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Agia Paraskevi, Greece Attorneys in related practice areas.
Private Client law covers the legal needs of individuals and families - including wills and estates, succession, trusts and asset protection, powers of attorney, elder law, family and matrimonial property arrangements, and private tax and compliance matters. In Agia Paraskevi - a residential suburb of Athens - these matters are handled under Greek national law, with practical steps carried out through local notaries, lawyers and municipal or national authorities. Notaries play a central role in formal acts such as notarised wills, property transfers and official certificates, while advocates (lawyers) offer advice, representation and court work when disputes or complex planning issues arise.
There are many common situations where a lawyer who specialises in Private Client work can add clear value:
- Estate planning and drafting of wills - to ensure your wishes are valid, enforceable and compatible with Greek succession rules.
- Administration of an estate after a death - to obtain inheritance certificates, resolve title issues and settle taxes.
- Property ownership and transfer - to check title, register property in the Cadastre, manage sale or transfer processes and resolve defects in title.
- Family law issues that affect wealth - matrimonial property regimes, prenuptial agreements, and the financial aspects of divorce or separation.
- Powers of attorney and incapacity planning - to appoint trusted persons to manage finances or personal affairs in case of illness.
- Cross-border situations - where a person lives in Greece but has assets or beneficiaries abroad, or is a foreign national with assets in Greece.
- Tax and compliance matters - to assess possible inheritance, property or wealth taxes and ensure filings are correct and timely.
- Disputes and litigation - contesting wills, resolving contested successions, boundary and real estate disputes, or defending claims against the estate.
Below are the key legal features that are particularly relevant to Private Client matters in Agia Paraskevi and wider Greece. This is a practical summary, not a substitute for legal advice.
- Succession Law and Reserved Portions - Greek Civil Code governs succession. There are mandatory rights for close family members - spouses, children and in some cases parents - which limit the freedom to disinherit them completely. These mandatory shares - often called reserved portions - mean careful planning is needed if you wish to divide an estate differently.
- Forms of Will - Greek law recognises different valid forms of will. Commonly used are handwritten (holographic) wills and notarial wills prepared before a notary. Notarial acts are commonly used in estate and property matters because of their evidentiary strength.
- Notaries and the Probate Role - In Greece notaries frequently issue the certificates and acts required to transfer property and distribute estates. Where disputes exist, courts may become involved. Expect notarised documents and official certificates to be central to the process.
- Property Registration - Real estate must be proven by title deeds and registered in the Land Registry or Cadastre. Accurate registration prevents later title disputes. Agia Paraskevi falls within Athens area cadastre zones, so property checks through the cadastre office are vital.
- Powers of Attorney and Representation - Powers of attorney are commonly used for transactions. For many acts a notarised power of attorney is required. For foreign parties, notarisation may need an apostille and certified translation into Greek.
- Matrimonial Property Regimes - Spouses can choose a matrimonial property regime by a notarised agreement. If no agreement exists, statutory rules apply to property ownership and sharing on divorce or death.
- Taxation and Fees - Transfer taxes, potential inheritance taxes and ongoing property taxes may apply. Tax treatment depends on factors such as the value of assets, the relationship between deceased and heir, and residency. Procedures and rates can change, so verify current rules with a lawyer or tax advisor.
- Cross-border Rules - EU succession rules and international treaties can affect estates involving foreign assets or nationals. Choice of law and jurisdiction questions can be complex - particularly for expatriates or individuals with assets in multiple countries.
- Guardianship and Capacity - If an adult becomes incapacitated, Greek law provides court procedures for guardianship. Planning tools such as powers of attorney help manage affairs before incapacity, but there is limited formal recognition of some advanced directives compared with other jurisdictions.
Greek law accepts several forms of will. The most commonly used are handwritten-holographic wills that are entirely in the testator's handwriting, dated and signed, and notarial wills executed before a Greek notary. Notarial wills are usually clearer for proof and foreign use. A lawyer or notary can advise which form best suits your situation.
If a person dies intestate, succession follows statutory rules in the Civil Code. Close relatives such as spouse, children and parents are the usual heirs under those rules. The estate administration process will include identifying heirs, valuing assets, resolving any debts and obtaining official inheritance documentation through a notary or court.
Heirs may have tax obligations and transfer fees depending on the asset types, values and the relationship between deceased and heir. Tax rules and allowances change over time. A local lawyer or tax adviser can provide an up-to-date assessment of any tax due and the required filings.
