Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Probate refers to the legal process that follows a person’s death, for identifying heirs, validating any will, settling debts and taxes, and transferring the deceased person’s assets to the lawful heirs. In Agia Paraskevi, which lies within the Athens court district, probate matters are handled through the Greek civil justice system and administrative authorities including local notaries and tax offices. The estate settlement process in Greece combines court or notarial procedures, inheritance tax filings and the registration of transfers at the land registry or cadastre when real estate is involved. Timescales and exact procedures vary with the complexity of the estate, whether a valid will exists, whether heirs live abroad, and whether property titles are registered at the cadastre or older land registries.
While some simple estates can be settled with minimal professional help, a lawyer experienced in Greek probate can be essential in many situations. You may need a lawyer if there is a contested or unclear will, multiple or missing heirs, cross-border elements such as heirs or assets in other countries, business interests or partnership arrangements, complex asset structures, disputed debts or creditor claims, or tax planning to minimize inheritance tax exposure. A lawyer helps prepare and review documents, file necessary petitions with the competent court or notary, resolve disputes, obtain tax clearance certificates, and arrange for property title transfers at the cadastre or registry. Using a lawyer reduces procedural errors and the risk of later claims against the estate.
Key legal features that commonly affect probate cases in Agia Paraskevi include the following.
- Governing law - Inheritance matters in Greece are governed by the Greek Civil Code and related procedural rules. Greek formalities determine the validity of wills, the order of intestate succession, and reserved portions for certain heirs.
- Wills and formalities - Greek law requires specific formalities for wills. Common forms include handwritten wills and notarial wills. Formal validity is important - non compliant wills may be challenged. A notary or lawyer can confirm whether a document meets legal standards.
- Forced heirship - Greece applies forced heirship rules. Close family members, typically children and sometimes the spouse, are entitled to reserved portions of the estate that cannot be entirely disinherited except in very specific circumstances.
- Intestate succession - If there is no valid will, succession is governed by statutory rules that prioritize descendants, the spouse, parents and other relatives in sequence. The exact order and shares depend on the family situation.
- Inheritance tax and clearance - Heirs must file an inheritance tax return and pay any tax due. The competent tax office issues a tax clearance document that is normally needed before assets such as bank accounts and real estate can be transferred to heirs.
- Property transfer - Real estate transfers require registration at the local land registry or the Hellenic Cadastre. This process typically requires certified documents showing the heirs rights and tax clearance. Transfer taxes, notary fees and registration fees normally apply.
- Courts, notaries and administrative authorities - Probate work often requires interaction with the local First Instance Court - probate chamber or registry - and with notaries. Many routine inheritance formalities are also handled by notaries and tax offices. The Athens Bar Association and local notaries can help locate professionals in Agia Paraskevi.
Obtain an official death certificate from the local registry, locate any will, notify close family members, and secure bank accounts and property. Contact the deceased person’s bank and ask about their procedures. Gather documents that will be needed later - ID documents for the deceased and likely heirs, marriage and birth certificates, property deeds and recent tax documents. Seek legal advice early if you anticipate disputes, complex assets or cross-border issues.
Wills must satisfy Greek formalities. Common valid forms include properly executed handwritten wills and notarial wills prepared in the required manner. Validity often depends on signatures, the testator’s capacity, and whether statutory witnessing rules were observed. A lawyer or notary in Agia Paraskevi can review the document and advise whether it is likely to be accepted by the authorities.
When there is no valid will, Greek law provides a statutory order of succession. Priority is generally given to descendants (children and their descendants) and the surviving spouse, then to parents, siblings and more distant relatives. The exact shares depend on whether a spouse and descendants survive, and on other family circumstances. Because forced heirship rules may apply, some heirs may be entitled to reserved portions that limit how the estate can be divided.
Forced heirship means certain close relatives have protected shares of the estate that cannot be fully taken away by a will. Typically children and, in many cases, the spouse have reserved portions. This can limit the freedom of the testator to distribute assets entirely as they wish and can create bases for legal challenges if reserved portions are infringed.
There is no fixed timetable. Simple estates with clear heirs and no disputes may be resolved in several months once tax filings, certificates and registrations are completed. Complex estates, contested wills, multiple properties or cross-border issues can take a year or more. Delays are often caused by title issues, missing documents, creditor claims, or heavy caseloads at courts and registries.
Yes. Heirs must file an inheritance tax return and pay any tax due to the competent tax office. The tax depends on the value of the inherited assets and the relationship between the deceased and the heir. There are often exemptions and thresholds for close relatives. A tax clearance certificate from the tax authority is commonly required before property can be transferred. Specific rates and exemptions change over time, so consult the tax office or a lawyer for current rules.
Yes. Non-Greek residents can inherit assets in Greece, including property in Agia Paraskevi. Cross-border succession can add complexity - heirs may need Greek legal representation, may face Greek inheritance tax obligations, and should confirm whether succession rules in another country also apply. International estate planning and legal coordination between jurisdictions may be necessary.
Heirs may be able to renounce or disclaim an inheritance, but renunciation must follow formal legal procedures and deadlines. Renouncing an inheritance can have consequences for how the estate is distributed to other heirs and for creditor claims. Because procedures and timing are important, seek legal advice before taking steps to renounce an inheritance.
A contested will usually leads to court proceedings. Common grounds for challenge include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or formal defects in the will. A contest can delay distribution of the estate and increases costs. Parties often benefit from early legal counsel to assess the strengths of a challenge or to negotiate settlements.
Access to bank accounts and authority to sell property generally requires appropriate documentation showing authority to act for the estate, such as a court order, a notarial grant of authority, or the heirs’ agreement and tax clearance. Banks and the land registry typically require formal proof that the person dealing with the asset has the legal right to do so. Selling property before the proper transfer of title may not be possible or may risk later challenges, so consult a lawyer before attempting sales.
- Athens Court of First Instance - probate chamber or registry - the local court that handles probate litigation and some formal declarations.
- Local Tax Office of the deceased person - for filing inheritance tax returns and obtaining tax clearance certificates.
- Hellenic Cadastre or local Land Registry - for property title searches and registration of transfers.
- Local notaries in Agia Paraskevi - notaries frequently prepare wills and perform many inheritance formalities in Greece.
- Athens Bar Association - for referrals to qualified probate lawyers practicing in the Athens district including Agia Paraskevi.
- Municipal offices of Agia Paraskevi - for information about local administrative formalities that may be relevant to the estate.
- The Ministry of Justice - for general information on civil procedure and court organization.
Contacting a qualified local lawyer or notary early will help you navigate these authorities and obtain the right documents.
1. Secure the death certificate and any available will. Preserve original documents and make copies for counsel and authorities.
2. Identify and list known assets and debts - bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, business interests, insurance policies and outstanding liabilities.
3. Contact a probate lawyer or notary in Agia Paraskevi or the Athens district for an initial assessment - provide the documents you have and explain family relationships and asset locations.
4. File required notifications with the tax office to start the inheritance tax process and request guidance on necessary filings and timing.
5. If there is property, obtain title and registration information from the land registry or cadastre to identify whether any title issues must be resolved.
6. If disputes are possible or heirs live abroad, arrange legal representation promptly to protect your position and to comply with deadlines.
7. Keep clear records of all steps - filings, payments, communications and receipts - to facilitate smooth closure of the estate and to reduce the risk of later disputes.
Remember - this guide provides general information but does not replace tailored legal advice. Because probate and inheritance rules are technical and may change, consult a lawyer experienced in Greek probate in Agia Paraskevi to address your specific situation.
