Best Family Lawyers in Arta

About Family Law in Arta, Greece

Family law in Arta is governed by national Greek legislation and applied locally by the courts and authorities in the Regional Unit of Arta in Epirus. If you live in Arta or have a family connection to Arta, matters such as marriage or civil partnership, divorce, parental responsibility and custody, child and spousal maintenance, property claims between spouses, domestic violence protection, adoption and fostering, and recognition of foreign judgments will be handled under Greek law by the competent local bodies.

Family disputes in Arta are typically heard by the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Arta for the main proceedings, with urgent issues addressed through interim measures. Consensual divorces are completed by notarial deed with mandatory lawyer representation. Mediation is widely used and, in many family disputes, an initial mediation session is compulsory before you can proceed with a court case.

Because court proceedings take place in Greek, you will need a lawyer licensed in Greece, and certified translations of any foreign documents. Local professionals in Arta, including lawyers, notaries, mediators, and social services, can guide you through the process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Divorce - Whether by mutual consent before a notary or through a contested court case, a lawyer is required to draft agreements or plead your case, protect your rights, and ensure the result is registered correctly with the Civil Registry.

Parental responsibility, custody, and parenting time - Disputes about where a child will live, how decisions are made, and contact schedules are decided under the child’s best interests. A lawyer helps you structure practical arrangements, navigate mandatory mediation, and obtain enforceable orders.

Child and spousal maintenance - Calculating fair support requires presenting evidence of each party’s financial capacity and the child’s needs. A lawyer helps with claims, defenses, and enforcement through wage garnishment or asset seizure if needed.

Property and financial claims between spouses - Greece’s default property regime is separation of property, but the spouse with lesser acquisitions can claim a share in the other spouse’s increase in assets during the marriage. A lawyer is crucial for tracing assets, proving contributions, and litigating claims.

Domestic violence - Immediate protective measures, criminal complaints, restraining orders, and safe housing require quick, coordinated action. A lawyer can obtain interim civil protection and liaise with authorities and support services.

Civil partnerships and cohabitation agreements - Creating or dissolving a civil partnership, setting property terms, and addressing parental rights benefits from legal advice and notarial formalities.

International elements - Cross-border divorce, relocation, child abduction, and recognition of foreign judgments involve EU regulations and international conventions. A local lawyer ensures your case is framed under the correct jurisdiction and recognition rules.

Adoption, fostering, and assisted reproduction - These procedures are highly regulated, involve court approvals and social services, and require precise documentation and timelines that a lawyer can manage.

Local Laws Overview

Marriage and civil partnership - Marriage is registered with the Civil Registry. Civil partnerships are created by notarial deed under Law 4356-2015 and confer many of the same rights and obligations as marriage, with specific differences in inheritance and some social security aspects. Both can be dissolved under defined procedures.

Divorce - Mutual consent divorce is executed by a notary. Each spouse must have a lawyer, and if there are minor children, a parenting and child support agreement must be included. At least 10 days must pass between signing the agreements and the notarial deed. Contested divorce is decided by the Court of First Instance on the basis of irretrievable breakdown, including a legal presumption after prolonged separation, or for specific serious grounds. The divorce must be registered with the Civil Registry to take effect against third parties.

Parental responsibility and custody - Greek law generally favors joint parental responsibility after separation. Law 4800-2021 emphasizes both parents’ active involvement, and recognizes substantial contact time for the non-resident parent unless contrary to the child’s interests. The child’s best interests guide all decisions, considering factors such as stability, school, caregiving history, and parental cooperation. In cases of domestic violence or proven abuse, contact can be limited or supervised.

Child support and spousal maintenance - Child maintenance is calculated based on the child’s reasonable needs and both parents’ financial capacity. Payments can be adjusted if circumstances change. Spousal maintenance after divorce is limited and available only in specific situations set by the Civil Code, such as inability to self-support for health or caregiving reasons, or short-term support during transition.

