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Elder Law covers legal issues that commonly affect older adults - including capacity and decision-making, powers of attorney, guardianship, wills and inheritance, pension and social security claims, health care rights, long-term care and protection from abuse or financial exploitation. In Elliniko - which is part of the Greater Athens area - most substantive rules come from national Greek law, while local public services and social-support programs are administered through municipal offices and national agencies. Notaries and courts play a central role for documents affecting property, succession and formal appointment of representatives. Practical help is often delivered locally through the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli social services, Citizens Service Centres and local lawyers who know the Athens judicial and administrative system.
People consult an Elder Law lawyer for many reasons. Common scenarios include:
- Planning ahead to ensure decisions about health, finances and property are handled as you wish - drafting powers of attorney and advance directives.
- Preparing or updating a will - ensuring that your estate plan complies with Greek succession rules and protects reserved portions for close relatives.
- Handling intestate succession and inheritance disputes between heirs - resolving claims, division of property and tax consequences.
- Acting when an older person has reduced capacity - starting guardianship or judicial protection proceedings, or defending against an inappropriate guardianship.
- Dealing with disputes involving care providers, nursing homes or service providers - contractual disputes, consumer rights or complaints about care quality.
- Applying for pensions, social benefits or health entitlements - preparing documentation and appealing administrative refusals.
- Responding to financial abuse, fraud or undue influence - seeking immediate protective measures and recovery of assets.
- Advising expatriates or cross-border families on how Greek law applies to property, wills and pensions.
Key legal aspects that regularly affect older residents in Elliniko include:
- Capacity and decision-making - Greek law evaluates mental capacity when a person can no longer understand or manage their affairs. The court may appoint a guardian or partial guardian to assist with personal or financial decisions when necessary.
- Powers of attorney - A durable power of attorney or general mandate can be used to authorize a trusted person to act on behalf of an older adult. In Greece many powers of attorney must be made before a notary public to be fully effective for property transactions and administrative dealings.
- Guardianship and judicial protection - For adults who lack capacity, courts can open protective proceedings and assign a guardian - the scope and duration depend on the court decision. There are also measures for supported decision-making that are less intrusive than full guardianship.
- Wills and succession - The Greek Civil Code sets rules on how estates are distributed. There are reserved portions for close family members - meaning certain heirs have a protected share. Wills may be handwritten or notarised - each type has specific formal requirements to be valid.
- Tax and administrative implications - Inheritance and property transfers may trigger taxes or fees. Municipal taxes, property tax obligations and other administrative duties should be considered when planning or executing an estate.
- Social security and health care - Pensions and benefits are managed through national agencies. Public health care entitlements are provided under the national system, and supplementary services may be available locally.
- Long-term care and residential facilities - Private and public care providers operate under national licensing and regulation. Contracts with nursing homes and care providers involve consumer and contract law protections.
- Protection from abuse and exploitation - Criminal law and civil remedies exist for elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Administrative complaints and emergency protective measures can be sought.
You can grant a power of attorney to a trusted person. For transactions involving real estate or dealing with public agencies, the power of attorney is usually made before a notary. The document should clearly state the scope of authority and whether it continues if you lose capacity. Discuss options with a local lawyer to ensure the form and wording meet Greek legal and administrative requirements.
If there is no prior mandate, concerned relatives or interested parties may ask the court to open protective proceedings. A judge can appoint a guardian or other protective measures to manage personal and financial matters. The process involves medical evidence, witness statements and a court decision defining the guardian’s powers.
Yes. Non-citizens and residents abroad can make a will under Greek law for assets situated in Greece. Wills must meet Greek formal requirements to be effective - for example a handwritten or notarial will. If you have international ties, it is important to coordinate with a lawyer to avoid conflicts with foreign succession laws and to ensure the will is recognised in all relevant jurisdictions.
Intestate succession is governed by the Greek Civil Code and distributes assets to close family members according to a fixed order - typically spouses, children and parents. There are rules protecting reserved portions for certain heirs, meaning some family members are entitled to a minimum share regardless of testamentary wishes. Tax and administrative steps must also be completed to transfer ownership.
Bring identification documents, recent bank statements, property titles, mortgage details, pension and social-security documents, prior wills or power-of-attorney documents, medical reports related to capacity if relevant, and a list of family members and their contact details. If you are an executor or heir, bring death certificates and any correspondence with public agencies.
Seek immediate help if someone is at risk - contact local authorities and social services. A lawyer can advise on emergency protective measures, criminal complaints, civil claims to recover assets and steps to remove an abusive guardian or agent. Document evidence of the abuse, retain bank records and correspondence, and report suspected crimes to the police.
Residents have rights to dignified treatment, safe care, clear contractual terms and proper medical attention. Contracts should specify fees, services and termination terms. If a facility fails to meet standards, you can complain to the municipal social services, the relevant licensing authority or pursue contractual remedies through a lawyer.
Pensions and social benefits are administered by national agencies. Initial applications follow administrative procedures and require specific documentation. If an application is denied or a decision is incorrect, you can file an administrative appeal and, if necessary, take the matter to the administrative courts. A lawyer can help prepare evidence and the appeal package.
Greek law places certain family support obligations on relatives in defined circumstances. Courts can order maintenance payments where legal conditions are met. Consult a lawyer to understand the scope of any family obligations and the legal steps to obtain or contest maintenance claims.
Look for lawyers who practice in family law, succession, elder rights, social security or medical law. Verify membership in the Athens Bar Association and ask about relevant experience, fees and language capabilities if you are an expat. Consider recommendations from local social services, Citizens Service Centres or other professionals such as notaries and accountants.
Organizations and public bodies that can help include:
- Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli - local social services and information on municipal support programs for older residents.
- Athens Bar Association - professional regulatory body where lawyers practicing in the Athens area are registered.
- National social security agency - for pension and social-benefit matters.
- National health system agencies and health-care providers - for medical entitlement and service questions.
- Greek Ombudsman - for complaints about public agencies and certain service failures.
- Citizens Service Centres (KEP) - for administrative procedures and documentation guidance.
- Notaries - for certified powers of attorney, property transactions and notarial wills.
- National and local non-profit organisations that provide elder support, advocacy and home-care services - including gerontology and geriatrics associations and humanitarian aid organisations that operate elder programs.
If you need legal assistance in Elder Law, consider the following practical steps:
- Identify your main concern - capacity planning, a will or succession issue, an immediate crisis such as possible abuse or a dispute with a care provider.
- Gather relevant documents - identification, property deeds, pension statements, medical reports and any existing legal papers such as wills or powers of attorney.
- Contact a local lawyer in Elliniko with experience in elder matters - ask about initial consultation procedures, fees and whether they work with translators if needed.
- If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid options and whether the Athens Bar Association or local social services can assist with reduced-fee or pro bono advice.
- Consider immediate protective measures for vulnerable persons - for example temporary guardianship, police reports for abuse, or emergency injunctions - and ask your lawyer to advise on urgent remedies.
- Keep clear records of all meetings, decisions and transactions - dates, receipts, contracts and communications - to protect the older person’s interests and assist any legal process.
Taking early, practical steps can reduce later conflict, protect assets and ensure that health and personal wishes are respected. A local Elder Law lawyer can guide you through the procedural requirements and represent you in court or before administrative agencies when needed.
