Attorney File Review Fees in Türkiye: Structure and Justification

In Türkiye, attorney file review fees are determined in accordance with the officially approved minimum fee schedule and are influenced by the complexity, type, and scope of the case. The fee framework defines minimum limits but leaves room for individual agreement between client and attorney based on the case’s specific requirements and value.

Structure of the Fee Schedule

For the 2025–2026 period, fixed (lump-sum) fees for different types of courts have been set as follows:

• civil courts of peace: 18,000 TL
• civil courts of first instance: 30,000 TL
• high criminal courts: 65,000 TL
• consumer courts: 22,500 TL
• intellectual and industrial property rights courts: 55,000 TL

In family law cases, fees vary depending on the type of case. For instance, an uncontested divorce case costs 75,000 TL, a contested divorce 110,000 TL, and alimony cases 60,000 TL. In criminal law, the minimum fee is 30,000 TL in criminal courts of first instance and 65,000 TL in high criminal courts.

Justification of File Review Costs

File review fees are justified by several key factors that influence the lawyer’s workload and responsibility:

Case Complexity and Preparation

During the initial review stage, the attorney is required to analyze legal evidence, assess the statutory framework, examine similar precedents, and develop a comprehensive legal strategy. Such professional analysis contributes to the overall cost of the service.

Management of Additional Expense Items

File review often involves additional expenses such as expert reports (ranging from 2,000 TL to 15,000 TL), forensic reports (3,000 TL to 10,000 TL), and notification or postal costs (typically 500 TL to 2,000 TL). Each of these requires separate examination and management by the attorney.

Time-Dependent Services

Fee schedules are calculated based on the standard duration of a lawsuit. However, attorneys handling serial or large-volume cases may benefit from reduced rates:

• up to 50 cases: 50% discount per file
• up to 100 cases: 40% discount per file
• more than 100 cases: 25% discount per file

Strategic Considerations for International Entrepreneurs

Flexibility in Fee Determination

While the fee schedule sets minimum limits, attorney and client are free to agree on higher rates depending on the value and complexity of the case. For example, although the minimum fee in a high criminal court is 65,000 TL, it can be negotiated at 100,000 TL, 300,000 TL, or more in complex cases. For information on the official minimum fees, visit the Union of Turkish Bar Associations.

Value-Based Fee Calculation

Attorney fees may be set at up to 25% of the total case value. This rule simplifies cost estimation, especially for international companies involved in high-value commercial litigation in Türkiye.

Court Fees and Expenses

Filing fees are charged separately and are payable when initiating a case. The current fees are approximately 195.80 TL for civil courts of peace, and 427.60 TL for civil courts of first instance and administrative courts. Additional costs include a notarized power of attorney copy fee of 60.80 TL and a file processing fee of 22.10 TL. More details about court fees can be found on the official Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Justice website.

Total Cost Estimation

The average initial cost of filing a civil case in Türkiye is around 4,000 TL. However, this amount increases if expert examinations or additional evidence collection become necessary during the litigation process. International entrepreneurs should therefore anticipate potential variations in total legal spending depending on the course and complexity of their cases.

For business owners planning to invest or operate in Türkiye, understanding the structure and rationale behind professional legal fees is essential. It ensures transparent budgeting and effective communication with local legal representatives, enabling a smoother and more secure entry into the Turkish market.