Best Divorce & Separation Lawyers in Attiki

How divorce works in Attiki: court proceedings or a notarial agreement

Divorce law in Attiki follows Greece’s national law, not a separate regional code. In practice, spouses may end a marriage by agreement through a notary, or ask a court to grant a divorce if they cannot agree.

A consensual divorce requires each spouse to have a lawyer. The spouses agree in writing on the divorce and, if they have minor children, arrangements for parental responsibility, the children’s residence, contact and maintenance. The agreement is formalised by a notarial act and the divorce must be registered.

If the divorce is contested, a lawyer prepares and files the case in the competent civil court. The appropriate court and filing steps depend on the parties’ circumstances and the applicable venue rules. In Attiki, this may involve courts serving Athens, Piraeus or another part of the region.

Living apart does not itself end a marriage. Disputes about children, maintenance, the family home or property can require separate advice alongside the divorce process.

When a divorce lawyer can make a practical difference

• Your spouse does not agree to divorce or disputes the grounds. A lawyer can assess the evidence, prepare the claim and explain which court in Attiki may hear it.

• You agree to divorce but cannot settle child arrangements. Advice can help turn proposals about residence, contact, parental responsibility and maintenance into clear, workable terms.

• You have property or financial claims to resolve. Greek law does not automatically divide all marital property equally. A lawyer can assess ownership, contributions and any potential claim connected with an increase in the other spouse’s assets.

• Your spouse lives abroad, or the marriage or family has links to another country. Jurisdiction, applicable law, service of documents and recognition of a divorce may need careful review.

• You need to formalise an agreed divorce. Separate legal representation is required for the spouses, and a lawyer can check that the agreement and any child-related terms meet legal requirements before the notarial step.

• You need urgent protection or interim arrangements. A lawyer can advise on appropriate court applications where safety, access to children, support or use of the family home cannot wait for the final divorce.

Greek laws that govern divorce and related family matters

• Greek Civil Code (Astikos Kodikas). Its divorce provisions, including Articles 1438, 1439 and 1441, cover judicial divorce, irretrievable breakdown and divorce by agreement. Article 1441 provides the framework for the consensual divorce procedure before a notary.

• Code of Civil Procedure (Kώδικας Πολιτικής Δικονομίας). It governs civil court procedure, including how court cases are brought and heard. The correct court and procedural route depend on the case and the parties’ circumstances.

• Law 4800/2021. Published in May 2021, it amended family-law rules on parental responsibility and arrangements for children after separation or divorce. It is relevant when parents need decisions about a child’s care, residence or contact.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Attiki?

Each spouse must be represented by a lawyer for a consensual divorce under the Greek Civil Code. A contested divorce is a court case, so legal advice is important for preparing the claim, evidence and any related requests.

Can we divorce without going to court?

Yes, if both spouses agree and meet the legal requirements, they can complete a consensual divorce through a notarial act. Each spouse needs a separate lawyer, and the divorce must also be registered.

What if my spouse refuses to divorce?

You may seek a judicial divorce on the basis that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. A lawyer can assess the relevant facts and evidence and advise on filing in the competent court.

Does living separately mean we are legally divorced?

No. Separation does not by itself end the marriage or change a person’s marital status. A divorce must be completed through the applicable legal process and registered.

Does two years of living apart matter in a contested divorce?

Under the Greek Civil Code, continuous separation for at least two years creates a conclusive presumption that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. A lawyer can advise on how to establish the relevant period and apply the rule to your case.

What must we agree on for a consensual divorce if we have children?

The written agreement must address parental responsibility and arrangements for the children, including residence, contact and maintenance. The terms should be specific and workable, rather than leaving important arrangements unclear.

Does divorce automatically mean equal custody or equal time with each parent?

No. Shared parental responsibility does not automatically mean equal residence or equal time. The arrangements must comply with Greek law and address the child’s circumstances and needs.

Is marital property automatically split equally?

No. Greek law does not generally provide for an automatic equal division of everything acquired during marriage. Ownership and any claim based on one spouse’s contribution to an increase in the other spouse’s assets require individual assessment.

How long does a divorce take in Attiki?

A consensual divorce can proceed once the agreement and required arrangements are ready, subject to the statutory waiting period before the notarial act. A contested case usually takes longer, and timing depends on court scheduling, service of documents and any disputes.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

There is no single total cost for every divorce. Lawyer fees, notarial charges, court-related expenses, translations and international service costs may differ depending on whether the case is agreed, contested or cross-border. Ask for a written fee estimate covering the expected work and additional expenses.

Can I get divorced in Greece if my spouse lives in another country?

Possibly, but the Greek court’s jurisdiction and the rules for serving documents must be checked. The parties’ residence, nationality and other cross-border connections may affect the procedure, so obtain advice before filing.

Official resources in Attiki and Greece

• gov.gr. The official Greek government portal provides a digital consensual-divorce service. The service supports the formal process; it does not replace each spouse’s required legal representation.

• Athens Bar Association (Dikigorikos Syllogos Athinon). The professional body for lawyers in Athens can provide information about the legal profession and its services.

• Ministry of Justice. The Ministry publishes information about Greek legislation and the justice system, including material relevant to civil and family-law procedures.

Steps to find and hire a divorce lawyer in Attiki

1. Clarify what needs resolving. List whether the main issues are the divorce itself, children, maintenance, property, the family home or an international connection. This can take a day or two and helps focus an initial consultation.

2. Gather key documents. Collect marriage and birth certificates, any existing agreements or court orders, financial records and relevant correspondence. Ask whether documents from abroad need translation or certification.

3. Shortlist lawyers practising family law in Attiki. Look for lawyers whose work includes the route relevant to your case, whether consensual, contested or cross-border. Check that they can advise on the court or notarial process likely to apply.

4. Arrange an initial consultation. At the meeting, explain the facts and ask about the likely process, immediate priorities, possible outcomes and documents still needed. A consultation may be available within days, depending on the lawyer’s schedule.

5. Compare scope and fees before instructing. Request a written explanation of the work covered, fees, taxes and likely extra costs, such as notary, court, translation or service expenses. Confirm how you will receive updates and documents.

6. Agree the strategy and next actions. If the divorce is consensual, ask the lawyer to coordinate the written terms and notarial steps with your separate representation. If it is contested, agree what evidence to gather, whether urgent applications are needed and the expected filing timetable.