Best Family Lawyers in Arta

About Family Law in Arta, Greece

Family law in Arta is governed by national Greek legislation and applies uniformly across the country, with cases heard locally at the Courts of Arta. Most family disputes are adjudicated by the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Arta, with urgent interim measures handled through fast-track procedures. Greek family law covers marriage and civil partnership, divorce, parental responsibility, child residence and contact, child and spousal maintenance, property claims between spouses or partners, domestic violence protection, paternity and filiation, adoption and foster care, and assisted reproduction.

Recent reforms have emphasized the best interests of the child, shared parental responsibility, and the use of mediation where appropriate. Consensual divorce can be completed before a notary with the assistance of each party’s lawyer, while contested matters proceed in court. Since 2024, Greece also recognizes same-sex marriage, and many parental rights have been aligned accordingly. Local institutions in Arta, such as the Prosecutor’s Office, Social Services, and the Bar Association, work alongside national bodies to handle family matters efficiently and with sensitivity.

This guide offers general information intended to help you understand your options. It is not a substitute for personalized legal advice from a qualified lawyer in Arta.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a family lawyer in Arta when you are separating or divorcing and want to secure a fair and practical agreement on child residence, contact schedules, and financial arrangements. A lawyer can explain your rights, draft agreements that comply with Greek law, and represent you if litigation becomes necessary.

Parents often seek legal help when parental responsibility is disputed, when one parent proposes relocation with a child, or when enforcing or modifying existing court orders. A lawyer can help obtain interim protection orders, arrange social service assessments, and present evidence effectively to the court.

Financial issues such as child maintenance, spousal maintenance in exceptional cases, and property claims between spouses or partners require careful preparation. Lawyers calculate realistic maintenance based on needs and means, and pursue property claims under the Civil Code, including the contribution to acquisitions claim that commonly arises after the dissolution of a marriage.

Survivors of domestic violence should consult a lawyer immediately to request urgent protective measures, an exclusion order from the family home, and safe contact arrangements for children. A lawyer coordinates with the police, the prosecutor, and support services to secure fast relief.

For international families, legal counsel is essential for cross-border issues like jurisdiction, recognition of foreign orders, international service of documents, and child abduction cases under the Hague Convention. A lawyer in Arta can coordinate with national authorities and ensure compliance with EU regulations.

Local Laws Overview

Marriage and civil partnership: Greece recognizes both marriage and civil partnership. As of 2024, same-sex marriage is legal. Many rights and obligations are aligned across marriage and civil partnership, though procedures can differ. Names and parental status rules follow the Civil Code and specific statutes.

Divorce: There are two main routes. Consensual divorce is completed before a notary with both parties represented by separate lawyers. The agreement must address parental responsibility, the child’s residence and contact, and child maintenance where there are minor children. Contested divorce proceeds in the Court of First Instance, which can also issue interim measures to stabilize living arrangements and support pending trial.

Parental responsibility and child arrangements: Greek law favors shared parental responsibility after separation or divorce, unless the child’s interests require a different arrangement. The non-resident parent typically enjoys substantial contact, often framed with a significant proportion of time, subject to the child’s best interests and practical factors like schooling and distance. Relocation of a child usually requires the other parent’s consent or a court order.

Maintenance: Parents owe child maintenance proportional to their means and the child’s reasonable needs, including housing, education, and healthcare. Spousal maintenance post-divorce is exceptional and depends on specific circumstances, such as inability to work for serious reasons or caring for very young children. Orders can be enforced through wage garnishments and bank seizures if necessary.

Property between spouses: The default property regime is separation of property. After divorce, a spouse may claim a contribution to the other spouse’s acquisitions during the marriage under Civil Code rules. The law presumes a one-third contribution, which can be adjusted based on proof. Agreements that attempt to predetermine custody or limit maintenance are generally not enforceable, but certain property agreements are allowed within strict limits.

Domestic violence: Domestic violence is a criminal offense in Greece. Victims can obtain urgent protective measures such as restraining orders, exclusion from the family home, and supervised contact with children. Courts in Arta can issue interim measures on short notice. The police and the prosecutor can act quickly in emergencies.

Mediation: An initial mediation session is generally required for many family disputes, notably those involving custody, parental responsibility, and communication with children, except in cases with allegations of domestic violence or other urgent risks. Voluntary mediation can help parties reach durable, child-focused solutions.

Adoption and foster care: Procedures follow national law and involve social service assessments and registration with national systems. Intercountry cases follow international conventions and national authorization. The court ensures that placements serve the child’s best interests.

Assisted reproduction and surrogacy: Assisted reproduction is regulated. Surrogacy requires prior court authorization and is tightly controlled, typically available where a woman cannot carry a pregnancy for medical reasons. Legal parentage is addressed by the court order granted before the procedure.

