Best Will & Testament Lawyers in Glyfada

About Will & Testament Law in Glyfada, Greece

Will & Testament law in Glyfada, Greece, is based on the Greek Civil Code, which outlines the procedures for creating, validating, and executing a will. The creation of a legal will ensures that an individual's assets, property, and final wishes are respected and followed after their passing. Glyfada, as a suburb of Athens, adheres to the same national legal framework, with legal professionals and notaries well-versed in these procedures. Having a proper will in place can greatly simplify the process for heirs and beneficiaries, providing peace of mind for individuals and their families.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several circumstances where seeking a lawyer’s help regarding a Will & Testament is strongly recommended in Glyfada, Greece:

• You want to draft a new will and ensure it fully complies with Greek law.
• You have assets in Greece and abroad, requiring coordination with international inheritance laws.
• You wish to challenge or contest the validity of an existing will.
• You suspect undue influence, fraud, or another problem related to a will.
• You have blended family situations, such as children from multiple relationships.
• You are an heir, and need help with probate or estate administration in Glyfada.
• You want to minimize inheritance tax burdens on your heirs.

Legal professionals ensure your will is legally binding, your intentions are clear, and all procedural requirements are properly fulfilled.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of local laws regarding Will & Testament in Glyfada, Greece include:

• Types of Wills: Greece recognizes several types of wills, including handwritten (holographic), public (drawn up and registered by a notary with witnesses), and secret wills (delivered to a notary in a sealed envelope).
• Forced Heirship: Greek law requires a portion of the estate to be left to specific heirs by default, such as children, spouse, and sometimes parents. This is called “legitime,” and only the freely disposable part of the estate can be freely allocated outside these heirs.
• Legal Formalities: Strict requirements for witnessing, registration, and authenticity must be met, or the will may be declared invalid.
• Probate Process: Upon death, the will typically goes through a notarial probate process to validate its contents and allow asset distribution.
• Inheritance Tax: Tax rates and exemptions apply based on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the estate’s value.
• Disputes and Contestation: Greek law provides legal grounds and processes for contesting wills in court, often involving questions of capacity or undue influence.

Understanding these aspects, and how they apply specifically in Glyfada, can prevent future legal complications for both testators and heirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements for a valid will in Glyfada, Greece?

A valid will must be made by a person over 18, be of sound mind, and follow either handwritten, public, or secret form as specified by Greek law, with appropriate witnesses or notarization where required.

Can I exclude my children or spouse from my will?

No, Greek law includes forced heirship provisions, meaning certain family members are entitled to a minimum portion of the estate despite the contents of the will.

Is it possible to write my will in a language other than Greek?

Yes, but it is advisable to provide a certified translation to ensure its validity and avoid disputes during probate, especially when assets or beneficiaries are in Greece.

How can I change or revoke my will?

You may draft a new will or a codicil (amendment) that explicitly revokes previous wills, or physically destroy the existing will. Legal advice ensures the new instructions are properly documented.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Glyfada?

Greek intestacy laws determine heirs and share distribution, primarily to spouse, children, and then further relatives, as defined by the Civil Code. The process can be more complicated and lengthy.

Do foreign wills apply to Greek assets?

Foreign wills may be recognized if they comply with Greek authenticity and formal requirements, but special rules and potential conflicts of law may apply. Legal advice is crucial in these cases.

What is the role of a notary in the process?

A notary facilitates the drafting of public or secret wills, oversees the probate process, registers official documents, and ensures compliance with legal formalities.

How are inheritance taxes calculated in Greece?

Inheritance taxes depend on the value of the estate and the relationship between the deceased and the heir. Close relatives have higher exemptions and lower rates compared to distant relatives or non-relatives.

Can a will be contested in court?

Yes, grounds include lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper formalities. Contestation typically requires legal proceedings through Greek courts.

Is it necessary to register a will in Glyfada?

Handwritten wills are often deposited with a notary for safekeeping and easier probate, while notarial wills are automatically registered. Registration is recommended, though not mandatory, to ensure the will is found and executed.

Additional Resources

If you need further help regarding Will & Testament matters in Glyfada, consider reaching out to these organizations and resources:

• Local Glyfada lawyers specializing in inheritance law
• Notary Public offices in Glyfada for will registration and probate
• Ministry of Justice (Greece) for legal guidelines and updates
• Greek Bar Association for professional legal referrals
• Local Citizen Service Centers (KEP) in Glyfada for administrative support

These resources can provide guidance, official documents, and support during the estate planning or probate process.

Next Steps

If you require assistance with Will & Testament issues in Glyfada, Greece, consider the following actions:

• Gather all relevant documents regarding assets, property ownership, and family relationships.
• List any specific wishes or concerns you want to address in your will.
• Contact a qualified local lawyer experienced in Greek inheritance law for a consultation.
• Schedule an appointment with a notary if you plan to draft a public or secret will, or if you wish to deposit a handwritten will for safekeeping.
• Ask all your questions during consultations to fully understand your rights and options under Greek law.

Proper legal guidance can ensure your wishes are legally protected and your family is spared unnecessary difficulties in the future.