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Wills and testaments in Agia Paraskevi are governed by Greek inheritance law, which is primarily codified in the Civil Code and applied throughout Greece. Residents of Agia Paraskevi use the same legal framework as elsewhere in Greece, with local procedures handled by municipal offices, notaries, and courts in the Athens judicial district. A will is the legal instrument through which a person states how their assets should be distributed after death. Greek law recognises several types of wills and includes mandatory protections for close relatives known as forced heirship or reserved portions.
Because many estates include real estate, bank accounts, pensions and sometimes assets abroad, the involvement of a local notary and, where needed, a lawyer is common. Notaries play a central role in drafting certain kinds of wills, registering estate documents and assisting with transfers of property following death.
There are many situations where legal advice is useful or essential when dealing with wills and inheritance in Agia Paraskevi.
Drafting a will - To ensure the will meets Greek formal requirements and the testator's wishes are clearly expressed and legally enforceable.
Complex family structures - If you have children from different relationships, a blended family, adopted children, or if you want to protect a spouse or a dependant while also providing for other relatives.
Assets abroad - When property or accounts are located in other EU countries or beyond, legal advice helps determine which laws apply and how to coordinate estate administration across borders.
Business succession - To transfer ownership or control of a family business, protect business continuity and plan tax-efficient transfers.
Contesting or defending a will - If someone challenges a will or you believe a will should be contested due to lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper form.
Debt and creditor issues - If the estate has significant liabilities and you need to decide whether to accept an inheritance outright, or accept it under benefit of inventory to limit liability.
Tax and registration matters - To comply with inheritance tax, property transfer formalities, and registration at the land registry or cadastre.
Key elements of Greek inheritance law that are particularly relevant in Agia Paraskevi include the following.
Types of wills - Greek law recognises three main forms of testamentary documents: a public will executed before a notary and witnesses, a secret will delivered sealed to a notary with witnesses, and a holographic will entirely handwritten, dated and signed by the testator. Each form has strict formal requirements.
Reserved portions - Greek law protects certain heirs by guaranteeing them a reserved portion of the estate. Close relatives such as children, the spouse and sometimes ascendants have legal entitlements that limit how much of the estate can be freely disposed of by will.
Acceptance or renunciation of inheritance - Heirs may accept an inheritance outright, accept it under benefit of inventory so they are not personally liable for debts beyond the estate, or renounce the inheritance. Procedures and formalities differ so legal guidance is advisable.
Probate and transfer formalities - Transfers of title to real estate, bank accounts and other assets typically involve notaries, registration at the land registry or Hellenic Cadastre, and tax filings with the competent tax authority. Notaries commonly prepare the inheritance settlement and assist with registrations.
Inheritance taxes and exemptions - Inheritance taxation applies in Greece. Close family members often benefit from allowances or lower rates. Accurate calculation and timely filing are important to avoid penalties.
Cross-border issues - If you own assets in other EU countries the EU Succession Regulation and international private law rules can affect which national law governs succession. Foreign nationals should consider the interaction between Greek law and other applicable laws and may be advised to include a choice-of-law clause in their will.
Guardianship and protection of minors - Testators can appoint guardians for minor children and include provisions for management of property left to minors. These arrangements must comply with Greek requirements and are often finalized with legal advice.
Greek law recognises public wills executed before a notary and two witnesses, secret wills submitted to a notary and witnessed, and holographic wills that are entirely handwritten, dated and signed by the testator. Each type has specific formal requirements that must be met for validity.
It is not legally required to use a lawyer to make a valid holographic will, but using a lawyer and a notary is strongly recommended. A notary is required for public and secret wills and will ensure formal validity, advise on forced heirship rules, and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Greek law protects certain close relatives with reserved portions, meaning you cannot fully disinherit children or, in many cases, the spouse. You can, however, distribute the freely disposable portion of your estate according to your wishes. For complex family situations seek legal advice to understand limits and possible planning options.
Obtain the death certificate from the municipality, gather the deceased's documents - identity card, tax number, property deeds, bank statements and any will - and contact a notary or lawyer. Heirs must decide whether to accept or renounce the inheritance and must comply with tax declarations and registration formalities.
Acceptance can be explicit or implied, and acceptance under benefit of inventory limits liability for the deceased's debts to the estate assets. Renunciation must be declared following legal procedures. Because the choice affects creditor liability and rights to estate assets, consult a lawyer before taking action.
Foreign wills can be recognised in Greece but may require translation and additional formalities. The recognition process depends on the will type, the law of the country where it was executed, and any international rules that apply. If you have assets in Greece or reside here, consider drafting a Greek will or having a local lawyer review your foreign will.
Inheritance taxes and property transfer taxes can apply. Rates, exemptions and allowances vary by relationship to the deceased and the nature of the assets. Timely tax filings and correct valuation of assets are required. A lawyer or tax advisor can help calculate liabilities and ensure compliance with deadlines.
A will can be contested on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, formal defects or fraud. There are legal time limits and procedural rules for contesting a will. Because challenges can be complex and contested by multiple parties, seek legal counsel promptly if you believe a will should be contested.
There is no single national mandatory registry for all wills. Public wills are recorded by the notary who executed them. It is common to keep the original will with a notary for safekeeping. Informing a trusted lawyer or a close relative about the existence and location of your will is advisable to ensure it is found and executed after death.
If there is no valid will, intestate succession rules in the Civil Code determine who inherits. The estate is distributed according to a statutory order of relatives, with reserved portions for certain heirs. In intestacy cases legal and administrative steps are required to identify heirs, value assets and register transfers.
Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - for local death registration and related municipal services.
Athens Bar Association - for lists of qualified lawyers experienced in inheritance and family law in the Athens area.
Hellenic Notaries Association - for information about notarial services and locating a local notary who can prepare and store wills and assist with estate formalities.
Hellenic Cadastre - for property registration and land title matters in Greece.
Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for questions about inheritance tax filing and payment obligations.
Ministry of Justice - for general information about Greek succession law and procedures.
Citizen Service Centers - local KEP offices can assist with obtaining certain certificates and guidance on administrative procedures.
1. Take stock of your assets and documents - prepare a list of property, bank accounts, pensions, insurance policies, business interests, debts and relevant documents such as titles and account statements.
2. Identify your priorities - decide who you want to inherit, whether you need to protect a spouse, children or business, and whether you want to appoint an executor or guardian for minors.
3. Consult a local notary and an experienced inheritance lawyer - a notary can advise on formal will types and register certain wills, while a lawyer can help with tax planning, complex family situations and cross-border issues.
4. Draft and execute your will following Greek formalities - ensure the will is valid by meeting the formal requirements and consider safekeeping with a notary.
5. Keep records and inform trusted persons - tell at least one trusted person where your will and important documents are stored and provide contact details for your lawyer or notary.
If you already face an inheritance issue, contact a lawyer in Agia Paraskevi or Athens as soon as possible to review deadlines, filing obligations and your legal options. Early legal advice helps protect rights, reduces risks and makes administration smoother for surviving relatives.
