Best Probate Lawyers in Thivais

About Probate Law in Thivais, Greece

In Greece, what many English speakers call probate is the broader process of settling a deceased person’s estate under Greek succession law. This includes identifying heirs, confirming whether a will exists and is valid, accepting or renouncing the inheritance, paying inheritance tax, and transferring assets such as real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles. In Thivais, these steps are handled under national Greek law with actions taken locally before the competent courts, tax office, notaries, and land registry or cadastre.

Greek succession follows the Civil Code and, for cross-border cases, the EU Succession Regulation where applicable. Unlike some common law systems, Greece does not always require a lengthy court-supervised administration. Many estates are settled through notarial deeds and filings, provided there are no disputes. However, strict deadlines, formal documents, and forced heirship rules make timely local guidance important in Thivais.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you navigate Greek procedures, avoid missed deadlines, and protect your rights. Common situations where legal assistance is highly recommended include the following.

There is a will that needs to be located, opened, and published, or there are questions about its validity. There are multiple heirs or a blended family where shares must be calculated and documented. The estate holds real estate in Thivais that needs a notarial acceptance deed and land registration. An heir lives abroad or the deceased lived abroad, raising cross-border law and tax issues. There are debts and you need to consider acceptance with the benefit of inventory to limit liability. An heir is a minor or under guardianship and court approvals are needed. There is a dispute over heirship, a challenge to the will, or a claim regarding the forced share. You need help with inheritance tax filings, exemptions, and clearance certificates before assets can be transferred.

Local Laws Overview

Legal framework. Greek succession is governed by the Greek Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure. For deaths on or after 17 August 2015 with an EU dimension, Regulation EU 650-2012 may apply, generally pointing to the law of the deceased’s habitual residence, with an option to choose the law of nationality. Greek law contains forced heirship rules that limit how far a will can depart from statutory shares.

Wills in Greece. Recognized forms include holographic wills written, dated, and signed entirely by the testator, notarial public wills executed before a notary and witnesses, and secret wills deposited with a notary. After death, wills are located and formally published by the competent Magistrates Court. In Thivais, this is typically the Magistrates Court of Thiva. A certificate of publication or a certificate that no will has been published is often required in later steps. If no will exists, the estate is distributed under intestacy rules.

Heirs and intestacy. If there is no valid will, Greek law sets a strict order of heirs. Descendants come first. If there are no descendants, parents and siblings inherit. If none, grandparents and then more remote ancestors inherit. The surviving spouse always participates and takes a share alongside the relevant class. The exact percentages depend on which relatives exist at the time of death.

Forced heirship. Certain close relatives are protected by a reserved portion and cannot be disinherited except for very serious causes specified by law. In general, descendants and the surviving spouse are forced heirs, and parents may be forced heirs if there are no descendants. The reserved portion is typically one half of what the forced heir would receive on intestacy. Lifetime gifts and legacies may be reduced to restore the reserved portion if necessary.

Acceptance or renunciation. An heir can accept an inheritance simply, accept with the benefit of inventory to limit liability to the estate, or renounce. There are strict deadlines that usually run 4 months from the date the heir learns of both the death and their status as heir. The deadline extends to 1 year if the deceased lived abroad or the heir lives abroad. Renunciation is declared at the Magistrates Court registry. Acceptance with benefit of inventory must be declared within the same deadline and involves a formal inventory process under court supervision. If the deadline passes without renunciation and the heir acts as owner, acceptance may be deemed. Because accepting simply can expose you to estate debts, prompt legal advice is essential.

Executors. A will may appoint an executor. Executors in Greece administer according to the will and the law, respect the forced share, and coordinate with notaries, courts, and tax authorities. Their powers originate from the will and the Civil Code and may require court interaction depending on tasks and disputes.

Inheritance tax. Inheritance tax is assessed based on the kinship group and the value of the assets passing to each heir. There are tax-free allowances and progressive rates. The inheritance tax return is generally due within 6 months when the deceased and heirs are in Greece, or within 12 months when the deceased or the heir is abroad. The return is filed with the competent local tax office, which in Thivais is the local DOY. Payment is usually required before property transfers can be registered. Keep all supporting valuations and certificates.

Real estate in Thivais. Transferring real estate requires a notarial deed of acceptance of inheritance. The notary will request supporting documents such as the death certificate, a family status certificate issued by the Municipality of Thiva, a will publication certificate or a certificate that no will has been published, a certificate that heirs have not renounced, an inheritance tax assessment and proof of payment or exemption, an ENFIA property tax clearance, and any relevant zoning or planning certificates. After signing the notarial deed, registration is completed at the Land Registry or the local office of the Hellenic Cadastre serving Thivais. Title transfers are not effective against third parties until registration is complete.

Bank accounts and movable assets. Banks release funds after receiving a package that commonly includes the will publication certificate or a certificate that no will exists, proof of heirship or a notarial deed, inheritance tax clearance, and identification documents. Vehicles and other registrable movables have their own transfer procedures, usually requiring tax clearance and proof of heirship.

Court competence. The Magistrates Court of Thiva handles will publication and renunciation declarations. The Court of First Instance of Thiva handles disputes about validity of wills, challenges to transfers, forced share claims, and complex succession issues. Applications for a European Certificate of Succession in cross-border cases are made to the competent court.

Cross-border estates. For estates with assets or heirs in different countries, law and jurisdiction can be complex. The European Certificate of Succession can help heirs and executors prove their status in other EU states. Foreign grants or probate documents may be used as evidence but Greek assets still require Greek procedures such as a notarial acceptance deed and registration. Translations and apostilles are commonly required.

