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Elliniko, Greece Attorneys in related practice areas.
Private client law covers the legal advice and services provided to individuals and families rather than businesses. In Elliniko, Greece, private client matters commonly include wills and succession, inheritance disputes, estate planning, property transactions for primary or secondary residences, powers of attorney, family law matters such as divorce and child arrangements, and personal tax and asset protection planning. Services are delivered by lawyers who often work closely with notaries, tax advisers and the Hellenic Cadastre when resolving property or succession issues.
You may need a private client lawyer when dealing with life events or legal changes that affect personal rights, assets or family relationships. Common situations include preparing or updating a will to reflect changed circumstances, handling the estate of a deceased relative, resolving contested inheritances, transferring property title after a purchase or inheritance, drafting powers of attorney for health or financial decisions, negotiating prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and advising on tax consequences of gifts or cross-border assets.
Other reasons to seek a lawyer include protecting vulnerable family members, planning for incapacity or long-term care, defending your rights in family court, and navigating the legal implications of moving to or from Greece. A lawyer helps ensure documents meet Greek formalities, calculates entitlements under Greek law, represents you in court when necessary, and coordinates with notaries and tax authorities.
Greek private client matters are governed mainly by the Greek Civil Code and related legislation, together with rules from administrative and tax law. Key features to know:
- Inheritance and succession. Greek law recognises both testamentary succession and statutory intestacy. There are compulsory portions reserved for certain close relatives - commonly children, spouse and sometimes parents - which limit absolute testamentary freedom. A valid will can direct dispositions beyond the reserved portions but cannot entirely disinherit protected heirs without their consent or a legally valid reason.
- Types of wills. Greek law allows different forms of wills including handwritten holographic wills, notarial public wills, and other forms recognised by law. Notarial wills are common for their clear formality and ease of enforcement. Wills executed abroad may be recognised if they comply with applicable rules, but formalities and translations may be needed.
- Notaries and formalities. Notaries in Greece have an important role in real estate transfers, many types of powers of attorney, company matters and often wills. For property transactions, notarial deeds are standard. Some private client documents must be notarised and later registered or filed with public registers.
- Property registration. Property ownership and related rights are recorded either in the Hellenic Cadastre (land registry) or in older land registers, depending on the area. Accurate title documentation is essential for sales, inheritance transfers and mortgages. Gaps in registration can cause delays and extra legal work.
- Tax and duties. Transfers by gift or inheritance may trigger tax and stamp duties in Greece. Tax treatment depends on the relationship between parties, the type and value of assets, and any applicable double tax treaty where cross-border elements exist. Exact tax liabilities change over time, so up-to-date professional advice is advised.
- Cross-border succession. If you have assets or family members abroad, the EU Succession Regulation and bilateral treaties may affect which country’s law applies and how succession is administered. Greek courts can apply foreign law in certain cases, and a European Certificate of Succession may simplify cross-border matters within the EU.
- Family law. Matrimonial property regimes, divorce procedures and parental responsibilities follow specific Greek rules. Couples can regulate property regimes by antenuptial agreements concluded before marriage with notarial formality.
- Probate and dispute resolution. Probate procedures, estate administration and disputes are handled in the civil courts if parties cannot agree. Mediation and settlement are commonly encouraged before litigation.
If a person dies intestate in Greece, their estate is distributed according to statutory rules under the Civil Code. Priority is given to close relatives such as spouse, children and parents. Because of reserved portions, certain heirs may be entitled to a fixed share. A probate process is required to establish heirs and transfer property titles, and a lawyer can help with the declaration of succession and required tax filings.
Yes. Foreign nationals may make a will under Greek law. You can choose that your nationality law applies to your succession if certain formalities are met, including a clear statement in the will. Wills made abroad may be recognised in Greece but may need to be translated and validated. It is recommended to obtain local legal advice to ensure the will is effective for Greek assets.
Reserved portions protect close family members by guaranteeing a portion of the deceased’s estate. These rules mean you cannot entirely disinherit protected heirs in favour of third parties without their consent or without legitimate legal grounds. A lawyer can advise on structuring gifts, life policies and other arrangements to reflect your wishes while respecting reserved portions.
Typical steps include obtaining the death certificate, locating the will if any, initiating a declaration of succession, calculating any inheritance taxes or other duties, transferring titles at the Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre, and resolving mortgages or encumbrances. Coordination with a notary and a lawyer is usually necessary to ensure correct formalities and registrations.
Many powers of attorney intended for use in Greece must be notarised to be effective, especially for real estate transactions. If the power of attorney will be used abroad, additional steps such as apostille or consular legalisation and translation may be required. Check with a lawyer on the form and scope you need.
Inheritance tax depends on the value and type of assets, and the relationship between testator and beneficiary. Various allowances, exemptions and different rates can apply. Tax rules change periodically, so precise calculation requires current advice from a lawyer or tax specialist who can assess your specific situation.
There is no single answer. The time depends on whether there is a valid will, how complex the estate is, whether real estate is involved, the state of title registration, and whether heirs agree. Simple cases can conclude in a few months; complex or contested estates may take a year or more. Legal and notarial formalities, as well as tax clearances, influence timing.
Yes. A testator may revoke or amend a will at any time provided they have testamentary capacity. The formalities for revocation depend on the form of the original will. It is advisable to consult a lawyer and rely on properly executed documents to avoid uncertainty after death.
Expatriates should consider the location and legal form of assets, choice of applicable law, tax residency, double tax treaties and whether existing wills abroad cover Greek assets. Using clear and formally valid documents, nominating executors or local representatives, and addressing practical matters such as property registration and bank procedures are all important.
Look for a lawyer with experience in wills, succession, property and family law in Greece, preferably familiar with cases in the Athens courts and the Hellenic Cadastre. Ask about their track record, fees and whether they work with notaries and tax advisers. Check membership in the local bar association and request references. An initial consultation will help determine fit and expertise.
- Hellenic Cadastre (land registry) - for property registration and title issues.
- Local tax office - for inheritance tax and transfer tax matters.
- Athens Bar Association - for locating registered lawyers and checking professional standing.
- Notary Public offices - for notarisation requirements and notarial deeds.
- Courts of First Instance - for probate and family law proceedings.
- Ministry of Justice - publishes relevant legislation and procedural rules.
- Local Citizens Service Centres - for administrative assistance with documents and certificates.
1. Gather key documents - identification, property deeds, existing wills, marriage or birth certificates, recent tax returns and any mortgage or loan information.
2. Book an initial consultation with a private client lawyer in Elliniko who speaks your preferred language if needed and has local experience. Prepare a list of objectives and questions.
3. Ask for a clear engagement letter outlining services, fees and estimated timelines. Confirm whether additional experts such as notaries or tax advisers will be involved.
4. If you are dealing with cross-border elements, bring documentation about foreign assets and seek advice on choice of law and tax implications.
5. Follow through with the formalities your lawyer recommends - drafting or updating a will, preparing powers of attorney, registering transfers with the Hellenic Cadastre, and filing any necessary tax declarations.
If you are unsure where to start, a short meeting with a local private client lawyer will clarify priorities and provide a practical roadmap for securing your legal and financial affairs in Elliniko.
