Guard Advokater has particular expertise in matters where Swedish and Turkish law meet. The firm's founder, advocate Sadik Kutlu, is a member of both the Swedish and the Turkish Bar Associations, and where needed we coordinate our work with local counsel in Turkey.
The firm is also engaged by other law firms as an expert on Turkish law and its relationship to Swedish law.
Businesses
We assist Turkish companies establishing themselves in Sweden through a branch or a subsidiary – with company formation, contracts, work permits for staff and ongoing advice – and Swedish companies doing business in Turkey.
Inheritance and wills
We help estates and heirs when an inheritance includes assets in both Sweden and Turkey, such as real estate, and help you plan your estate with regard to the rules of both countries.
Frequently asked questions
Which law applies to the inheritance when the deceased owned property in Turkey?
Real property in Turkey is always distributed according to Turkish law, regardless of where the deceased lived. For other assets, citizenship and habitual residence, among other things, determine which country's law applies. Both Swedish and Turkish rules may therefore apply to the same estate.
What is a veraset ilamı and when is it needed?
A veraset ilamı is a Turkish certificate of inheritance showing who the heirs are. It is issued by a Turkish court or notary and is needed, for example, to transfer real property (tapu) or withdraw funds from a Turkish bank.
Do I have to travel to Turkey to handle an inheritance or a property transaction?
Often not. A power of attorney (vekaletname) can be drawn up at the Turkish Consulate General in Stockholm, so that a representative can act on your behalf before courts, land registry offices and banks in Turkey.
Is a Swedish will valid in Turkey?
A will made in accordance with Swedish formal requirements can be accepted as to form in Turkey. Turkish rules on the reserved portion (saklı pay) may still affect how property in Turkey is distributed. Anyone who owns assets in both countries should have their will reviewed under both legal systems.
Is a Swedish divorce valid in Turkey?
For the divorce to be registered in Turkey, it must be recognised there. A divorce that the spouses agreed on can in some cases be registered directly through the consulate; otherwise recognition proceedings (tanıma) before a Turkish court are required. We assist in both cases.