Minors and protected persons. If an heir is a minor or lacks capacity, special rules apply. Acceptance must be with the benefit of inventory and usually requires guardianship court approval. A lawyer can coordinate with the guardianship court and notary to keep the process compliant and timely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is probate in Greek terms and how is it handled in Thivais

In Greece, probate refers to the publication of any will and the overall settlement of the estate under succession law. In Thivais, the Magistrates Court of Thiva publishes wills, notaries prepare acceptance deeds, the local tax office assesses inheritance tax, and the Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre registers real property transfers. Court oversight is not automatic in every estate, but courts intervene when required by law or when disputes arise.

Which court publishes a will and how is a will located

The Magistrates Court of Thiva handles publication of wills. A will deposited with a notary is located through notarial records. Holographic wills must be presented to the court by the person who found them. If you are unsure whether a will exists, a lawyer or a notary can request a search and obtain a certificate confirming publication or non-publication.

How long do I have to accept or renounce an inheritance

The general deadline is 4 months from when you learn of the death and your status as an heir. If the deceased lived abroad or you live abroad, the deadline is typically 1 year. Renunciation is declared at the Magistrates Court registry. Acceptance with the benefit of inventory must also be declared within the same deadline and follows an inventory process supervised by the court.

Am I responsible for the deceased’s debts

If you accept the inheritance simply, you may be liable for debts beyond the value of the estate. To limit liability to the estate’s assets, you must accept with the benefit of inventory within the legal deadline and follow the inventory procedure. Seek legal advice before taking any action that could be viewed as implied acceptance.

What documents are needed to transfer real estate in Thivais

Common documents include the death certificate, a family status certificate from the Municipality of Thiva, a will publication certificate or a certificate that no will has been published, a certificate that heirs have not renounced, inheritance tax assessment and proof of payment or exemption, ENFIA property tax clearance, property deeds and cadastral details, and identification and tax numbers for heirs. The notary will advise on any additional documents.

How does forced heirship affect what a will can do

Greek law protects close family members with a reserved portion. Descendants and the surviving spouse are typically forced heirs, and parents may be forced heirs if there are no descendants. If a will or lifetime gifts infringe the reserved portion, forced heirs can seek reduction so that the forced share is restored.

Do I need a court executor or administrator

Greek law allows the testator to appoint an executor in the will, but many estates proceed without one. If there is no executor and no disputes, heirs often complete the process through a notary and the necessary authorities. If disputes arise or complex administration is needed, the Court of First Instance can be involved to resolve issues or interpret the will.

What taxes apply and when must I file

An inheritance tax return is required for each heir, generally within 6 months if the deceased and the heir were in Greece, or 12 months if the deceased or the heir was abroad. Tax is calculated per heir based on kinship and asset value. Tax clearance is usually required before transferring real estate, vehicles, or releasing bank funds.

How are foreign elements handled, such as a will made abroad or assets outside Greece

If there is an EU cross-border element, the EU Succession Regulation may apply, pointing to the law of habitual residence unless the deceased chose their national law. A foreign will may be valid in Greece if it meets applicable form rules. Greek assets still require Greek procedures. You may need certified translations and apostilles for foreign documents. The European Certificate of Succession can help prove status across EU countries.

What happens if an heir is a minor

A minor’s inheritance must be accepted with the benefit of inventory. Guardianship rules apply and court approval is usually required for key steps. A lawyer coordinates with the guardianship court, the notary, and the tax office to ensure compliance and timely completion.

Additional Resources

Magistrates Court of Thiva Eirinodikeio Thivon for will publication and renunciations. Court of First Instance of Thiva Protodikeio Thivon for succession disputes and European Certificate of Succession applications. Municipality of Thiva for family status certificates and civil registry documents. Local Tax Office DOY Thivon for inheritance tax returns and assessments. Notaries in Thivais for notarial deeds of acceptance of inheritance and guidance on required documents. Hellenic Cadastre and Land Registry offices serving Thivais for registration of real property transfers. Greek Ministry of Justice for procedural information and court competence. Hellenic Notaries Association for locating a notary and general guidance on notarial procedures. Citizens Service Centers KEP for general administrative information and document requests.

Next Steps

Confirm whether a will exists. Contact a local notary or lawyer in Thivais to request a search and, if a will is found, arrange its publication by the Magistrates Court. Gather essential documents. These typically include the death certificate, identification for heirs, tax numbers, marital and family certificates, property deeds, and any foreign documents with certified translations and apostilles if needed. Assess your deadlines. Note the 4 month or 1 year period for acceptance or renunciation and consider acceptance with the benefit of inventory if there are debts or uncertainties. Seek legal advice early. A local lawyer can advise on forced heirship, cross-border rules, tax, and the correct sequence of steps. File inheritance tax returns with the local tax office. Obtain assessments and arrange payment or exemption so you can proceed with transfers. Execute the notarial acceptance deed for real estate and register title. Your notary will prepare the deed and file it with the Land Registry or Hellenic Cadastre serving Thivais. Coordinate release of bank funds and transfer of other assets. Provide the required court certificates, tax clearance, and identification to each institution. Keep records. Maintain copies of all certificates, notarial deeds, tax receipts, and registrations for future reference.

This guide is informational. Because each estate is unique, consult a qualified lawyer or notary in Thivais as early as possible to protect your rights and complete the process efficiently.