Turkish court overturns indefinite alimony provision

Turkey's Constitutional Court has annulled a key provision of the Turkish Civil Code that mandated indefinite alimony payments in divorce cases. The decision, reached by a majority vote, has drawn criticism from legal experts and women's rights organizations across the country.

The annulled article, Article 472 of the Turkish Civil Code, had regulated the payment of alimony without a specified end date. This provision has been a subject of debate for years, with proponents arguing it provides financial security for spouses, often women, who may have sacrificed careers for family life. Opponents, however, have argued that it can lead to financial hardship for the paying spouse and can be exploited.

The court's decision to strike down the indefinite alimony rule is expected to lead to significant changes in divorce settlements. Legal professionals and women's associations have voiced concerns about the potential impact on individuals who rely on this form of financial support. Further legislative action may be required to establish new guidelines for alimony payments in Turkey.