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What is an Action for Revocation of Disposition? (TMK 557 Guide 2026)

The question of what an action for annulment of disposition is carries great importance for individuals wishing to question the validity of testamentary dispositions in inheritance law. Article 557 of the Turkish Civil Code clearly regulates this lawsuit. For this reason, heirs file lawsuits against unlawful dispositions and protect their rights.


What is an Action for Annulment of Disposition?

An action for annulment of disposition aims to abolish testamentary dispositions made by the testator. An heir files this lawsuit and has unlawful transactions annulled.

In short:

👉 The heir removes the invalid disposition.

In this context, the lawsuit specifically targets the following transactions:

  • Testaments
  • Inheritance contracts

Therefore, the lawsuit directly affects the distribution of the inheritance.


In What Situations Is an Action for Annulment of Disposition Filed?

An heir files this lawsuit in specific situations. These situations arise clearly:

1. Lack of Capacity

The testator does not possess the power of discernment. In this case, the heir requests an annulment.

2. Defect of Will

The testator makes a decision under the influence of mistake, fraud, or duress. For this reason, the heir has the disposition declared invalid.

3. Contrariness to Law or Morality

The disposition is contrary to law or morality. In this case, the heir files an annulment lawsuit.

4. Lack of Form

The testator does not comply with the legal formal requirements. Therefore, the heir invalidates the disposition.


Who Can File the Lawsuit?

Specific individuals file this lawsuit. In particular:

  • Heirs file the lawsuit
  • Testamentary beneficiaries file the lawsuit
  • Individuals with a legal interest file the lawsuit

Therefore, the right to sue is granted to a broad segment of people.


Limitation Periods for the Action for Annulment of Disposition

The law clearly determines the periods. For this reason, the heir carefully tracks the deadlines:

  • First, the heir files the lawsuit within 1 year (from the time of learning)
  • Additionally, they exercise their right within 10 years in any case
  • Besides this, 20 years applies in exceptional cases

Therefore, the periods play a critical role in preventing the loss of rights.


What Happens as a Result of the Lawsuit?

The court examines the lawsuit and reaches a verdict. The heir wins the lawsuit and the consequences emerge:

  • The disposition is abolished
  • The inheritance is redistributed
  • Heirs regain their rights

Thus, unlawful transactions lose their effect.


Why Is This Lawsuit Important?

First and foremost, this lawsuit protects the heir's rights. Furthermore, the legal system ensures justice. Along with this, the distribution of the inheritance takes place in a balanced manner.

Therefore, the system eliminates unlawful dispositions.


Conclusion

A clear answer to the question of what an action for annulment of disposition is:
The heir files a lawsuit against unlawful testamentary dispositions under Article 557 of the Turkish Civil Code and has these dispositions annulled.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a lawsuit that ensures the annulment of unlawful dispositions.

It usually takes 1-3 years.


Article 442 of the Turkish Civil Code regulates the guardian's obligation to manage active assets.

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