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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support in Acharnes, Greece is governed by Greek family law and enforced by the local courts and authorities that serve the Attica region. The basic purpose of child support is to ensure that a child receives the financial means necessary for food, housing, education, health care and general upbringing. Both parents have an obligation to contribute to the child s needs according to their means. Procedures, enforcement options and available support can be handled locally through municipal social services, courts and national agencies.
You may want to hire a lawyer if you need legal help with any of the following common situations:
- Establishing a formal child support order when the parents cannot agree.
- Calculating a fair amount when the parties dispute income, special needs or extraordinary expenses.
- Seeking emergency or interim support while a full case is pending before the court.
- Enforcing a court order when the paying parent refuses or delays payments.
- Modifying an existing order because of a significant change of circumstances - for example job loss, serious illness, or a big change in the child s needs.
- Handling cross-border cases when one parent lives outside Greece - these cases often require knowledge of EU and international enforcement rules.
- Advising on ancillary matters like custody, visitation and how these interact with maintenance obligations.
Key aspects to know about child support in Acharnes and Greece in general:
- Legal obligation - Both parents are legally required to financially support their children according to their ability to pay and the child s reasonable needs.
- Who can receive support - The parent who has custody or the child directly can claim maintenance. The right to support normally arises for minor children, and in many cases can continue for adult children who are studying or unable to support themselves due to health reasons.
- How amounts are determined - There is no single fixed formula used nationwide. Courts evaluate factors such as both parents incomes and assets, the child s needs and standard of living, number of dependent children, and any special expenses for health or education.
- Duration - Child support commonly continues until the child reaches majority. It can be extended when the child is in full-time education or if the child is not able to support themselves. Exact duration may vary case by case.
- Modifications - Orders can be modified if there is a substantial and lasting change in circumstances, such as a change in income, loss of employment, or a change in the child s needs.
- Enforcement - If a parent fails to pay, enforcement options include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, court-ordered deductions, and other civil enforcement measures. In serious or purposeful non-payment cases criminal proceedings may also be possible under Greek law.
- Jurisdiction and procedure - Child support claims are filed before the competent civil courts. For residents of Acharnes the appropriate first-instance court or family division that serves the Attica area will typically handle the case. Alternative dispute resolution - for example mediation - is also an option to reach an agreement without prolonged litigation.
- Interim relief - Courts can order provisional maintenance while the final determination is pending if there is an urgent need.
Child support is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial contributions to meet their child s necessary living costs. Both parents share the duty to support the child - the non-custodial parent often pays a regular amount to the custodial parent, but the exact arrangement depends on the court order or private agreement.
Courts consider the financial resources of each parent, the child s needs and standard of living, the number of children, and any special expenses like medical treatment or education. There is no single statutory percentage applied in every case, so judges exercise discretion based on the evidence presented.
Support typically continues until the child reaches legal adulthood. It may be extended when the child is continuing full-time education or cannot support themselves for medical reasons. The specific length depends on the circumstances and any court order or agreement.
Yes. If there is a substantial change in circumstances - for example a parent s income falls or rises significantly, or the child s needs change - either parent can apply to the court to modify the order. Temporary changes may also be achievable through an interim court application.
If a parent does not comply with a support order you can apply to the court for enforcement. Available measures include wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts or other assets, and court-ordered deductions. In persistent and deliberate refusal cases, criminal sanctions may also be a possibility. A local lawyer can guide you on the most effective enforcement route.
Yes, parents can reach a private agreement about maintenance. To make such an agreement enforceable, many people file it with the court for approval or sign it before a competent authority. Legal advice is recommended to ensure the agreement protects the child s interests and is legally valid.
Cross-border maintenance cases are handled under international and EU rules that allow recognition and enforcement of judgments between member states. You should seek legal help experienced in international maintenance cases to determine jurisdiction and the best method to obtain enforcement abroad.
Yes. Courts take into account special and extraordinary expenses that are necessary for the child s welfare, such as significant medical treatment or reasonable education costs. Parties should provide documentation and evidence of such needs when presenting their case.
Begin by collecting relevant documents - personal identification, birth certificate of the child, proof of income for both parents, bank statements, receipts for child expenses, and any existing agreements or court orders. Then consult a lawyer to prepare the application and file it with the competent civil court that serves your area. Municipal social services can help with immediate financial or social support while your case is being processed.
Yes. Legal aid may be available for people who meet financial eligibility requirements. The Athens Bar Association and local legal aid offices can provide information about eligibility and how to apply. Non-governmental organizations and municipal social services can sometimes also assist with referrals or temporary support.
Consider contacting or consulting the following local and national organizations and services when you need support or information about child support in Acharnes:
- Municipality of Acharnes - social services department for emergency assistance and guidance on local support programs.
- Athens Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and information about legal aid and pro bono services.
- The local court that handles family and maintenance cases in the Attica region - for procedural information and filing locations.
- National Centre for Social Solidarity - for social welfare and child protection services.
- Greek Ombudsman - office handling complaints and issues affecting children s rights and welfare.
- Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - for information on national policies and programs related to maintenance, social assistance and enforcement procedures.
- Child welfare NGOs and family mediation providers that operate in Attica - for counseling, mediation and social support.
Here is a practical step-by-step guide if you need legal assistance with child support in Acharnes:
- Step 1 - Gather documents: child s birth certificate, ID cards, proof of residence, payroll slips or tax returns for both parents, bank statements, receipts for child-related expenses, and any existing agreements or court documents.
- Step 2 - Seek an initial consultation: contact a lawyer experienced in family law to review your situation. Ask about likely procedures, estimated timelines and fee structure. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, contact the Athens Bar Association or local legal aid services.
- Step 3 - Consider mediation: if safe and feasible, try mediation to reach a voluntary agreement quickly and with less cost. A lawyer can help draft an agreement that can be brought before the court for approval.
- Step 4 - File a claim or application: your lawyer will prepare and file the necessary documents with the competent court. If urgent support is needed, request provisional or interim relief.
- Step 5 - Keep records: document every payment, communication and expense related to the child. Detailed records help with calculation, enforcement and any future modification applications.
- Step 6 - Enforcement and modification: if a parent fails to comply, work with your lawyer to seek enforcement measures. If circumstances change, promptly seek a modification through the court.
- Step 7 - Use local support services: in parallel, contact municipal social services, child welfare organizations and the national social support agencies for immediate assistance if needed.
Disclaimer - This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional legal advice. For advice tailored to your case, consult a qualified family law attorney who is licensed in Greece and familiar with cases in Acharnes and the Attica region.
