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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
This guide explains the main points someone in Acharnes, Greece should know when facing child custody issues. Child custody matters in Greece are decided under national family and civil law with the overriding principle being the best interests and welfare of the child. Courts evaluate who will make major decisions for the child, where the child will live, and how contact with the non-resident parent will be arranged. Local authorities, courts and social services in the Athens judicial district handle cases for residents of Acharnes.
You may need a lawyer for child custody in the following common situations:
- You and the other parent cannot agree on where the child will live or on parenting time.
- There are allegations of domestic violence, abuse, neglect or substance misuse that affect the child.
- You need urgent protective measures to prevent abduction or harm to the child.
- One parent wants to relocate with the child to another city or another country.
- The child has special medical, educational or psychological needs that raise disputes about care and decision-making.
- You need to enforce an existing custody or visitation order or respond to enforcement actions.
- You are unmarried and need to establish paternity or parental responsibility rights.
A lawyer can explain the legal process, prepare and file court papers, gather evidence, request social-work assessments, represent you at hearings and negotiate or draft parenting agreements that the court can approve.
Key points about Greek law relevant to child custody in Acharnes:
- Best interests of the child: Greek courts decide custody and parental responsibility by prioritizing the child s welfare. Factors include the child s emotional, physical and educational needs, the stability each parent can provide and any history of harm.
- Parental responsibility: Decisions about upbringing, education, health care and general administration of a minor s person and property are part of parental responsibility. Both parents generally retain parental responsibility unless a court orders otherwise.
- Residence and contact: Courts may order that a child live primarily with one parent while granting the other parent structured contact or shared parenting time. Arrangements can be sole custody, joint custody, or a detailed contact schedule depending on the child s needs and family circumstances.
- Unmarried parents and paternity: If parents are not married, the father s legal rights usually depend on recognition of paternity. Establishing paternity is necessary to claim parental responsibility and custody rights.
- Interim and emergency measures: Courts can issue provisional orders to protect a child while a full hearing is pending. Public prosecutors and social services can also take immediate protective steps in emergencies.
- Evidence and expert reports: Courts often rely on social services reports, psychological or psychiatric assessments, school and medical records, witness testimony and any police records. The court may order an expert assessment when the child s best interests require it.
- Enforcement and remedies: Court custody and contact orders are enforceable. Persistent breaches can lead to enforcement proceedings or sanctions. International removals can invoke the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction when applicable.
- Mediation and settlement: Alternative dispute resolution such as mediation can be used to reach parenting agreements. A mediated agreement can be submitted to the court for approval and conversion into an enforceable order.
Yes. Greek courts commonly arrange joint parental responsibility or shared parenting time where both parents remain involved in major decisions. The exact arrangement depends on the child s best interests, the parents ability to cooperate and practical matters like distance and work schedules.
The court examines the child s physical and emotional needs, each parent s capacity to provide care, the child s age and attachments, the stability of the home environment and any safety concerns. If the child is old and mature enough, the court may consider the child s own views as part of the assessment.
Allegations of violence or abuse are taken seriously. The court will consider safety when deciding custody and contact. Emergency protection measures and restraining orders may be available. Evidence such as police reports, medical records and social services assessments will be important.
Removing a child from Greece or from the place of habitual residence without the other parent s consent or a court order can be treated as wrongful removal. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction may apply to recover the child if the destination country is a contracting state. Court permission or the other parent s written consent is typically required for international moves that affect custody or contact.
Duration varies widely. Simple agreements formalized by the court can be completed in a few months, while contested cases with expert reports and multiple hearings can take longer. Emergency interim orders can be issued quickly when urgent protection is needed.
Proceedings are conducted in Greek, so working with a lawyer fluent in Greek is essential. You can choose a lawyer based in Acharnes or in the wider Athens judicial district. A local lawyer will be familiar with the court, local social services and typical practices in the area.
Bring identification, the child s birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, any existing court orders or agreements, school and medical records, correspondence with the other parent, police reports or protection orders, and any evidence showing parental involvement or concerns. A lawyer will advise on additional documents that may strengthen your case.
Mediation can be a useful way to resolve disputes and is often recommended, but it is not always mandatory for custody cases. Mediation may reduce costs and help parents reach practical parenting plans. If an agreement is reached, it can be presented to the court for approval.
Non-compliance can be addressed through enforcement proceedings before the court. Remedies may include ordering compliance, altering the contact schedule, sanctions or in severe cases modifying custody. If the breach involves abduction or refusal to return the child, criminal or international procedures may apply.
The child s preferences may be considered if the child is mature enough to express a reasoned view. The weight given to the child s wishes depends on age, maturity and the specifics of the case. The court always balances the child s expressed wishes with the overall best interests standard.
When seeking help in Acharnes, consider these types of local and national resources:
- Local municipal social services and child protection services in Acharnes for assessments and support.
- The local bar association or the Athens Bar Association to find qualified family lawyers and information about legal aid for low income persons.
- Family and juvenile court offices in the Athens judicial district for filing procedures and court schedules.
- The Public Prosecutor s office for matters affecting minors, and police for immediate safety concerns.
- The Greek Ombudsman and child rights units for advice on children s rights and complaints about public services.
- National child helplines and support services for advice and emergency assistance.
Ask a lawyer or your local citizen service center about the exact offices that serve Acharnes so you can contact the right authority quickly.
If you need legal assistance with child custody in Acharnes, follow these steps:
- Gather documents: collect identification, the child s birth certificate, any existing court orders, school and medical records, and any evidence of abuse or parental involvement.
- Seek immediate help if there is danger: contact the police, health services or social services if the child is at immediate risk.
- Consult a lawyer: choose a family law lawyer who speaks Greek and has experience in custody cases. An initial consultation will clarify your rights, possible outcomes and likely timelines.
- Consider mediation: where safe and appropriate, try mediation to reach a workable parenting plan without prolonged litigation.
- Prepare for court if needed: follow your lawyer s guidance on evidence, expert assessments and witness statements. Ask about legal aid if you cannot afford representation.
- Keep detailed records: keep a log of parenting time, communication attempts, incidents affecting the child and any expenses related to the child s care. Accurate records help your case and assist professionals involved.
Child custody disputes are often emotional and complex. Early legal advice and timely use of local support services in Acharnes can protect your child s interests and lead to clearer, more stable arrangements.
