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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
This guide explains the main legal points people should know when dealing with divorce and separation in Acharnes, a municipality in the Attica region of Greece. Divorce and separation matters in Greece are governed by national family law and are handled by the civil courts. Procedures and outcomes depend on whether the spouses agree, whether there are children, the marital property regime, and whether any abuse, abandonment or criminal conduct is involved. Many matters - custody, child support, visitation, spousal support and property issues - are decided with the child's best interest and fairness in mind.
Although Acharnes is the local place of residence for many residents who file family law cases, court proceedings typically take place in the competent civil court of the judicial district. If one or both spouses live abroad or there are cross-border elements, European and international rules may affect jurisdiction and enforcement.
Family law matters are often emotionally charged and legally complex. A lawyer can help in several common situations:
- You and your spouse cannot agree on key issues such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, or division of assets and debts.
- One spouse has left the family home or refuses to cooperate - you may need temporary court orders for protection, custody or maintenance.
- There are allegations of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or criminal behavior - you will need legal protection and guidance on evidence and emergency relief.
- One spouse lives abroad or there are international custody or asset issues - a lawyer can advise on jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement across borders.
- You need to understand the impact of marriage property regime choices - a lawyer explains whether assets are jointly held or separate and how they will be divided.
- You want to pursue mediation or negotiation and need a lawyer to draft or review settlement agreements to ensure they are legally effective and enforceable.
Key aspects of Greek family law that are relevant in Acharnes include:
- Forms of ending a marriage - Divorce can be reached by mutual consent or through a contested court procedure if spouses cannot agree. The court decides contested cases after examining the facts and any claimed grounds for divorce.
- Grounds for divorce - Grounds may include serious fault such as adultery, criminal conviction, abandonment, or conduct making continued life together intolerable. Courts may also consider prolonged de facto separation or irretrievable breakdown depending on the case facts.
- Child custody and parental responsibility - Courts determine custody based on the best interest of the child. Decisions cover custody, parental responsibility, primary residence, visitation rights and decision-making about education and health.
- Child support - Parents have an obligation to maintain their children. Child support amounts are based on the needs of the child and the means of the parents. Support can be ordered by the court and enforced if unpaid.
- Spousal maintenance - In some cases, a spouse may be ordered to pay maintenance to the other spouse, either temporarily while proceedings are ongoing or longer-term if justified by need and the other spouses ability to pay.
- Property and assets - The financial outcome depends on the marital property regime that applies to your marriage - regimes can affect whether property is shared or separate and how it is divided on divorce. Pre-marital or inherited property may be treated differently.
- Protective and emergency measures - Courts can issue interim orders - for example for temporary custody, protection against domestic violence, or urgent maintenance - while the main case proceeds.
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution - Mediation and negotiation are available and may speed up resolution. In many cases, reaching an agreement outside court is quicker, less expensive and less stressful for children.
You normally start by filing an application at the competent civil court. If you have an agreement with your spouse, you can apply for a mutual-consent divorce and present a settlement covering custody, support and property. If you cannot agree, you or your lawyer file a contested petition and the court will schedule hearings. A lawyer will advise on the correct court, the required documents and the form of the application.
There is no single answer - times vary widely. A mutual-consent divorce with a clear settlement can be completed in a few months. Contested divorces that involve complex issues, property division or child custody disputes can take many months to years depending on court schedules, evidence and appeals. Interim orders can provide temporary solutions while the case continues.
The court decides custody based on the childs best interest. Factors include the childs age, health, emotional needs, the parents capacities, the childs relationship with each parent, and stability of the proposed living arrangements. Courts often prefer arrangements that keep significant contact with both parents unless there is a safety concern. Custody can be joint or sole, and visitation schedules are commonly ordered.
There is no fixed national formula that applies in every case. Courts consider the childs needs, the standard of living during the marriage, the parents incomes and their reasonable expenses. Support covers food, housing, education, health care and other needs. A lawyer or the court accountant can help estimate a fair amount, and courts can order periodic payments and enforce them if needed.
