I GOT PREGNANT BY A TURKISH MAN, WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE UNDER TURKISH LAW?

If you are pregnant by a Turkish man, your rights under Turkish law depend on various factors such as marital status, paternity acknowledgment, and citizenship. Here's an overview of your legal rights:

1. Paternity and Child Support

• Paternity Acknowledgment: If the Turkish man acknowledges paternity (voluntarily or through court determination), the child will have legal rights, including inheritance and child support.

• Child Support (Nafaka): The father is legally obligated to provide financial support for the child. You can file a claim in Turkish family courts to enforce this.

2. Nationality of the Child

• Turkish Citizenship: If the father is a Turkish citizen, the child is eligible for Turkish citizenship, regardless of where the child is born.

  • You will need to register the child with Turkish civil authorities (Population and Citizenship Directorate) with the father's consent or a paternity ruling from the court.

3. Custody and Parental Rights

• Custody is generally granted to the mother unless specific circumstances indicate otherwise. However, the father may have visitation rights if custody is contested.

4. Inheritance Rights

• Once paternity is established, the child becomes a legal heir of the father under Turkish inheritance law. This includes the right to inherit property, assets, and other entitlements.

5. Your Residency Rights

• If Married: If you are married to the Turkish man, you may apply for family residence permits or citizenship after fulfilling the required period of legal residency.

• If Unmarried: Being the mother of a Turkish citizen child may grant you eligibility for residence permits based on family ties.

6. Legal Process for Unmarried Mothers

• If the father does not acknowledge paternity voluntarily, you can file a paternity suit in Turkish family courts. DNA testing is often used to establish paternity.

Steps to Take

1. Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal assistance from a family law attorney in Turkey to navigate court processes and protect your rights.

2. Gather Evidence: Maintain evidence of your relationship and any acknowledgment of paternity (messages, photos, etc.).

3. File for Paternity Recognition: If needed, this can secure child support and inheritance rights.

For personalized legal advice, consult a lawyer familiar with Turkish family law. Let me know if you'd like help finding resources or legal contacts!

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