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General litigation covers legal disputes that must be resolved through the court system. In Melissia - a suburb of Athens - most civil and commercial disputes are handled through the Greek courts based in Athens. Common subject areas that fall under general litigation include contract disputes, debt recovery, property and landlord-tenant disagreements, torts and personal injury claims, family law matters that proceed to court, employment disputes, and enforcement of judgments.
The Greek justice system is based on civil law principles. Court procedures are largely written, although hearings and oral arguments play an important role. Proceedings are conducted in Greek, and parties should expect formal written submissions, evidence exchange, and strict procedural time-frames. For residents of Melissia the most relevant institutions are the local judicial bodies based in greater Athens - for example the Court of First Instance, the Court of Appeal, and higher courts for cassation or administrative matters as required.
Choosing to work with a lawyer in general litigation is important for several reasons. Litigation involves formal procedures, strict deadlines, and rules of evidence that are difficult to navigate without legal training. A lawyer can:
- Assess whether you have a viable claim or a defensible position.
- Advise on the proper forum - civil court, labour court, administrative court, or arbitration.
- Prepare and file pleadings, motions, and evidence in the correct form and on time.
- Represent you at hearings and cross-examine witnesses.
- Negotiate settlements or represent you in alternative dispute resolution - mediation or arbitration - when appropriate.
- Manage enforcement and execution of a judgment if you win.
Typical situations where people in Melissia seek litigation assistance include unpaid invoices or contract breaches, eviction or landlord-tenant disputes, workplace dismissals or unpaid wages, traffic or personal injury claims, disputes over property boundaries or ownership, and contested family law matters such as divorce disputes that require court resolution.
Key legal frameworks and practical features that affect general litigation in Melissia include:
- Civil Code and Civil Procedure Rules - Substantive law governing contracts, torts, property and family matters is set out in the Civil Code. The Civil Procedure Code sets out how civil disputes are conducted in court - what documents to file, how evidence is presented, hearing procedures, and appeal routes.
- Court structure - Civil disputes typically start at the Court of First Instance. Decisions can be appealed to the Court of Appeal and, in limited cases, further reviewed by the Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) on points of law. Administrative matters follow a separate administrative court route.
- Language and documentation - Court proceedings are in Greek, and documents not in Greek generally must be translated and authenticated. Foreign documents may require legalization or an apostille, depending on origin and use.
- Time-limits and prescription - Claims are subject to statutory time-limits and prescription periods that vary by claim type. Missing a limitation period can bar a claim, so acting promptly is important.
- Interim relief - Greek courts can grant provisional measures such as injunctions, asset freezes, or other precautionary relief to preserve rights pending the main litigation.
- Evidence rules - Written evidence, contracts, expert reports and witness testimony are commonly used. Certain matters require expert valuation or technical reports.
- Costs and fees - Expect court filing fees, lawyer fees, costs for experts and translations, and enforcement expenses. The losing party may be ordered to pay part of the winner's legal costs, but this does not always cover the full expense.
- Alternative dispute resolution - Mediation and arbitration are available and sometimes mandatory in particular dispute types before or instead of court proceedings. ADR can be faster and less costly but requires informed consent and sound representation.
General litigation means disputes resolved through the court system rather than through negotiation or informal settlement. It includes civil, commercial and many family and employment disputes where one party files a claim and seeks a court judgment.
To start a lawsuit you normally consult a lawyer who prepares and files a written statement of claim with the competent court. The claim must contain the factual basis, legal grounds and the relief sought. The court then serves the claim on the defendant who can respond. Because procedures and venue depend on the case type and value, a lawyer will advise on the correct steps.
Venue depends on the subject matter of the dispute and the parties involved. Most civil disputes are heard at the Court of First Instance in the area that has jurisdiction - for Melissia residents this typically means courts in Athens. Employment, administrative and commercial matters can have different specialized routes. A lawyer can confirm the competent court.
Duration varies widely - some straightforward claims settle or conclude in months, while complex cases can take several years through appeal stages. Factors that affect timing include case complexity, volume of evidence, whether interim measures are sought, court caseload and any appeals.
Costs include lawyer fees, court filing fees, expert reports, translation and notarization, and enforcement costs. Lawyers may charge fixed fees, hourly rates, or a combination. There can also be costs if the court orders you to pay the other party's legal expenses. Get a clear fee agreement at the start and ask for an estimate of total likely costs.
Greece provides legal aid for people who meet strict income and means criteria. Local bar associations, such as the Athens Bar Association, administer legal aid and maintain registries of lawyers who take legal aid cases. Public legal information services and non-profit organisations can also provide guidance for low-income parties.
In many cases you can be represented by an attorney who attends hearings on your behalf. However, your presence may be required for certain hearings, witness testimony, or procedural steps. Discuss attendance expectations with your lawyer.
Collect all documents related to your dispute - contracts, invoices, correspondence, receipts, photos, work records, medical reports, witness names and statements if available. Make chronological notes of events and preserve original documents. Early organization of evidence helps your lawyer assess the claim and meet procedural deadlines.
Yes - mediation and arbitration are viable alternatives. Mediation facilitates a negotiated settlement with a neutral mediator, while arbitration results in a binding award by one or more arbitrators. Some contracts require arbitration and some types of disputes may be referred to mediation before proceeding to court. ADR can be faster and more flexible but should be chosen with legal advice.
Winning a judgment is only one step. If the other party does not voluntarily comply, you will need to initiate enforcement procedures - for example seizing assets, garnishing wages, or registering liens. Enforcement is a separate process that may involve additional costs and practical steps, so plan with your lawyer for post-judgment enforcement.
These organisations and resources can help you understand rights and find legal assistance in Melissia and greater Athens:
- Athens Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and information about state legal aid.
- Ministry of Justice - publishes information on court procedures and legal aid policies.
- Court of First Instance of Athens and Court of Appeal of Athens - for procedural rules and court locations.
- Greek Ombudsman - for complaints about public administration and certain public law issues.
- Citizens Service Centres - KEP - for administrative assistance and document certification.
- Consumer protection organisations and the European Consumer Centre Greece - for consumer disputes with traders in other EU countries.
- Local non-governmental organisations and legal clinics - may provide assistance or referrals for vulnerable groups.
If you think you need legal assistance for a dispute in Melissia, follow these practical steps:
- Gather your documents - contracts, invoices, messages, photos and notes of events. Organize them chronologically.
- Make a concise summary of the dispute - key dates, amounts in dispute, what outcome you want.
- Arrange an initial consultation with a qualified lawyer - ask about their experience in the relevant area of law, fee structure and estimated timeline.
- Check eligibility for legal aid if you cannot afford private representation - contact the Athens Bar Association or local legal aid offices.
- Consider short-term protective measures - a lawyer can advise whether you should seek interim relief to prevent loss or dissipation of assets.
- Decide on dispute resolution strategy - litigation, mediation, arbitration or negotiation - with legal advice on the risks and benefits of each path.
- Sign a written retainer or power of attorney if you retain a lawyer - this sets out fees, scope of work and expectations.
- Keep detailed records of all communications and follow your lawyer's instructions about deadlines and document preservation.
Acting promptly and seeking professional advice early will help protect your rights and increase the chance of a satisfactory outcome in any litigation matter.
