

Q6: Do I need to be physically present in Turkey for the probate process?

A: No, you do not need to be physically present. An experienced Turkish succession lawyer can represent you fully throughout the entire process—from obtaining the Certificate of Inheritance to the final asset transfer—through a validly issued Power of Attorney (POA).

For over three decades, Akkas & Associates has been Istanbul’s trusted leader in inheritance law, guiding clients to successful outcomes in estate disputes and litigation.

Selcuk Akkas, Attorney at Law, Patent & Trademark Attorney & Mediator

Contact our Turkish Succession Lawyers in Istanbul

Akkas & Associates Law Firm has been a reliable partner for international clients since 1992, offering full-service probate and inheritance legal solutions in multiple languages. If you require expert guidance on obtaining a Certificate of Inheritance, drafting a Turkish will, managing an inheritance tax liability, or resolving an inheritance dispute in 2026.

Our Turkish succession lawyers offer comprehensive assistance in inheritance law, contested probate cases, and estate planning for foreign and local clients. If you require professional guidance for wills, estate transfers, or family inheritance rights in Turkey, please contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm for immediate legal support.