Procedure in Arta: Family cases are filed with the Court of First Instance of Arta, usually based on the respondent’s residence or the child’s habitual residence. Proceedings are conducted in Greek. Foreign documents must be officially translated and may require an apostille or consular legalization. EU family cases may be governed by Brussels II-ter and the EU Maintenance Regulation, while non-EU cases can involve Hague Conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file for divorce in Arta?

You can pursue a consensual divorce before a notary if both spouses agree and each is represented by a lawyer. If there is no agreement, your lawyer files a lawsuit at the Court of First Instance of Arta. The court can issue interim measures for residence, contact, and maintenance while the case is pending.

What is the default rule for parental responsibility after separation?

Shared parental responsibility is the general rule, with specific arrangements tailored to the child’s best interests. The court emphasizes meaningful involvement of both parents and will set a clear schedule for residence and contact if the parents cannot agree.

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

Relocation that substantially affects the other parent’s relationship with the child normally requires the other parent’s consent or a court order. The court will assess reasons for the move, educational opportunities, the feasibility of maintaining contact, and the child’s best interests.

How is child maintenance calculated?

The amount reflects the child’s reasonable needs and each parent’s financial capacity. Evidence includes income, housing costs, schooling, healthcare, and special needs. Maintenance can be adjusted if circumstances change and can be enforced through garnishment or asset seizure if unpaid.

Will I receive spousal maintenance after divorce?

Spousal maintenance is not automatic and is awarded only in specific situations, such as serious health issues, inability to work for objective reasons, or primary care of very young children. The amount and duration depend on needs and the other party’s means.

How are property issues resolved after divorce?

Each spouse keeps property in their own name. A spouse may claim a contribution to the other’s acquisitions during the marriage. The presumption is a one-third contribution, which the parties can rebut with evidence. The court can also divide jointly owned assets.

Is mediation mandatory in family disputes?

An initial mediation session is generally required for many family disputes concerning parental responsibility and contact, unless there are allegations of domestic violence or other urgent risks. Further mediation is voluntary. Agreements reached in mediation can be made enforceable.

What should I do if I experience domestic violence?

Call the police immediately and seek medical care if needed. You can apply for urgent protective measures, including restraining orders and exclusion of the abuser from the family home. A lawyer in Arta can file for interim measures quickly and coordinate with the prosecutor and support services.

How are international cases handled, such as child abduction or cross-border divorce?

Greece applies EU regulations on jurisdiction and recognition of decisions and is a party to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. The Ministry of Justice acts as Central Authority. A local lawyer will navigate service of process, recognition, and enforcement in coordination with national and international bodies.

Are same-sex marriages and parental rights recognized?

Yes. Greece recognizes same-sex marriage. Many parental rights have been aligned, including recognition of parental responsibility according to current statutes. Practical procedures continue to be updated, so seek local legal advice for the latest requirements.

Additional Resources

The Court of First Instance of Arta handles family proceedings and interim measures. The Prosecutor’s Office in Arta can act urgently in child protection and domestic violence situations. The Bar Association of Arta can provide lawyer referrals for family law. The Citizen Service Centers in Arta can guide you on document legalization and translations.

For domestic violence support, contact the national SOS helpline 15900 or call the Hellenic Police at 100 in emergencies. Social Services of the Municipality of Arta and regional welfare services assist with child welfare assessments, adoption and foster care procedures, and support for vulnerable families.

The Ministry of Justice provides information on mediation and maintains the Mediation Registry. The Hellenic Ombudsman, including the Children’s Rights department, can be contacted for systemic issues affecting children.

Low-income individuals may qualify for state legal aid under Greek law. Applications are typically submitted through the Court of First Instance with proof of income and case details.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals and gather key documents. For divorce or separation, collect marriage and birth certificates, proof of residence, income records, and any prior court orders. For property claims, gather purchase contracts, bank statements, and evidence of contributions. For international issues, prepare certified translations and apostilles where required.

Arrange a consultation with a family lawyer in Arta. Ask about strategy, timelines, costs, and the possibility of mediation. If your matter involves children, be ready to discuss practical arrangements for schooling, healthcare, and contact, and consider proposing a parenting plan.

Consider mediation early to reduce conflict and costs. If there is domestic violence or risk, prioritize safety by seeking urgent protective measures and safe contact arrangements. Keep a detailed record of incidents, communications, and any breaches of orders.

If you qualify, apply for legal aid. File promptly for interim measures if you need temporary arrangements for residence, contact, or maintenance. In cross-border cases, inform your lawyer immediately so that jurisdiction and service issues are handled correctly from the start.

Throughout the process, focus on the child’s best interests, comply with court directions, and maintain clear communication with your lawyer. Local professionals in Arta are familiar with court expectations and can help you reach a durable solution.