Best Child Custody Lawyers in Thivais

About Child Custody Law in Thivais, Greece

Child custody in Greece is governed by the Greek Civil Code and related family laws. The guiding principle is the best interests of the child. Greek law uses the term parental responsibility to describe the bundle of rights and duties that include day to day care, decision making about education and health, representation of the child, and management of the child’s property. After separation or divorce, parental responsibility can be exercised jointly by both parents or allocated between them by agreement or court order.

Courts in Greece encourage both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life. Unless there are serious reasons such as abuse, neglect, or substance misuse, children are generally expected to have regular and meaningful contact with both parents. Parents can agree on a parenting plan. If they cannot agree, the local Court of First Instance serving Thivais can decide on residence, parenting time, decision making, and child support. Mediation is promoted for family disputes, and in many cases an initial mediation information session is required before going to trial.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are separating or divorcing and must agree on where your child will live and how decisions will be made. Legal help is useful when parents disagree on parenting schedules, holidays, education choices, health care, or travel. A lawyer is important if there are safety issues such as domestic violence, neglect, or substance abuse, because urgent protective and interim orders may be needed.

Legal representation is also helpful for modifying an existing order when circumstances change, such as a new job schedule or a planned relocation that affects the child’s residence or school. If one parent is preventing communication or not complying with an order, a lawyer can pursue enforcement. For unmarried parents, a lawyer can assist with establishing paternity and setting parental responsibility and child support. If there is an international element such as cross border relocation or abduction, a lawyer with experience in the Hague Child Abduction Convention is strongly advised.

Local Laws Overview

Legal framework. Greek Civil Code provisions on parental responsibility and communication apply to all families, married or unmarried. Reforms introduced in recent years emphasize shared parental responsibility, cooperation between parents, and the child’s right to maintain a personal relationship with both parents. The best interests of the child remain the decisive criterion for all court decisions.

Parental responsibility and custody. Parental responsibility can be exercised jointly after separation. Courts can allocate daily care to one parent while keeping important decisions joint, or assign specific decision areas to each parent. If joint decision making is ordered and the parents cannot agree on a major issue, the court can break the deadlock by deciding that specific issue. Unmarried parents share parental responsibility after paternity is legally recognized, unless the court decides otherwise for the child’s best interests.

Parenting time and communication. The child has a right to maintain personal contact with both parents unless contact would harm the child. Parenting schedules are tailored to the child’s age, school routine, and needs. Courts aim for frequent and meaningful contact for the non residential parent. Orders usually address weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations, and can include phone or video contact.

Child’s views. Courts consider the views of the child, taking into account age and maturity. Judges may hear from the child in a child friendly manner, often with input from social services or an expert. The child’s opinion is important but not decisive by itself.

Relocation and travel. A move that substantially affects the child’s residence or contact with the other parent is treated as a major decision. The relocating parent generally needs the other parent’s consent or a court order permitting the move. Disputes about changing schools, moving within Greece, or moving abroad are decided by assessing the child’s best interests, parental cooperation, and practical arrangements for maintaining contact.

Domestic violence and safety. Greece has civil and criminal protections for domestic violence. Courts can issue urgent interim measures to protect the child and the targeted parent, such as supervised contact, no contact provisions, or temporary residence orders. Safety concerns are central to custody decisions.

Mediation and settlement. Family mediation is encouraged. An initial mediation information session is often required for disputes over parental responsibility and child support, except in cases involving domestic violence or other urgency. Agreements reached in mediation can be submitted to the court for approval and become enforceable.

Child support. Both parents must contribute to the child’s maintenance according to their abilities and the child’s needs. Child support can be set by agreement or court order and can be updated if circumstances change. Support typically covers everyday expenses, education, health care, and a fair share of extracurricular activities.

Courts and procedure in Thivais. Child custody cases are filed with the Court of First Instance that serves Thivais. There is a family law section that handles applications for custody, communication, child support, and interim measures. In urgent cases, the court can issue temporary orders to stabilize arrangements until a full hearing. Expert reports or social service evaluations may be requested.

International aspects. Greece is a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. If a child is wrongfully removed to or retained in Greece, or taken from Greece to another country that is a party to the Convention, applications for return are handled through the designated central authorities and the Greek courts. Recognition and enforcement of foreign custody orders may be possible through Greek procedures.

Legal aid. Low income individuals may qualify for state funded legal aid for family cases. Applications are made through the court with proof of income and documents supporting the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does parental responsibility mean in Greece

Parental responsibility is the set of rights and duties parents have toward their child. It includes daily care, education, health decisions, representation, and management of the child’s property. It can be exercised jointly or allocated by the court. The child’s best interests guide every decision.