Matrimonial property and claims - The default regime is separation of property. A spouse who contributed to the other’s increase in assets during the marriage can claim a participation share, with a rebuttable presumption that this contribution is one-third. Accurate asset statements and financial records are essential in these cases.

Mediation - Under Law 4640-2019, an initial mediation session is mandatory for many family disputes, including parental responsibility, parenting time, and maintenance, unless there is an urgent need for interim measures or a domestic violence context. Agreements reached in mediation can be made enforceable.

Domestic violence - Law 3500-2006 and later reforms, including Greece’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention, provide for protective orders, immediate police intervention, criminal penalties, and measures to safeguard children. Civil interim measures can restrict contact and require vacating the family home.

Adoption and fostering - Law 4538-2018 established the Single National Registry for Adoption and Fostering. Procedures involve social service assessments, training, and court approval. Priority is the child’s best interests and procedural safeguards.

Assisted reproduction and surrogacy - Greece allows medically assisted reproduction under regulation and permits altruistic gestational surrogacy with prior court authorization. Strict medical necessity and non-commercial requirements apply. Legal parentage is established by court order.

International and EU rules - Many cross-border issues are governed by EU Regulation 2019-1111, known as Brussels II ter, covering jurisdiction, recognition, and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and parental responsibility. Greece is a party to the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention, providing procedures for the prompt return of wrongfully removed or retained children. Foreign judgments from non-EU countries may need a recognition process in Greek courts.

Local institutions - In Arta, family cases are filed with the Court of First Instance of Arta. The Magistrate Court may handle specific matters within its competence. The Arta Bar Association provides a directory of local lawyers. Notaries in Arta handle consensual divorces and civil partnership deeds. Registered mediators offer family mediation services locally or in nearby cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which court handles family cases in Arta?

Most family matters, including contested divorces, parental responsibility, child support, and property claims, are heard by the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Arta. Urgent matters, such as temporary custody or protective orders, can be addressed through interim measures before the same court. Consensual divorces are completed by a notary, not a court.

How does a mutual consent divorce work in Greece?

Each spouse is represented by a lawyer. You draft a written agreement resolving the divorce and, if you have minor children, a parenting plan and child support terms. After a minimum 10-day cooling-off period, a notary executes a deed that dissolves the marriage. The deed must then be registered with the Civil Registry. You do not need to appear in court for a consensual divorce.

Is mediation required before going to court?

For many family disputes, including parental responsibility, parenting time, and maintenance, an initial information session on mediation is mandatory. If mediation results in an agreement, it can be made enforceable. Mediation is not required where there is documented domestic violence or when urgent interim protection is needed.

Who gets custody and how is parental responsibility decided?

Greek law favors joint parental responsibility, with detailed arrangements for the child’s residence and the other parent’s contact. Courts focus on the child’s best interests, considering stability, school ties, caregiving history, and each parent’s ability to cooperate. Substantial contact time for the non-resident parent is recognized unless it would harm the child.

How is child support calculated?

The amount is based on the child’s reasonable needs and both parents’ financial capacity. Evidence includes income, expenses, housing, special needs, and lifestyle while the family lived together. Support can be adjusted if circumstances change. Orders are enforceable through wage garnishment or asset seizure if payments are not made.

Can I relocate with my child from Arta to another city or abroad?

Relocation that affects the other parent’s contact usually requires the other parent’s consent or a court order. The court will consider the child’s best interests, reasons for the move, educational impact, and proposed contact arrangements. Moving without consent or a court order risks legal consequences and orders for return.

How are assets divided after divorce?

Greece applies separation of property. Each spouse keeps assets in his or her name. The spouse who contributed to the other’s increase in assets during the marriage can seek a participation claim, commonly starting from a one-third presumption of contribution that can be adjusted by proof. Accurate records and valuations are critical.

What is a civil partnership and how is it ended?

