Family Law · Greece
Your trusted Family Law lawyers in Greece
Family matters in Greece are governed by the Civil Code and a network of courts that can feel unfamiliar. We match you with a local specialist who understands divorce, child arrangements and inheritance under Greek law. Free matching, no cost to get started.
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How our matching works for Family Law in Greece
Finding the right Family Law lawyers in Greece can be difficult when you are facing a divorce, a child custody dispute or an inheritance question. Our service removes the guesswork: answer a short brief, and we match you with a specialist who practises Greek family law and understands the local courts and notarial processes. You remain in control at every step. We do not provide legal advice; instead, we connect you with a lawyer who can explain how Greek law applies to your situation and represent you where needed. The service is free, and most matches receive a first response within 24 to 48 hours.
Local landscape
Family law in Greece: what you need to know
Greek family law is codified and largely court-based, with important exceptions such as notarial consensual divorce. The following points summarise key rules and deadlines drawn from official sources. A specialist can apply these rules to your situation.
A civil-law system with codified rules
Greece follows the continental civil-law model based on the Greek Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure. The Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) reviews legal correctness rather than facts, and lower courts include Magistrates’ Courts, Courts of First Instance and Courts of Appeal. This structure matters for divorce, custody and succession cases.
Consensual divorce without a court
Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce is concluded by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers, with no court hearing or minimum marriage period. Only contested divorces, based on irretrievable breakdown (presumed after two years of separation), remain before the courts.
Forced heirship limits testamentary freedom
Greek succession law reserves half of the intestate share for descendants and the surviving spouse (and parents if no descendants). Gifts made in the last ten years before death can be added back when calculating the reserved portion, so lifetime transfers may be reduced if they infringe it.
Real property requires notarial deed and registration
Transfers or encumbrances of immovable property must be effected by a notarial deed, and ownership passes only upon registration with the Land Registry or Cadastral Office. The registration is constitutive; failure to observe the notarial form renders the transfer incurably void.
Lawyers as public functionaries
Under the Code of Lawyers, a Greek lawyer is a public functionary and not a commercial actor. Membership of a Bar Association is compulsory, and lawyers are bound by professional secrecy and the duty to defend the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Key time limit — Family Law
Contested divorce (irretrievable breakdown presumption) — 2 years of continuous separation. A court may presume irretrievable breakdown after two years of continuous separation.
The country-specific data on this page is drawn from official Greek and EU sources (Greek Ministry of Justice, Athens Bar Association, AADE, HLI, and the European e-Justice portal) as of 2025.
Common challenges
Family law matters that can feel overwhelming
You are not expected to navigate Greek rules alone. Here are situations where a specialist can make a real difference.
Divorce and separation
Greek law distinguishes between consensual divorce by notarial deed and contested divorce requiring two years of separation. Without local guidance, procedural and documentary steps can delay resolution.
Child custody and maintenance
When parents disagree, courts apply the Greek Civil Code to decide parental responsibility, residence and child support. Cross-border families face additional questions about jurisdiction and recognition of orders.
Inheritance and forced heirship
Greek forced heirship reserves half of the intestate share for close relatives, and gifts in the last ten years may be added back. Non-Greek nationals owning Greek property often need advice on EU Regulation 650/2012.
Why use our service
A simpler way to find the right Family Law lawyer in Greece
Our matching platform focuses on your specific situation and connects you with a lawyer who practises the relevant area.
Free and non-binding
There is no cost to get matched and no obligation to instruct the lawyer. You provide a short brief and we do the searching.
Verified specialists
We work with lawyers who are members of a Greek Bar Association and whose profiles cover the family law area you need, from divorce to succession.
Local and cross-border insight
Whether you live in Greece or abroad, our matches understand Greek court practice, notarial processes and EU instruments such as Regulation 650/2012.
Quick first response
Most clients receive a first response within 24 to 48 hours. You can then decide whether to proceed with the matched lawyer.
Coverage
We can help you find Family Law lawyers in Greece and across Europe
Our network includes lawyers in Greece and neighbouring jurisdictions for cross-border family and succession matters.
Frequently asked questions
Family Law in Greece – FAQs
How do I find the right Family Law lawyers in Greece?
Our service matches you with a specialist who handles your specific issue, such as divorce, child custody or inheritance. You answer a short brief, and we use your criteria to select a lawyer who practises Greek family law and is familiar with the local courts.
Is consensual divorce in Greece handled by a court?
No. Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce is concluded by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers. Only contested divorces, based on irretrievable breakdown, remain before the courts.
What is the deadline for filing an inheritance tax return in Greece?
The return must be filed within nine months if the death occurred in Greece, or within one year if the death occurred abroad. An heir who wishes to renounce must do so within four months, extendable to one year if abroad.
Do I need a lawyer for a property transfer in Greece?
Yes, a notarial deed is required for the transfer of immovable property, and registration with the Land Registry or Cadastral Office is constitutive. A lawyer can guide you through the formalities and conduct the necessary searches.
How does forced heirship work in Greece?
Descendants and the surviving spouse are entitled to a reserved portion equal to half of what they would inherit on intestacy. Gifts made in the last ten years before death may be added back when calculating that portion.
Is legal aid available for family law matters in Greece?
Yes, Greece provides free legal aid in civil, criminal and commercial cases under Law 3226/2004 for low-income citizens and other eligible persons. Your matched lawyer can advise whether you may qualify.
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