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General litigation covers disputes brought before the civil and criminal courts by private parties, businesses, or the state. In Agia Paraskevi - a suburb of Athens in the Attica region - most civil and commercial cases are handled by courts located in Athens, including Courts of First Instance, the Court of Appeal of Athens, and ultimately the Supreme Court where appropriate. The Greek legal system is based on civil law traditions, and litigation follows formal rules of procedure, evidence, and time limits. Local lawyers who practice in Agia Paraskevi typically have experience with Athens courts and administrative procedures affecting residents and businesses in the municipality.
People seek a lawyer in general litigation for many reasons. Common situations include:
- Contract disputes - breach of contract claims between individuals or businesses, unpaid invoices, or disagreements over terms.
- Property and real estate disputes - boundary disagreements, title issues, eviction or landlord-tenant conflicts.
- Debt collection - seeking to recover monies owed, or defending against collection claims.
- Employment disputes - wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, severance and related claims.
- Consumer protection matters - defective goods or services, warranty and refund disputes.
- Tort and personal injury claims - accidents, negligence or damage to property.
- Inheritance and succession disputes - disputes over wills, estate administration and heirs rights.
- Business and commercial litigation - shareholder disputes, partnership dissolutions, commercial leases and construction claims.
Legal counsel helps define legal rights, evaluate evidence, calculate possible remedies, meet deadlines, represent you at hearings, negotiate settlements, and advise about costs and likely outcomes.
Key aspects of law and procedure relevant to general litigation in Agia Paraskevi include the following:
- Jurisdiction - Most civil cases for residents and businesses of Agia Paraskevi are heard in the Courts of Athens. The Court of First Instance hears initial claims. Appeals are heard at the Court of Appeal of Athens and exceptional cases may reach the Supreme Court - Areios Pagos.
- Civil procedure - Greek civil procedure sets out formal steps for commencing a claim, serving notices, exchanging evidence, and conducting hearings. Courts rely on written pleadings and documentary evidence, and hearings can include oral testimony.
- Time limits and prescription - Claims are subject to statutory limitation periods which vary by type of claim. Missing a prescription deadline can bar a claim, so timely action is essential.
- Evidence and witnesses - Documentary evidence is central. Witness testimony and expert reports are often used, but rigid rules govern admissibility and authentication. Notarized documents and official records carry strong weight.
- Costs and court fees - Litigants pay court filing fees and, if unsuccessful, may be ordered to pay part of the other side s costs. Lawyers usually charge professional fees - these can be agreed as fixed, hourly, or based on outcomes in limited instances.
- Alternative dispute resolution - Mediation and arbitration are available and in some dispute types mediation may be encouraged or required before a court will proceed. Parties can often settle by negotiation or ADR more quickly and less expensively than full litigation.
- Enforcement - Winning a judgment is one step; enforcing it can require separate procedures such as seizure or forced sale of assets. Enforcement matters can involve bailiffs and administrative steps.
To start a civil lawsuit you generally instruct a lawyer who prepares a written complaint setting out the facts and legal grounds. The complaint is filed at the appropriate Court of First Instance in Athens. The court will assign a hearing date and notify the defendant. Your lawyer will guide you through service, evidence submission, and hearings.
Duration varies widely by case complexity, number of parties, need for experts, and court workload. Simple claims may resolve in months if settled; contested cases frequently take a year or more at first instance. Appeals add additional time. Expect a wide range and ask your lawyer for a realistic timeline for your case.
Costs include court filing fees, lawyer fees, fees for experts, and possible translation or document legalization costs. If you lose, you may be ordered to pay part of the other side s legal costs. Ask for a clear fee agreement and an estimate of likely expenses at the outset.
Legal aid and pro bono services are available for eligible low-income individuals through public legal aid schemes and some bar association programs. Eligibility rules apply and not all case types qualify. Contact the local bar association or a lawyer to ask about legal aid options.
In some types of disputes mediation or other forms of pre-litigation negotiation are encouraged or required by law or court rules - especially for consumer, family or certain civil matters. Whether mediation is mandatory depends on the claim type. Your lawyer can advise whether you must attempt mediation first.
Bring any contracts, invoices, correspondence, court notices, police reports, medical reports, property deeds, ID, and any other documents that relate to your dispute. A clear timeline of events and contact details for other parties will help your lawyer assess the case quickly.
Yes. Non-Greek speakers can participate in Greek litigation, but official documents and submissions are in Greek. You may need certified translations. Courts can provide interpreters in some circumstances, and lawyers often work with translators to assist clients who do not speak Greek.
Do not ignore it. Read the claim carefully and consult a lawyer immediately. You will usually have a limited time to file a written defense and submit evidence. Your lawyer can advise on defenses, possible counterclaims, and immediate steps to protect assets or rights.
If you are dissatisfied with a first instance decision you may have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Appeals focus on legal and factual errors and follow specific appellate procedures and deadlines. Some issues may then be eligible for cassation review at the Supreme Court for points of law.
Enforcement may require separate procedures such as seizure of bank accounts, garnishment of wages, or forced sale of property. Enforcement is a specialist area of practice and can involve additional costs and steps. Your lawyer or a bailiff will explain the best route to recover what you are owed.
Useful local and national bodies and organizations to consult include:
- The Athens Bar Association - for attorney referrals and information on legal aid programs.
- Court of First Instance of Athens and the Court of Appeal of Athens - for information on filing procedures and court schedules.
- Hellenic Ministry of Justice - for broader information on court rules, procedural reforms and public services.
- Greek Ombudsman - for certain administrative complaints and consumer matters involving public authorities.
- Consumer protection agencies and local municipal offices in Agia Paraskevi - for help with consumer disputes and local documentation.
- Mediation centers and arbitration providers - for alternative dispute resolution services.
- Local notaries and accountants - for assistance with authenticated documents and financial evidence.
If you need legal assistance in Agia Paraskevi, take these practical steps:
- Gather documents - collect contracts, correspondence, invoices, ID and any evidence supporting your position.
- Note deadlines - write down any dates on court papers or statutory limitation dates and act quickly to avoid losing rights.
- Contact a lawyer - seek an initial consultation with a lawyer who handles litigation in the Athens area and has experience with cases from Agia Paraskevi.
- Discuss fees and strategy - ask about fee structures, likely costs, and a realistic case plan including alternatives like mediation.
- Preserve evidence - keep original documents safe, log witnesses contact details, and take photos if relevant.
- Consider ADR - evaluate mediation or settlement if it can resolve your dispute faster and with lower cost.
Getting timely, local legal advice is the best way to protect your rights and understand the options available under Greek law. A qualified litigator familiar with Athens courts will guide you through each procedural step and represent your interests effectively.
