Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support - commonly referred to in Greece as "διατροφή" - is the legal obligation of parents to provide financial support for their children. In Melissia, a suburb of Athens, child support matters are governed by national Greek family law and are handled by the competent courts in the Attica region. Parents can agree on support privately or seek a court order when they cannot reach agreement. Courts consider the child’s needs and each parent’s financial capacity to set, modify, or enforce support orders. Support typically covers basic living costs such as housing, food, clothing, schooling and medical care, and may continue beyond majority in certain circumstances - for example if the child is still in education or has a disability.
Child support cases can involve emotionally charged disputes and complex legal procedures. A lawyer helps protect your rights and can be especially important in the following situations:
- Establishing paternity or parentage when it is contested or unclear.
- Negotiating an agreed support arrangement and drafting a legally sound settlement.
- Applying to the court for an initial support order or for modification of an existing order due to changed circumstances.
- Enforcing arrears when the paying parent does not comply with a support order - including wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or enforcement against bank accounts.
- Handling cross-border cases where a parent lives or works in another EU country or outside the EU - these cases involve international enforcement rules.
- Resolving linked issues such as custody, visitation, or relocation of the child abroad, where child support is one piece of a broader family dispute.
- Advising on tax, social benefits and how support interacts with public assistance or employer obligations.
Key legal points that are particularly relevant for child support in Melissia and the rest of Greece include the following:
- Legal basis - Child support obligations arise from Greek family law and general civil-law principles. Parents are legally obliged to contribute to the maintenance of their children according to the child’s needs and the parent’s ability to pay.
- Court jurisdiction - Family and maintenance matters are decided by the competent civil courts. For residents of Melissia, this typically means courts in the greater Athens area. Courts issue binding maintenance orders and set amounts after considering evidence from both parents.
- Calculation factors - Courts consider the child’s reasonable needs, the paying parent’s income and assets, the custodial parent’s income and expenses, the number of children and other dependents, and the standard of living the child enjoyed prior to separation.
- Duration - Support normally covers the child’s needs while a child is dependent. In many cases support continues until the child reaches majority - with continuation possible if the child is in full-time education or has a disability that prevents self-support. Court discretion and the specifics of each case determine exact duration.
- Modification - Support orders can be varied if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as loss of income, serious illness, or major change in the child’s needs. Prompt application to the court is important.
- Enforcement - Non-payment may lead to civil enforcement measures such as garnishment of wages, attachment of bank accounts, seizure of movable assets and real property enforcement. In serious or repeated cases, criminal proceedings may also be possible under Greek law - however outcomes depend on case facts and procedural requirements.
- International and EU cases - If a parent lives outside Greece, EU rules on maintenance (for example the EU Maintenance Regulation) and international conventions may apply to help determine jurisdiction and to enforce Greek orders abroad or to register foreign orders in Greece.
- Alternative dispute resolution - Mediation and negotiation are available options before or during court proceedings. Courts may encourage settlement, and mediated agreements can be registered with the court to become enforceable.
Either parent who has custody of the child, or any person who legally represents the child, can apply to a competent court for a maintenance order. A child who has legal capacity can also initiate proceedings through a guardian in some circumstances.
The court assesses the child’s needs and the paying parent’s financial ability. This includes income, assets, living expenses, the standard of living the child would have enjoyed, the number of dependents and special needs such as health or education costs. There is no fixed formula prescribed by law; judges exercise discretion based on evidence.
Support usually lasts while the child is financially dependent. Many orders cover support until the child reaches majority, and may continue beyond that if the child is pursuing full-time education or has a disability. Specific duration depends on court findings and the child’s circumstances.
Yes. You can ask the court to modify an order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances - for example job loss, a marked increase in the child’s needs, serious illness, or significant changes in income. You must apply to the court and provide evidence of the changed circumstances.
If a parent fails to pay, the recipient can seek enforcement through the courts. Possible measures include wage garnishment, attachment of bank accounts, seizure of assets, or other enforcement steps under civil procedure. In persistent or knowing refusal cases, criminal proceedings may also be considered. A lawyer can guide you through enforcement options and procedures.
Yes. Parents can reach a private agreement on support and record that agreement in writing. To make the agreement enforceable like a court order, parties can register it with the court or have it formalized by a court approval. Legal advice is recommended when drafting agreements to ensure the arrangement is fair and durable.
Typical documents include the child’s birth certificate, identity documents for parent and child, proof of residence, evidence of income and assets for both parents (pay slips, tax returns, bank statements), documentation of regular expenses for the child (school fees, medical bills), and any prior agreements or court orders. If paternity is in doubt, a DNA test or court ruling on parentage may be necessary.
Yes - cross-border enforcement is possible under EU regulations when the parent lives in another EU country. International conventions and bilateral arrangements may assist when the parent lives outside the EU. These cases are more complex and usually require specialized legal assistance to identify applicable international rules and enforcement channels.
Tax treatment of child support can vary and may depend on current tax rules and how the payment is characterized. It is advisable to consult a tax advisor or lawyer familiar with Greek tax law to understand whether payments affect income tax, eligible deductions or benefits.
In some cases parties agree to a lump-sum settlement or the court may order a different arrangement. Lump-sum agreements can be complex because they must fairly reflect the child’s ongoing needs. Legal advice is important to evaluate whether a lump-sum settlement is appropriate and to ensure enforceability and future financial protection for the child.
Here are local and national resources that can be helpful when seeking legal advice or support with child support issues in Melissia:
- Athens Bar Association - a local professional body that can help you find qualified family law lawyers.
- Courts in Attica - family and civil courts that handle maintenance proceedings for Melissia residents.
- Municipality social services - the Municipality of Penteli or local Melissia municipal services can point to social support programs and local mediation services.
- National Centre for Social Solidarity (EKKA) - provides social protection and child welfare guidance.
- Greek Ombudsman - handles complaints concerning public administration and can advise on children's rights and public services.
- Non-governmental organizations such as child welfare charities and family support groups - they can provide practical assistance and referrals.
- Ministry of Justice - general information on family law procedures, court locations and legal aid schemes.
- Citizen Service Centers (KEP) - for document certifications and guidance on administrative procedures.
If you need legal assistance with child support, consider the following practical steps:
- Collect documents - gather the child’s birth certificate, identification, proof of residence, income records, tax returns, bank statements, school and medical bills, and any prior agreements or court orders.
- Make a clear record of payments - keep receipts, bank transfer records, or any written communications about support payments and expenses.
- Seek an initial legal consultation - contact a family law lawyer experienced in maintenance matters. Ask about fees, likely timelines, possible outcomes and whether legal aid might apply.
- Consider mediation - if both parents can negotiate, mediation can be a faster and less adversarial way to reach a sustainable agreement. A mediated agreement can be submitted to court to secure enforceability.
- Act promptly on arrears or urgent needs - if support is not being paid and the child has urgent needs, seek immediate legal advice to pursue emergency measures.
- Keep the child’s best interests front and center - courts prioritize the child’s welfare. Document the child’s needs and expenses clearly, and work with your lawyer to present the strongest possible case.
If you are unsure where to start, a local family lawyer or the Athens Bar Association can help you find an appropriate specialist for an initial consultation. Early legal guidance improves your chances of securing stable and enforceable support for your child.
