How to Manage Your Legal Matters in Turkey-A Guide for Turkish Citizens Living Abroad

If you are a Turkish citizen living abroad—whether in Amsterdam, London, Hamburg, Berlin, New York, China, or anywhere in the world—managing legal matters in Turkey can feel overwhelming. You might own property, have rental income, or require other legal services in Turkey, but due to distance, handling these responsibilities directly can be challenging. This guide will help you understand how to appoint a lawyer to represent you in Turkey and ensure your interests are protected without the need for constant travel back and forth.

Why Should You Appoint a Lawyer in Turkey?

Managing your affairs in Turkey without a lawyer can be risky and inconvenient, especially when you have properties, rentals, or ongoing financial transactions. Appointing a lawyer offers significant advantages:

1. Representation for Legal Transactions: A lawyer can represent you in signing documents, making payments, managing property, or settling disputes. This means you won’t need to travel back to Turkey to complete these tasks.

2. Protection of Rights: Your lawyer can safeguard your interests, ensure compliance with local laws, and manage relationships with tenants, neighbors, or government authorities.

3. Ease and Convenience: With the right representation, you avoid the stress of needing to appear in person or take time off from your responsibilities abroad.

How to Appoint a Lawyer in Turkey

Appointing a lawyer in Turkey is a straightforward process. You can issue a power of attorney (POA) that grants your lawyer the authority to act on your behalf for specific tasks. This document can be prepared at a Turkish consulate in your country of residence, making it easy and accessible.

Verifying a Lawyer in Turkey

It's crucial to ensure you are hiring a legitimate lawyer who is registered in Turkey. Here are a few ways to verify a lawyer's credentials:

1. Turkish Bar Association Website: You can verify the lawyer’s registration through the Turkish Bar Association website.

2. Provincial Bar Association Websites: Each province has its own bar association website where you can verify the lawyer’s license and credentials, such as the Istanbul Bar Association website.

3. Client Reviews and References: Asking for client reviews and references is also a helpful way to ensure your lawyer has a good reputation.

Risks of Not Appointing a Lawyer

If you choose not to appoint a lawyer, you may face several challenges:

• Legal Complications: Simple issues, like failing to submit a document on time or making a mistake in a legal procedure, can lead to serious complications.

• Travel Costs: You might need to frequently travel to Turkey to handle matters that could easily be resolved by a local lawyer.

• Loss of Opportunities: Opportunities such as a tenant agreement or property sale might slip away due to the inability to respond in a timely manner.

Common Concerns of Turkish Citizens Living Abroad

Many Turkish citizens living abroad are concerned about specific issues, including:

• Signing Contracts: If you own property, such as a summer house, and need to sign rental agreements, your lawyer can handle the paperwork on your behalf.

• Making Payments: Lawyers can facilitate payments related to your property, such as taxes, maintenance fees, and other expenses.

• Legal Representation in Courts: If any legal dispute arises, your lawyer can represent you, saving you from the stress and cost of international travel.

How We Can Help

Our experienced legal team can assist Turkish citizens living abroad by offering comprehensive representation for all legal matters in Turkey. Whether it’s managing your rental properties, overseeing property transactions, handling financial obligations, or representing you in disputes, we ensure that your interests are always protected.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can represent you and make your legal matters in Turkey stress-free.