Best Will & Testament Lawyers in Acharnes

About Will & Testament Law in Acharnes, Greece

Wills and succession in Acharnes follow Greek national law, as applied by local notaries, courts and public authorities in the Attica region. A will - in Greek, diathiki - lets you state how you want your assets distributed after you die, and can also name guardians for minor children and executors for your estate. Greece recognises several forms of wills, but each form must meet formal legal requirements to be valid. Because some family members have protected inheritance rights, testamentary freedom in Greece is limited compared with some other jurisdictions. If you live in Acharnes, own property there, or have family ties in Greece, local procedure and formalities will determine how a will is drafted, registered and enforced.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are many situations where a lawyer experienced in wills and succession can help:

- Drafting a valid will that meets Greek formal requirements and reflects your wishes while protecting mandatory heirs.

- Dealing with cross-border succession - for example if you or your heirs are not Greek nationals, or you own assets in another country. European succession rules and private international law can affect which law applies.

- Resolving disputes or contestations - if a relative claims they were unlawfully excluded or the will was signed under pressure, a lawyer can protect your or your heirs' rights.

- Estate administration and probate assistance - lawyers help obtain the necessary certificates, deal with creditors, prepare tax declarations and coordinate with notaries and courts.

- Complex assets - business ownership, shares, foreign property, or assets held through legal entities often require specialised planning.

- Succession tax planning - a lawyer can explain tax liabilities, exemptions and filing obligations and help minimise unexpected costs for heirs.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Greek succession law that are particularly relevant in Acharnes include:

- Mandatory shares for close relatives - Greek law protects certain relatives by granting them compulsory portions of the estate. This means you cannot completely disinherit some close family members without creating a legal contestable position.

- Types of wills - Greece recognises several formal will types. Common options include the notarial public will prepared before a notary, the closed will given to a notary in sealed form with witnesses, and holographic wills written, dated and signed by hand. Each type has strict formal requirements for validity.

- Role of notaries - Notaries play a central role in drafting, storing and sometimes proving wills. For many wills the presence of a notary and witnesses is required, and notaries also handle portions of succession administration.

- Probate and estate formalities - After death, heirs must identify and value assets, notify tax authorities, settle debts and obtain the required certificates or decisions to transfer ownership of property and bank accounts. This may involve notarial procedures and court processes for contested estates.

- Inheritance tax and declarations - Greece applies inheritance tax and requires declarations to be filed with the tax authorities. Rates, exemptions and thresholds depend on the relationship between the deceased and heirs and on the value and type of assets.

- Cross-border rules - EU succession rules and private international law can affect which law governs an estate if the deceased had links to another EU country. You can sometimes choose the law that governs your succession, but formal requirements must still be met.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a valid will in Acharnes?

To make a valid will you must follow Greek formalities. The safest route is to see a local notary or an experienced lawyer. They will confirm the type of will suitable for your situation, ensure the document is properly drafted, witnessed and signed, and arrange for safe storage. A properly executed notarial will minimises the risk of later invalidation.

Who are the mandatory heirs who cannot be fully disinherited?

Greek law protects close relatives by granting them compulsory portions. Typically this includes spouses and descendants, and in some cases ascendants. Because mandatory-share rules are technical, consult a lawyer if you intend to limit an heir’s share or make specific dispositions that touch on those protected rights.

Can a foreigner with property in Acharnes use a foreign will?

A foreign will may be accepted if it meets Greek formal requirements or if private international law and EU succession rules apply. However, practical problems often arise - translation, differing formalities, and local registration. It is advisable to have a Greek-compliant will or to seek legal advice to ensure the foreign will will be effective for Greek assets.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Greece?

If there is no valid will, succession is governed by the intestacy rules of Greek law or, where applicable, by international rules. Assets are distributed to legal heirs according to statutory shares. Intestate succession can create outcomes that differ from what you might expect, so planning a will is recommended.

Do I need a lawyer if I already have a notary-drafted will?

A notary-drafted will is often the most secure option, but a lawyer may still be needed for estate administration, tax filings, defending or contesting a will, or handling complex family or cross-border matters. For straightforward cases, the notary may handle much of the post-death formalities, but legal representation can be crucial in disputed or complex estates.

How do I change or revoke my will in Greece?

You can revoke or amend your will by drafting a new valid will or making a formal revocation that meets legal formalities. A notary or lawyer can guide you through the most appropriate method and ensure the change is clear and enforceable. Destroying an earlier will does not automatically make a later informal note valid.

How are debts and taxes handled after someone dies?

Debts of the estate must be identified and paid from estate assets before distribution to heirs. Inheritance tax and related declarations must be filed with the tax authorities. Heirs should obtain professional advice to ensure all liabilities are settled correctly and to avoid personal exposure where possible.

Can I appoint a guardian for my minor children in my will?

Yes - you can name a guardian for minor children in your will. Named guardianship is an important estate planning tool, but the final appointment may require court confirmation in some cases. Discuss your wishes with a lawyer to ensure the guardian appointment is effective and appropriate.

How long does probate or estate settlement take in Greece?

Timelines vary depending on whether there is a clear will, whether heirs agree, the complexity of assets, and whether disputes arise. Simple estates can be completed in months, while contested or cross-border estates may take significantly longer. A lawyer can give a realistic timeline based on the facts of your case.

How much does it cost to create a will or to administer an estate?

Costs depend on the type of will, whether a notary is involved, the complexity of assets, and professional fees. Notary fees are regulated to an extent, while lawyers typically charge either fixed fees or hourly rates depending on the services. Estate administration and tax filings will add further costs. Ask for a fee estimate upfront from any professional you consult.

Additional Resources

Useful local resources and authorities to consult or contact include:

- The local notary public in Acharnes - notaries handle will drafting, safe-keeping and some succession formalities.

- A qualified lawyer specialising in succession and family law in Attica or Athens for legal advice and court representation.

- The local tax office and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue for inheritance tax filing and guidance.

- The Bar Association of Athens - for lawyer referrals and professional standards within the Attica region.

- Citizens Service Centres (KEP) for help obtaining official documents and certificates you may need for succession procedures.

- Courts and registry offices that handle probate and property registration when transfers occur after death.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a will or succession matter in Acharnes, follow these practical steps:

- Gather identification and basic documents: your ID or passport, family status documents - birth, marriage or divorce certificates, and any existing wills or agreements.

- Prepare an asset inventory: list real estate, bank accounts, investments, business interests, insurance policies and outstanding debts. Include account locations and approximate values.

- Decide your priorities: who you want to inherit, whether you need guardians for minors, and who should act as executor or administrator.

- Contact a local notary or a lawyer experienced in Greek succession law for an initial consultation - bring your documents and a clear summary of your wishes.

- Follow professional advice to draft, sign and store your will according to Greek formalities. If you own property abroad or have non-Greek family members, discuss cross-border implications.

- Review your will periodically, and update it after major life events - marriage, divorce, births, deaths or significant changes in assets.

Taking these steps will help ensure your wishes are clear, legally effective and easier for your heirs to follow when the time comes.