Best Private Client Lawyers in Mykonos

1. About Private Client Law in Mykonos, Greece

Private client law in Greece covers matters such as wills, probate, succession, guardianship, powers of attorney, and private real estate transactions. In Mykonos, where many properties are owned by non-residents or foreign buyers, lawyers often handle cross-border issues and coordinate with Greek notaries. The practice involves ensuring that private affairs align with Greek civil law and EU rules on cross-border matters.

A Greek private client lawyer helps you plan ahead to protect assets, minimize disputes, and navigate probate when a loved one passes away. They also assist with client data protection in line with EU privacy standards when handling sensitive personal information. The island context adds emphasis on title checks, inheritance in multi-jurisdictional estates, and timely execution of notarial acts.

Key practice areas on Mykonos include: drafting wills and testaments; arranging probate and estate administration; advising on real estate ownership by Greek and foreign nationals; arranging guardianship and powers of attorney; and handling cross-border inheritance issues under EU rules. Professional guidance helps you avoid delays and errors common in isolated island settings.

Source: EU Regulation 650/2012 governs cross-border succession and determines applicable law for estates with assets in Greece. See EUR-Lex for the official text: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/650/oj

Source: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affects how private client matters are handled, including data processing in estate planning and probate. See the EU official page: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Private client issues on Mykonos often require legal counsel to prevent disputes and ensure compliance with Greek law. Below are concrete scenarios grounded in island realities.

• Cross-border inheritance planning for a villa or villa shares on Mykonos, where assets are in Greece and in another country. A lawyer helps choose the governing law and prepares a valid Greek will that respects foreign jurisdictions.
• Probating an estate after a Mykonos resident passes away, with Greek real estate and bank accounts. A lawyer coordinates probate with Greek courts, notaries, and banks to avoid delays.
• Drafting a last will for a foreign business owner who owns property on Mykonos and wants to ensure spouses and children receive assets in a defined order under Greek law.
• Setting up a durable power of attorney for a parent living on Mykonos to manage bank accounts, real estate, and healthcare decisions if guardianship or incapacity arises.
• Resolving a guardianship matter for a minor or adult with disabilities on Mykonos, including appointment of guardians and decisions about care and assets.
• Reviewing a real estate transaction by a non-resident, ensuring clean title, proper transfers, and compliance with Greek property rules and foreign ownership requirements.

3. Local Laws Overview

This section highlights 2-3 key laws and regulations that govern private client matters in Mykonos, Greece, along with recent or relevant changes.

• Greek Civil Code (Αστικός Κώδικας) - The central body of private law governing wills, succession, property ownership, contracts, and guardianship. It forms the backbone for most private client matters in Greece, including Mykonos. Initial enactment dates to the mid-20th century, with ongoing amendments to reflect modern practices.
• Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 on Jurisdiction and Recognition of Judgments in Matters of Succession - Applies to cross-border estates with Greek assets or habitual residence in Greece. It determines which law applies and which court handles probate in multi-jurisdictional cases. The Regulation began to apply across Greece in 2015 as member states aligned their procedures.
• General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) - Governs handling of personal data in private client matters, including will drafting, probate, and client communications. GDPR has been enforced in Greece since 2018, shaping how lawyers store and process sensitive information.

Recent trends on Mykonos include increasing cross-border estate planning among foreign homeowners and the use of notarial deeds for Greek real estate transfers. A growing emphasis on data protection during client onboarding and probate work reflects GDPR requirements. For cross-border estates, EU Regulation 650/2012 provides a framework to determine which law applies and which court has jurisdiction.

Source: EU Regulation 650/2012 text and implications for cross-border succession are detailed on the EU official site: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/650/oj

Source: GDPR guidelines and enforcement in Greece are described by the European Commission and EU legal texts: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection_en

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a private client lawyer in Mykonos?

A private client lawyer advises on wills, estate planning, probate, and guardianship. They coordinate with notaries and tax authorities to ensure lawful and efficient outcomes. They also assist with cross-border issues when assets are outside Greece or among multiple jurisdictions.

How do I draft a Greek will that is valid internationally?

Consult a lawyer to draft a will under Greek law and include clear references to Greek assets. Consider a notarial will (public will) or an international clause that aligns with EU rules on succession. Keep your documents translated and properly witnessed where required.

When does cross-border inheritance law apply in Mykonos?

Cross-border law applies when the estate includes assets in Greece and another country, or the deceased resided abroad. EU Regulation 650/2012 then helps determine jurisdiction and applicable law. A Greek lawyer can guide you through the choices.

Where can I file probate for Mykonos assets?

Probate for Greek assets is typically handled in Greek courts or with a Greek notary, depending on the asset type. A private client lawyer coordinates filings with the appropriate authorities and ensures compliance with local procedures.

Why might I need a Greek power of attorney?

A power of attorney enables your attorney to manage financial, real estate, and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated or unavailable. In Mykonos, a local lawyer can draft a compliant document and arrange notarization.

Can a non-resident own property in Mykonos?

Foreigners can own property in Greece, subject to certain conditions and approvals. A private client lawyer reviews title deeds, checks for encumbrances, and ensures the transfer complies with Greek property law.

Should I consider a notarial will in Greece?

Notarial wills are common in Greece because they provide formal proof of testamentary intent. A notary can help ensure validity, avoid contesting, and streamline probate if the estate includes Greek real estate.

Do I need to pay inheritance tax in Greece?

Greece has reformed its inheritance tax regime over recent years. Tax treatment depends on relationship to the deceased and the assets involved. A Greek lawyer can assess your specific tax position and advise on planning strategies.

Is cross-border succession regulated by EU Regulation 650/2012?

Yes. Regulation 650/2012 sets rules for jurisdiction and recognition of cross-border succession matters in the EU. It helps determine which country’s law applies and where probate may proceed.

How long does probate take in Greece?

Probate duration varies with complexity and assets. Simple Greek estates may take several months, while complex cross-border matters can take 6-12 months or longer. An experienced lawyer helps set realistic timelines.

What is the difference between a will and intestate succession in Greece?

A will directs asset distribution according to your wishes. Intestate succession occurs when there is no valid will, and Greek law dictates how assets pass to heirs. A well-drafted will helps control outcomes.

Do I need to hire a private client lawyer for Greek real estate disputes?

Yes. Real estate disputes involve title issues, inheritance claims, and cross-border factors. A private client lawyer coordinates with notaries, judges, and surveyors to resolve disputes efficiently.

5. Additional Resources

• - Provides information on cross-border civil matters including succession and probate. Official resource for EU private international law: https://e-justice.europa.eu
• - Central resource on notarial practice, wills, and notarial acts in Greece. Official organization: https://www.notaries.gr
• - Official information on private law, wills, inheritance, and guardianship in Greece. Official portal: https://www.gov.gr