Property division depends on the marital property regime and whether assets are personal or joint. Some property may remain the separate property of the spouse who owned it before marriage, or property received by inheritance or gift during the marriage may be treated differently. If the marriage was subject to a community regime, assets acquired during marriage may be shared. A lawyer with knowledge of Greek property law can assess your situation and explain expected outcomes.
Yes. If you or your children are at risk, you can request urgent court protection and police assistance. Courts can issue protection orders, order a removal from the family home, and arrange emergency measures for custody and maintenance. Keep records of threats or incidents and seek immediate legal and police help if you are in danger.
Mediation is available and encouraged in many family law matters because it can resolve disputes faster and less expensively. However, mediation is not mandatory for all divorces. If there are serious safety concerns or criminal allegations, mediation may not be appropriate. A lawyer can advise whether mediation is suitable for your case.
Bring identification documents, your marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, any existing court orders or police reports, recent payslips or proof of income, tax returns, property deeds, mortgage statements, bank statements and any evidence of abuse or abandonment. Also bring any written agreements you and your spouse may have. These documents help the lawyer assess your case quickly.
Not automatically. Whether the family home can be sold or transferred depends on ownership title, the marital property regime and any court orders. Courts can restrict sales or transfers to protect the childrens housing needs or pending disputes. If both spouses own the property jointly, the court will decide on fair measures, which may include sale, division of the proceeds or one spouse buying out the other.
Jurisdiction depends on several factors - where spouses last lived together, where children live, and whether either spouse is domiciled in Greece. European and international rules may apply when one spouse lives in another EU country or outside the EU. Cross-border custody or support issues can be complex, so consult a lawyer experienced in international family law to determine the right jurisdiction and how to enforce orders abroad.
When you need help or information, the following local and national resources can be useful:
- Municipal social services in Acharnes - for emergency support, social work and information on local shelters or family support programs.
- Citizen Service Centres - KEP - for official document copies and information on administrative procedures.
- Attica Bar Association or the local Bar Association - to find qualified family lawyers and check professional credentials.
- Legal aid services - public legal aid may be available for people with limited means who qualify for assistance in family law matters.
- Greek Ministry of Justice - for information about court procedures and family law policy.
- Greek Ombudsman - for complaints about public services or public law matters affecting family life and access to rights.
- Family counseling and mediation centers - private and public providers can offer mediation, counseling and parenting support during and after separation.
- Police and domestic violence support services - for immediate protection and guidance if you face abuse.
If you need legal assistance for divorce or separation in Acharnes, follow these practical steps:
- Gather core documents - ID, marriage certificate, childrens birth certificates, recent payslips, tax documents, bank statements, property deeds, and any evidence of abuse or separation. This makes your first meeting with a lawyer productive.
- Seek an initial legal consultation - contact a family lawyer experienced in Greek law to explain your options, likely outcomes, costs and timelines. Many lawyers offer a short first meeting to assess the case.
- Consider safety first - if you or your children are at risk, contact the police and social services immediately. Ask your lawyer about emergency court measures for protection, custody and maintenance.
- Explore mediation if appropriate - if you and your spouse can negotiate, mediation can save time and costs and lead to clearer agreements on custody, support and property.
- Ask about costs and legal aid - clarify legal fees, court costs and whether you qualify for state legal aid or subsidized services.
- Prepare for temporary arrangements - ask your lawyer about interim orders for custody, use of the family home and temporary financial support while the main case is pending.
- Keep good records - document communications, financial transactions, incidents affecting safety, and expenses for children. Accurate records support legal claims and enforcement.
- Stay informed and seek support - use local counseling, support groups and municipal services to help cope with the emotional and practical challenges of separation.
Taking the first step to consult a qualified local family lawyer will clarify your legal position, protect your rights and help you choose the best path forward for you and your family in Acharnes.