A civil partnership is a legally recognized relationship created by notarial deed. It grants many rights similar to marriage, including in family and property matters. It can be dissolved by mutual notarial deed or unilaterally under specific procedures. If there are children, parenting and support issues are resolved similarly to those after divorce.

What protections exist for domestic violence victims in Arta?

Police can intervene immediately. Courts can issue interim civil protective measures, such as restraining orders and orders to vacate the family home. Criminal proceedings can run in parallel. Support services and shelters are available. Keep records of incidents and seek legal help quickly to secure protection and safe arrangements for children.

Will Greece recognize my foreign divorce or custody order?

EU judgments are generally recognized and enforceable under Brussels II ter without a separate recognition lawsuit, subject to limited defenses. For non-EU judgments, Greek courts can recognize and declare enforceability if basic conditions are met, such as jurisdiction, due process, and public policy. You will need certified translations and, where applicable, an apostille or consular legalization.

Additional Resources

Court of First Instance of Arta - Handles contested family cases and interim measures. Contact the court registry for filing requirements, schedules, and legal aid application procedures.

Magistrate Court of Arta - Addresses specific matters within its jurisdiction and can guide you to the correct court for family issues.

Arta Bar Association - Provides a directory of licensed local lawyers experienced in family law.

Notaries in Arta - Execute consensual divorces and civil partnership deeds. Your lawyer can recommend a notary and prepare the deed.

Registered Family Mediators - The Ministry of Justice maintains a roll of accredited mediators. Ask your lawyer to help you choose a mediator experienced in parenting plans and financial settlements.

Citizen Service Centers in Arta - Offer general guidance on public services, appointments, and document certifications.

General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality - Domestic violence helpline 15900 for immediate support and shelter referrals.

National Center for Social Solidarity - Social support helpline 197 for crisis intervention and social services referrals.

The Smile of the Child - Child helpline 1056 and European missing children hotline 116000 for child protection and emergencies.

Hellenic Ministry of Justice Central Authority - Handles Hague Child Abduction Convention requests and cross-border parental responsibility matters.

Social Welfare Center of Epirus - Responsible for adoption and fostering procedures and assessments in the region that includes Arta.

Next Steps

Clarify your objectives - Decide what you need to resolve, such as parenting arrangements, financial support, a safe separation plan, or property claims. Note any urgent issues requiring interim protection.

Consult a local family lawyer early - Arrange an initial meeting with a lawyer in Arta to understand your rights, the likely process, timelines, and costs. Bring marriage or partnership certificates, children’s birth certificates, financial records, and any prior court orders.

Prepare for mediation - If your dispute falls under mandatory mediation, your lawyer will arrange the initial session with a registered mediator. Use this opportunity to explore a workable parenting plan and financial settlement.

Protect children and safety - In any situation involving risk or violence, prioritize immediate safety. Contact the police, call 15900 for domestic violence support, and ask your lawyer to seek interim protective measures.

Document and gather evidence - Keep records of income and expenses, parenting schedules, communications, and any incidents relevant to your case. Accurate documentation strengthens your position in mediation and court.

Avoid unilateral actions - Do not relocate with a child, dispose of joint assets, or change school or medical providers without consent or a court order. Such actions can harm your case.

Address international aspects - If you or your child have ties outside Greece, your lawyer will consider EU rules and international conventions, translation and legalization requirements, and the best forum to resolve the dispute.

Consider legal aid - If your income is limited, ask your lawyer or the court registry about legal aid under Greek law. You may qualify for free or reduced cost representation and fee waivers.

Plan the administrative steps - After a divorce or court decision, ensure registration with the Civil Registry and compliance with any orders. Update tax, social security, school, and healthcare records as needed.

Stay engaged and review - Family arrangements may need adjustment over time. If circumstances change, consult your lawyer about modifying parenting schedules or support orders to reflect the child’s best interests and current finances.

This guide is informational and not a substitute for individualized legal advice. A lawyer in Arta can provide tailored guidance based on your situation.