Timing depends on the estate complexity, whether a valid will exists, whether real estate is involved and if disputes arise. With clear documentation and cooperative parties, certain administrative acts can be completed within a few months. Estates involving property registration, foreign assets or litigation can take significantly longer.
Property transfers in Greece are commonly formalised through notarial deeds. Notaries handle the formal act of transfer and registrations, while lawyers advise on legal and tax implications, review contracts and can manage disputes. For purchases and inheritance transfers, working with both a notary and a lawyer is usual practice.
Yes. Foreign nationals can make wills covering assets in Greece. Language, translation and formal execution requirements are important. If a will is made abroad, it may need to be recognised in Greece and meet Greek formalities for effectiveness. Legal advice is recommended to avoid conflict between foreign and Greek succession rules.
Bring identification, basic family details, copies of wills or previous estate planning documents, lists of assets and liabilities (bank accounts, property deeds, pensions, investments), and any recent tax or title documents. If matters involve foreign assets, bring any relevant foreign wills, deeds or tax statements and translations if available.
Early steps include putting in place a limited or durable power of attorney, ensuring financial accounts have appropriate oversight, drafting clear directives on management of assets, and obtaining professional advice on guardianship if capacity is an issue. A lawyer can help implement protective structures and, if necessary, start court proceedings to appoint a guardian.
In cross-border situations EU succession rules and other treaties may allow a person to choose the law of their nationality to govern succession, usually by including a specific clause in a will. Choice of law can be complex and must be drafted carefully to be effective in practice. Seek specialist advice for cross-border estates.
Costs vary with the type and complexity of the work - simple will drafting is relatively inexpensive, whereas estate administration, property transfers and litigation are costlier. Fees may be hourly, fixed or a combination, and there are additional notary and registry fees, taxes and administrative expenses. Ask for a written fee estimate and a clear engagement letter at the outset.
Below are governmental bodies, professional organisations and local resources that are useful when dealing with Private Client matters in Agia Paraskevi and Greece:
- Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - for local civil records and municipal services related to residency and certificates.
- Hellenic Cadastre - for land and property registration records and queries on title information.
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) - for tax guidance, obligations and filings related to inheritance and property.
- Ministry of Justice - for information on courts, guardianship procedures and statutory law references.
- Athens Bar Association - for locating qualified lawyers experienced in Private Client matters and for guidance on legal practice standards.
- Panhellenic Association of Notaries - for information about notary services and the role of notaries in estate and property transactions.
- Local courts in the Athens judicial district - for litigation, probate dispute resolution and guardianship proceedings.
- Embassies and consulates - for foreign nationals needing assistance with documents, apostilles, or translation requirements relating to acts executed abroad.
- Legal aid clinics and pro bono services - for those who qualify and need assistance but cannot afford private fees. Local bar associations can give guidance on eligibility and contact points.
If you need legal assistance with Private Client matters in Agia Paraskevi, the following practical steps will help you move forward efficiently:
1. Organise documents - collect identity papers, property deeds, past wills, bank and investment summaries, insurance policies and any relevant foreign documents. Keep originals safe and bring copies to appointments.
2. Identify priorities - decide whether you need immediate measures such as a power of attorney, a will, urgent title checks, or urgent defence of rights in court.
3. Find the right adviser - look for a local lawyer who specialises in Private Client work and has experience with Athens-area practice and notarial processes. Check credentials with the Athens Bar Association and ask for references or case examples.
4. Prepare for the first meeting - list questions, explain family relationships and provide the documents you collected. Ask for a written engagement letter setting out scope, fees and estimated timelines.
5. Consider the notary - for formal acts such as a notarial will or property transfer, you will need to deal with a Greek notary. Your lawyer can recommend and coordinate with a notary.
6. Address cross-border issues early - if you or your beneficiaries have connections to other countries, inform your adviser at the start so that estate planning or administration can account for foreign law, taxes and document formalities.
7. Keep records and update plans - review your documents regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, moving abroad or buying property. Make sure your plans remain effective and compliant with current Greek law.
If you are unsure where to start, contact a Private Client lawyer for an initial consultation. A short meeting will help prioritise actions, identify immediate risks and provide a clear roadmap tailored to your circumstances in Agia Paraskevi.