Is there a default rule for custody after separation

No single model fits all cases. Greek law favors both parents remaining involved. Courts decide residence, decision making, and parenting schedules based on the child’s needs and the parents’ ability to cooperate. Many orders provide joint decision making with a tailored parenting schedule.

Will the court hear my child’s opinion

Yes, when appropriate. The judge considers the child’s age and maturity and may hear the child in a sensitive way, sometimes with an expert present. The child’s opinion is one factor among many that serve the child’s best interests.

Can I move to another city or abroad with my child

Not without the other parent’s consent or a court order if the move significantly affects the child’s life or contact with the other parent. Relocation is a major decision under parental responsibility. The court evaluates the reasons for the move, the impact on the child, schooling, and how contact will be maintained.

What happens if the other parent refuses to comply with the parenting schedule

You can seek enforcement through the Court of First Instance. The court can impose fines, order specific performance, and adjust terms to ensure compliance. Keeping a clear record of missed visits or interference helps your case.

How fast can I get temporary orders

In urgent cases, such as safety risks or abduction concerns, the court can grant interim measures relatively quickly. Timeframes vary by caseload, but urgent hearings are prioritized. A lawyer can help you file properly supported applications.

Do I have to try mediation

An initial mediation information session is often required in family disputes, except in urgent matters or where there is domestic violence. Mediation can produce faster, more flexible solutions and reduce conflict. If mediation fails, you can proceed to court.

How is child support calculated

Support depends on the child’s reasonable needs and each parent’s financial capacity. The court considers housing, food, clothing, education, health care, transportation, and activities. Orders can be adjusted if income or needs change.

What if we were never married

The same principles apply. Once paternity is recognized, both parents have parental responsibility unless a court decides otherwise. If paternity is disputed, the court can order testing and then set custody, communication, and support.

What if there is domestic violence

Safety comes first. You can request protection orders, supervised contact, or suspension of contact. The court will prioritize protecting the child and the targeted parent. Report incidents to the police and seek medical and social support as needed.

Additional Resources

Court of First Instance serving Thivais Family Section. Contact the clerk’s office for filing information, schedules, and forms related to custody, communication, and child support.

Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of First Instance serving Thivais. Handles urgent protective measures and criminal aspects related to domestic violence or child endangerment.

Hellenic Ministry of Justice Family Law and International Judicial Cooperation Directorates. Provide information on family law policy, legal aid, and Hague Convention cases.

Greek Ombudsman Department of Children’s Rights. Independent authority that can examine issues involving public services and children’s rights.

National Center for Social Solidarity EKKA. Offers social support, shelters, and referral services for families and children at risk.

The Smile of the Child. Nationwide organization supporting children through social, psychological, and emergency services including the SOS 1056 helpline.

General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality. Operates the 15900 helpline for domestic violence support and referral.

Hellenic Police Domestic Violence Services and emergency number 100. Available for immediate protection and reporting.

Municipality of Thivais Social Services. Local support with social workers who may assist families, provide reports, or make referrals.

Local Bar Association serving Thivais. Lawyer referral services and information about family law practitioners and mediators.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If there is a risk of harm to you or your child, seek police assistance and emergency protective orders. Gather any medical records, messages, or witness information that document the risk.

Get legal advice early. Consult a family lawyer experienced in custody and international issues if relevant. Bring your marriage certificate or recognition of paternity documents, the child’s birth certificate, any prior court orders, and a brief timeline of events.

Consider mediation. Prepare a practical parenting plan proposal that covers residence, daily routine, school, health care, holidays, travel, and ways to communicate about the child. Mediation can reduce costs and conflict and may be required before litigation.

File for interim measures if needed. If contact is being blocked or a sudden move is planned, ask your lawyer about urgent applications to stabilize arrangements while the case proceeds.

Document everything. Keep a log of communications, missed parenting time, school and medical information, and expenses related to the child. Objective records help the court understand the situation.

Avoid unilateral actions. Do not relocate with the child, change schools, or withhold contact without consent or a court order, unless there is an immediate safety risk. Unilateral steps can harm your case.

Explore legal aid. If you have limited income, ask about applying for state funded legal aid so you can be represented in mediation and court.

Focus on the child’s best interests. Propose solutions that maintain stability, support education and health, and keep both parents involved when safe and appropriate. Courts give weight to cooperative and child centered plans.

Prepare for the hearing. Work with your lawyer to gather evidence, potential witness statements, and any expert opinions needed. Be ready to explain how your proposal serves the child’s needs and supports ongoing relationships.

Follow and review orders. Comply with court orders and seek legal advice before making changes. If circumstances change, request a modification through the court rather than acting on your own.