Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Turkey

Will and/or Power of Attorney

I am a US citizen and have been working in Istanbul,Turkey for the past eight years as a teacher. I have money in a Turkish bank account. If something were to happen to me, what document/s should I sign now to ensure that my mother - who lives in New Jersey, where I am orginally from - can secure my savings/property in Turkey?

Is a Will and a Power of Attorney form/s downloaded from your site sufficient - i.e., would it be recognized in Turkey?

Thank you!


Asked on 9/03/01, 7:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Will and/or Power of Attorney

I am not sure about Turkish law and you should confirm with the bank. I suggest two things: add your mother's name to the account registration, so she becomes a joint owner. This may be the simplest way and check if she will be able to access the account if anything happened to you. As an alternative, make a Will in your state of residency (where you were living when you moved) naming your mother as executor and sole beneficiary. Your will will be probated in the US and your mother will be appointed executor. This should allow her to access your accounts anywhere in the world by whatever local probate procedures are required. You might also want to check with a local Turkish attorney familar with probate matters to confirm what would be required.

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Answered on 10/09/01, 10:28 am


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