Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Peristeri

1. About Estate Planning Law in Peristeri, Greece

Estate planning in Peristeri, Greece is governed by the Greek Civil Code and related national rules. The goal is to plan asset distribution after death while protecting dependents and ensuring guardianship arrangements if needed. Residents typically use wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to manage assets and care decisions.

In Greece, there are multiple forms of a last will, including public, private, and holographic will formats. A notary typically handles the public will, providing formal validation and reducing probate disputes. Peristeri residents often rely on local Athens- area notaries to prepare and certify these documents for enforceability.

Understanding the local framework helps you coordinate real estate transfers, debt settlements, and guardianship assignments. It also helps align your plans with Greek rules on forced heirship and succession. Working with a qualified lawyer in Peristeri can prevent common errors that lead to delays or disputes after death.

According to official sources, Greece recognizes three forms of will: public, private, and holographic. See gov.gr for details on Κληρονομία and Διαθήκη.

gov.gr

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Protecting a surviving spouse and children with a will. If you own a primary residence in Peristeri, a will helps secure the home for your spouse while providing for children. A lawyer can ensure your dispositions respect forced heirship rules and avoid inadvertent disinheritance.
• Planning a business succession for a family enterprise. If a family business operates in or near Peristeri, a lawyer can draft a succession plan, designate an heir, and set up a buy-sell arrangement. This reduces disruption to operations and preserves continuity.
• Managing cross-border assets or real estate. If you own property in Greece and another country, a lawyer can coordinate a cross-border will or multiple wills. This helps minimize probate complexity and conflicting laws between jurisdictions.
• Arranging guardianship and care for dependents. A qualified attorney can appoint guardians for minor children or dependents and specify financial arrangements. This reduces the risk of disputes if one parent dies or becomes incapacitated.
• Creating durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives. A lawyer can draft documents authorizing someone to manage finances or medical decisions if you become unable to act. This provides clarity and reduces court involvement.
• Updating estate plans after major life events. Marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or acquisition of significant assets warrants a legal review. A Peristeri attorney ensures changes comply with Greek law and notarization requirements.

3. Local Laws Overview

Greek Civil Code, Book V - Κληρονομία

The primary framework for inheritance, wills, and intestate succession in Greece is Book V of the Greek Civil Code. It covers will forms, forced shares for spouses and children, and dispute resolution. Peristeri residents follow these provisions when planning estates and transferring property after death.

The Civil Code sets the essential rules for how an estate is divided when someone dies without a will or with limited testamentary freedom. A lawyer in Peristeri can help you navigate these provisions to achieve your intended outcomes while respecting protected heirs.

Source: gov.gr discusses the Greek Civil Code and the concept of Κληρονομία and Διαθήκη within Greece's legal framework.

gov.gr

Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 on cross-border succession

This EU regulation governs jurisdiction, applicable law, and recognition of wills across member states, including Greece. It is especially relevant for Peristeri residents who own assets in more than one EU country. The regulation helps determine which country’s law applies and where probate actions occur when someone dies with cross-border assets.

Regulation 650/2012 entered into force on 16 August 2012, with many of its provisions becoming applicable in 2015. This framework assists in coordinating Greek estate planning with assets located in other EU states.

Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 provides cross-border succession rules and has been implemented across EU member states, including Greece. See EUR-Lex for the official text.

EUR-Lex

Notarial Wills and Public Will formation

In Peristeri, a public will is typically created before a notary and two witnesses, ensuring formal validity and easier enforcement. A holographic or private will must meet specific requirements if prepared without a notary. A lawyer can advise on the form that best fits your situation and ensure compliance with Greek rules.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a public and holographic will?

A public will is prepared before a notary with witnesses, offering strong formal validation. A holographic will is handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator, with no notary required.

How do I start a Greek will in Peristeri?

Consult a local attorney or notary, collect asset lists, and decide on the desired beneficiaries. The attorney guides the draft and oversees signing formalities for validity.

When should I update my estate plan?

Update after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or acquisition of significant assets. Regular reviews every 2-3 years are prudent.

Where can I file my will for safekeeping in Athens region?

Notaries in Peristeri or the broader Athens area can store or register your will. Notarized documents have a higher likelihood of enforceability across jurisdictions.

Why is forced heirship important in Greece?

Forced shares protect close relatives, limiting the testator's freedom to disinherit completely. A lawyer can balance testamentary wishes with these protections.

Can I discharge part of my estate to non-family beneficiaries?

Yes, but you must respect forced shares. A lawyer can structure gifts or trusts that align with Greek law and your goals.

Should I appoint an executor in my Greek will?

Appointing an executor helps manage asset distribution and probate. The executor should be someone you trust and who understands Greek law.

Do I need a Greek lawyer to draft my will?

A local estate planning lawyer or notary can ensure compliance with Greek rules, correct form, and proper notarization if needed.

Is cross-border succession a concern for my assets?

If you hold assets in multiple countries, cross-border rules matter. A cross-border will or coordinated wills can simplify probate and avoid conflicts.

How much does a notary cost for a will in Peristeri?

Notary fees vary by document type and asset value. A lawyer can provide a transparent fee estimate before drafting your will.

How long does probate typically take in Greece?

Probate duration varies with complexity and court workload. Public will validation tends to be faster than contested estates, often months to over a year.

5. Additional Resources

• gov.gr - Official Greek government portal with information on inheritance, wills, and related procedures. https://www.gov.gr
• Notaries Association (Greece) - Provides guidance on notarial services, wills, and public acts.
• EUR-Lex - Source for Regulation 650/2012 on cross-border succession and related EU law.