Erdal Nuhbasa – Law and Consulting Firm – Legal Services

ERDAL NUHBASA 

LAW AND CONSULTING FIRM

age reduction

What is the Age Reduction Lawsuit? How to File it?

   An age reduction lawsuit is a legal case filed to correct a person’s official birthdate in population records to reflect the actual date. In Turkey, such cases are handled by the Civil Courts of First Instance, and no changes can be made to population records without a finalized court decision.

What Are the Conditions for Filing an Age Reduction Lawsuit?

    Certain conditions must be met to file an age reduction lawsuit:

  1. The Person Must Not Have Been Born in a Hospital or an Official Maternity Institution: If the birth took place in a hospital or an officially recognized maternity home, and there is a recorded birth certificate, the court is likely to reject the request. 
  2. Physical Appearance Must Align with the Claimed Age: The individual’s physical appearance should be consistent with the requested age. Courts may take external appearance into account when making a decision. 
  3. There Must Not Be a Sibling with the Requested Age: If the person has a sibling (from the same mother) who is already registered with the requested age, the court will reject the request to prevent inconsistencies in family records. 
  4. The Request Must Have a Legitimate Legal Interest, Not an Arbitrary Reason: The request must be based on a valid legal benefit rather than personal preference. For example, an incorrect birthdate entry affecting education, military service, or marriage can serve as a legitimate reason.

What Evidence Can Be Used in an Age Reduction Lawsuit?

The following pieces of evidence can be presented to the court in an age reduction lawsuit:

  • Bone Age Report: A bone age test conducted in a fully equipped hospital is one of the most critical pieces of evidence influencing the court’s decision.
  • Witness Statements: Testimonies from family members, relatives, or individuals who have knowledge of the person’s age may be considered by the court.
  • Education and School Records: Discrepancies in birthdates recorded in elementary, middle, or high school records can serve as supporting evidence.
  • Population Records: Inconsistencies between the birth dates of siblings or previous registration errors can also be presented as evidence.
  • Medical Reports and Examination Results: Medical reports reflecting the individual’s physical and biological development can assist the court in making an evaluation.

How to File an Age Reduction Lawsuit?

    The steps to file an age reduction lawsuit are as follows:

  1. Prepare a Lawsuit Petition: The case is filed by submitting a petition to the Civil Court of First Instance in the person’s place of residence. The petition must clearly state the reasons and supporting evidence for the age reduction request.
  2. Submission of Evidence: The court requires supporting documents, including bone age reports, witness statements, educational or population records.
  3. Court Proceedings: The court may request a bone age test, hear witnesses, and seek expert opinions during the process.
  4. Decision and Registration Process: If the court approves the request, it issues a decision to correct the birthdate, which is then forwarded to the civil registry office for official record updates.

How Long Does an Age Reduction Lawsuit Take?

     The duration of the lawsuit varies based on the court’s workload, witness hearings, and expert report preparation. On average, age reduction lawsuits are concluded within 2 to 6 months. However, appeals or missing documents can prolong the process.

How Many Times Can an Age Reduction Lawsuit Be Filed?

     As a rule, an age reduction lawsuit can only be filed once. If a previous case has already been heard and ruled upon by the court, filing a new lawsuit is generally not possible. Therefore, it is crucial to handle the process under the guidance of an experienced lawyer.

How Much Does an Age Reduction Lawsuit Cost?

     The cost of filing an age reduction lawsuit varies depending on court fees, expert examination expenses, and other legal costs. As of 2025, the average cost of the lawsuit ranges between 25.000 – 75.000 TL. However, individuals with financial difficulties may apply for legal aid to be exempt from these expenses.

Conclusion

    Age reduction lawsuits are an essential legal remedy to correct inaccuracies in population records. However, they should be pursued only for justified reasons, not for arbitrary purposes. Seeking assistance from an experienced lawyer is important to ensure a smooth legal process and avoid potential errors.

     Our approach combines in-depth legal expertise with a commitment to clear communication, ensuring that every client understands their rights and the legal options available. If you have further questions or need personalized legal advice, please contact me – we are here to help!

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