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Wills and testaments in Elliniko follow Greek national inheritance law. If you own property or have personal ties in Elliniko - a suburb of Athens in the region of Attica - any will dealing with assets located in Greece must comply with the formal and substantive rules of Greek civil law. The law sets out who may inherit, what formalities a will must meet to be valid, and special protections for close relatives. Many people use a local notary or a lawyer experienced in Greek succession law to prepare or review a will so that their intentions are honored and the estate passes smoothly to heirs.
Because Elliniko is within the Athens judicial district, most estate matters - such as uncontested inheritance certification or contested court proceedings - involve notaries and courts located in greater Athens. Local professionals can guide you through the paperwork, tax obligations, registration of property transfers, and any dispute resolution that may be needed.
You may need a lawyer in connection with wills and testaments for many practical reasons. A lawyer can help you draft a clear and legally valid will that reflects your wishes and minimizes the risk of challenge after your death. Lawyers are particularly helpful when the situation includes one or more of the following factors - significant property in Elliniko or elsewhere in Greece, foreign assets or foreign heirs, blended families, business ownership, complicated family relationships, or the desire to limit disputes between potential heirs.
Lawyers guide clients through inheritance tax planning, explain the rights of compulsory heirs, and advise on whether a public notarial will, a handwritten will, or another form best fits the case. If a will is contested, if there are suspected irregularities, or if an estate must go through court, lawyers represent clients in negotiations, mediation, and litigation. They also coordinate with notaries, tax authorities, and registries to complete transfers and registrations after death.
Greece has a civil law system that governs succession. Key principles include testamentary freedom and the concept of compulsory heirs - certain close relatives have legally protected shares of the estate that cannot be fully omitted except in narrowly defined circumstances. Wills must satisfy formal requirements to be valid - noncompliant documents can be declared void or partially ineffective.
There are different ways to make a will recognized by Greek law. A public notarial will is commonly used and offers strong protection because a notary records and certifies the testator's declarations. Handwritten wills and secret wills are also recognized if they meet formal criteria. It is important that any will dealing with Greek property is executed in a form accepted under Greek law or is validated for use in Greece.
When someone dies, heirs must obtain the necessary certificates and satisfy tax obligations before property registrations are transferred. Uncontested successions commonly proceed through a notary who issues an inheritance certificate or similar instrument. Contested successions or disputes over validity or entitlement may require court proceedings in the local courts of Athens.
Cross-border cases can add complexity. If you or your heirs live abroad, or you own assets in more than one country, international rules and treaties may affect which law applies to the succession and how the estate is administered. In such cases specialists in international succession or lawyers familiar with EU rules should be consulted.
There are several accepted forms of will under Greek law. The safest option is a public notarial will prepared and certified by a notary in Greece. A handwritten will may be valid if it is wholly written, dated and signed by the testator. A secret will or other special forms are possible but have stricter formal requirements. To be effective for property in Greece it is important that the will meet Greek formalities or is appropriately recognized by Greek authorities.
You are not legally required to use a notary to create every type of will, but a notary-prepared will reduces the risk of disputes and invalidity. For many estate matters - including issuing inheritance certificates and registering property transfers - notary involvement is normal and often more efficient than court procedures.
Greek law protects certain close relatives through compulsory or reserved portions. You cannot freely disinherit a spouse or children in many circumstances - they have statutory rights that must be respected. Complete disinheritance is possible only in very specific and legally recognized cases. A lawyer can explain how reserved shares apply to your situation and whether any lawful adjustments are possible.
If you die intestate - without a valid will - Greek intestacy rules determine who inherits, typically prioritizing spouse and blood relatives. The distribution follows fixed statutory rules which may not reflect your personal wishes. An intestate succession still requires completing the necessary administrative and tax steps before property can be transferred.
Inheritance tax applies to transfers of assets on death. Tax rates, allowances and exemptions depend on the value of the estate and the relationship between the deceased and the heir. Close relatives often benefit from reduced rates or exemptions. There are deadlines and formalities for filing inheritance tax returns and paying any tax due. A lawyer or tax advisor can help calculate obligations and ensure timely compliance.
Foreign wills may be recognized for estate matters in Greece, but recognition depends on formal validity under the law governing the will and whether translations and legalization are provided. Real estate located in Greece is typically governed by Greek law for succession purposes, so special care is needed when a will is made abroad. Consult a lawyer experienced in cross-border succession to avoid conflicts and ensure enforceability.
To leave property in Elliniko to someone, clearly identify the property in the will and state your intention. Using a public notarial will helps ensure clarity and legal sufficiency. After death, heirs will need to follow the local procedure to register the transfer at the land registry or cadastre and settle any tax obligations. Keep accurate title deeds and property documentation up to date to simplify the succession process.
Common documents include the original will if one exists, your national ID or passport, death certificate, property deeds, tax records, account statements, marriage and birth certificates of heirs, and any documents proving debts or liabilities. The exact list depends on the estate composition. A local lawyer or notary can provide a checklist tailored to your case.
The timeline varies by complexity - simple uncontested successions can be resolved more quickly when all documents are available and taxes are paid. Disputes, missing documents, cross-border issues, or complex assets such as businesses or shared properties can extend the process. Engaging a lawyer early helps identify likely timelines for your particular situation.
Costs depend on the scope of service - drafting a will, advising on tax planning, handling the probate process, or litigating a dispute all have different fee structures. Fees may be charged as fixed amounts, hourly rates, or percentages linked to the estate in some cases. Notary fees for certified wills and inheritance procedures are typically set by regulation. Ask for a written fee estimate during an initial consultation.
For assistance in Elliniko consider contacting local professionals and institutions that handle wills and inheritance matters. The Athens Bar Association provides lists of licensed lawyers by practice area. Local notaries in the Attica region handle public wills and inheritance certifications. The tax authority deals with inheritance tax matters and filing requirements. Municipal offices in Elliniko-Argyroupoli can help with administrative formalities and local records. If you are a foreign national, your embassy or consulate can advise on documents and translations.
Professional organizations such as the Hellenic Notaries Association and national legal chambers often publish guidance and can help you find accredited practitioners. For complex cross-border issues look for lawyers or firms with experience in international succession law.
1. Take stock of your assets and documents - compile deeds, account statements, insurance policies, and personal identification. Note family relationships and any debts or obligations.
2. Decide what you want to achieve - who should inherit, whether to provide for minors or vulnerable beneficiaries, and whether to set conditions or create trusts or life interests. Consider tax and practical consequences for your heirs.
3. Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer or notary in Elliniko or greater Athens - bring your documents and a clear list of questions. Ask about formalities, likely costs, and timelines.
4. Choose the most appropriate form of will and have it prepared or reviewed by a professional - a public notarial will is often recommended for certainty. Ensure any foreign language documents are accurately translated and that formalities are met for Greek property.
5. Keep the original will safe - consider deposit with a notary - and inform trusted family members or your executor where to find it. Review and update your will after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, significant asset changes, or relocation.
6. If you anticipate disputes or complex cross-border issues, engage a lawyer early to plan tax efficiency and dispute avoidance. If a loved one dies, contact a local lawyer or notary immediately to begin necessary administrative steps.
Note - This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. For advice tailored to your personal circumstances contact a qualified lawyer or notary in Elliniko or the Athens area.
