Best Will & Testament Lawyers in Melissia

About Will & Testament Law in Melissia, Greece

This guide explains practical and legal points about wills and testaments for residents of Melissia, a suburb of Athens. Wills in Greece are governed primarily by national civil law and related rules, so the same basic principles apply throughout the country. In practice, people in Melissia use local notaries, lawyers and courts in the Athens area to prepare, register and, if needed, probate wills. Because Greek succession law includes mandatory protections for certain relatives, careful drafting and specialist advice are often needed to make sure your intentions are legally effective.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help at every stage - from planning to execution to dispute resolution. Common situations where legal help is valuable include:

- Drafting a valid will that reflects your wishes while respecting mandatory inheritance rules.

- Clarifying who the compulsory heirs are and how the reserved portions affect what you can leave away.

- Managing estates with assets in more than one country or where the testator has multiple nationalities.

- Advising on tax implications, transfers of real estate, company shares or complicated asset structures.

- Contesting or defending a will - for example where there are allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity or where formalities were not followed.

- Arranging guardianship for minor children, lifetime gifts or other estate-planning tools that reduce future conflicts.

Local Laws Overview

The following are key aspects of Greek succession law and local practice relevant to people in Melissia.

- National legal framework - Succession is regulated by the Greek Civil Code and related statutes. Local practice in Melissia follows these national rules, administered by notaries and civil courts in the Athens area.

- Types of wills - Greek law recognises several types of wills. The most common are public notarial wills prepared by a notary in the presence of witnesses, secret wills deposited with a notary, and holographic wills that are entirely handwritten and signed by the testator. Formal requirements matter - failure to comply can invalidate a testament.

- Compulsory heirs and reserved portion - Greek law protects certain relatives as compulsory heirs. Spouses, children and, in some cases, parents have statutory rights to a reserved portion of the estate. A testator cannot normally deprive these heirs of that reserved share except in limited circumstances set out by law.

- Intestacy - If you die without a valid will, intestacy rules determine inheritance. Those rules follow a statutory order of relatives and will govern estate division unless a valid will says otherwise.

- Cross-border issues - The EU Succession Regulation and other international rules can affect estates with foreign elements. You may be able to choose the law of your nationality to govern succession, but there are formal and practical consequences to that choice.

- Property transfers and proof of title - For immovable property, transferring ownership after death typically requires documentary proof of heirship - such as a court or notarial certificate - and then registration at the land registry. Expect to work with local notaries and land registry officers in the Athens region.

- Taxes and fees - Inheritance tax, notary fees and registration costs can apply. The amounts and exemptions depend on relationship between heirs and the type and value of assets. Always get current advice from a lawyer or tax advisor because rates and exemptions change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a will legally valid in Greece?

A valid will must meet formal legal requirements. That typically means it must be one of the recognised types of testament under Greek law - for example a public notarial will, a secret will deposited with a notary, or a holographic will handwritten and signed by the testator. The will must show the testator had mental capacity when it was made and must follow the signing and witnessing rules set by law. Because formalities are strictly reviewed, using a local notary or specialist lawyer reduces the risk of invalidity.

Can I disinherit my spouse or children?

Greek law protects certain family members as compulsory heirs. You cannot completely disinherit these heirs except in very specific legal circumstances set by statute. You can however make dispositions that affect portions of your estate that are not reserved. A lawyer can calculate reserved shares and advise how much of your estate you can freely dispose of.

What happens if I do not leave a will?

If you die intestate, your estate will be distributed according to statutory rules. These rules set the order and shares of relatives who inherit - typically starting with close family members. The process is handled locally through probate procedures and may require a court or notarial certificate to establish heirship and transfer assets.

How do I change or revoke my will?

You can generally change your will at any time while you have testamentary capacity. Changes should follow the same formalities as the original will. It is common to revoke a prior will by drafting a new valid will that expressly revokes earlier ones, or by executing a formal revocation document with a notary. Keep clear records and inform your lawyer or notary where the latest original is kept.

Are foreign wills recognised in Greece?

Foreign wills can be recognised, but they must be valid under the applicable law and comply with Greek formalities where required for effecting transfers in Greece. Wills drafted abroad may need translation, legalization or an apostille and may require a local certificate of inheritance before Greek authorities or land registry accept transfers of property. For cross-border estates, get specialist advice early.

What should I do if I think a will is invalid or was made under coercion?

If you suspect a will is invalid because of lack of capacity, fraud, undue influence or incorrect formalities, you should consult a lawyer promptly. There are time limits for bringing challenges and the legal process may involve court proceedings. Gathering evidence - medical records, witness statements, copies of prior wills - is important to support a claim.

Do I need a notary to make a will in Melissia?

While a holographic will written and signed by you may be valid without a notary, the most secure and common practice in Greece is to execute a public notarial will prepared by a notary in the presence of witnesses. Using a notary reduces the risk of later disputes and simplifies probate and asset transfers. In Melissia you can use a local notary or one in the wider Athens area.

How long does probate usually take?

There is no fixed timeline. Uncontested matters with complete documentation can be resolved in a few months. Complex estates, properties, or contested cases may take much longer - possibly a year or more. Delays often come from asset valuation, obtaining certificates, resolving tax matters, or litigation between heirs.

What documents will my heirs need to transfer property after I die?

Heirs generally need a death certificate, proof of heirship such as a court or notarial certificate, the original will if there is one, and documents proving the decedent's title to property. For real estate, registration documents from the land registry are also required. A notary will usually compile a checklist specific to the estate and local procedures in the Athens region.

How do I handle assets abroad or if I have dual nationality?

Cross-border succession raises additional issues - choice of law, recognition of foreign wills, tax implications and the need to deal with foreign authorities. The EU Succession Regulation may allow you to select the law of your nationality to govern your succession, but practical effects differ by case. Consult a lawyer experienced in international succession to coordinate wills, probate and tax matters in each relevant country.

Additional Resources

- Local notary offices in Melissia and neighbouring Athens municipalities - for drafting, storing and certifying wills.

- Athens Bar Association and local law firms specialising in succession and estate planning - for legal representation and advice.

- Courts and registries in the Athens judicial district - for probate procedures and issuance of certificates of inheritance.

- Greek tax authorities - for guidance on inheritance tax obligations and filing requirements.

- Consumer or citizens advice services in the Athens area - for basic guidance and referrals to qualified professionals.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Melissia regarding a will or estate planning, follow these practical steps.

- Gather basic documents - current identification, property deeds, account information, family records and any existing wills or marriage certificates.

- Make an initial consultation appointment with a local lawyer experienced in succession law or with a notary. Describe your family situation, assets, and any international elements so the adviser can assess complexity.

- Ask about costs, estimated timelines and who will handle registration, tax filings and transfers. Confirm whether translation or foreign legalization will be needed for any documents.

- If you are planning your estate, discuss mandatory heirship, potential conflicts, and options to achieve your goals within the law. If there is an existing dispute, seek immediate legal advice to understand deadlines and evidentiary needs.

- Keep originals of your final will in a safe place and tell a trusted person or your lawyer where it is kept. Consider registering the will with a notary or following local practice that facilitates locating it after death.

Getting the right legal advice early will help ensure your wishes are respected, reduce delays for your heirs, and limit the risk of costly disputes.