Family law · Greece
Divorce lawyers in Greece for a clear path forward
Facing a divorce in Greece can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. We match you with a vetted, English-speaking family lawyer who handles divorce, child custody and property settlement under Greek law. No obligation, no upfront cost.
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Why choose a local Greek lawyer
Divorce proceedings in Greece, explained by a lawyer who knows the courts
When you are ending a marriage, the legal route in Greece depends on whether the divorce is consensual or contested. Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce can be concluded by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their lawyers, while a contested divorce must be brought before the ordinary civil courts and is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, presumed after two years of continuous separation. Our matching service connects you with divorce lawyers in Greece who are members of a Greek Bar Association and understand the local court structure, fee rules and limitation periods. You receive free, no-obligation introductions to practitioners in Athens, Thessaloniki and across the country, so you can make an informed choice about representation.
Greece in focus
How divorce works under Greek law
Greek divorce law has changed significantly in recent years. A consensual divorce no longer requires a court hearing; only contested divorces remain before the civil courts. Below are the key rules, deadlines and costs you should discuss with a divorce lawyer in Greece.
Consensual divorce by notarial deed
Since Law 4509/2017, as amended by Law 4800/2021, a consensual divorce in Greece is dissolved by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers. There is no hearing and no minimum duration of marriage required. This makes the process faster and less formal than a contested divorce.
Contested divorce and the two-year separation rule
A contested divorce in Greece is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The law presumes irretrievable breakdown after two years of continuous separation. The case remains before the ordinary civil courts, where a lawyer represents you and argues the legal grounds before the judge.
Who may act as your divorce lawyer
To practise law in Greece, a lawyer must be a member of a Bar Association. Under the Code of Lawyers, this requires passing the nationwide bar examinations, taking the statutory oath, and being entered in the register of a local Bar Association. Your lawyer is a public functionary who defends your interests before the courts.
Court fees and lawyer’s fees
Court fees are set by statute and generally include a proportional judicial stamp duty on the value of civil claims, ranging from 4 to 8 per mille with a 30% TAXDIK surcharge. A lawyer’s fee is freely agreed in writing, or set by the statutory scale if there is no written agreement. All fees are subject to 24% VAT.
Immovable property in a divorce settlement
If your divorce involves the transfer of real estate, Greek law requires a notarial deed. Ownership passes only when the deed is registered with the competent Land Registry or Cadastral Office. A Real Estate Transfer Tax of 3% must be paid before the deed is signed. Your lawyer will coordinate these formalities.
Key time limit — Family Law
Contested divorce (irretrievable breakdown presumption) — 2 years of continuous separation. The law presumes irretrievable breakdown after two years of continuous separation; only contested divorces remain before the courts.
The data on this page is drawn from official sources, including the Greek Ministry of Justice, the Athens Bar Association and the European e-Justice Portal, as at February 2025.
Common concerns
What makes divorce in Greece feel complex
You are not alone. These are the issues clients often raise before contacting us.
You do not know whether you need a consensual or contested divorce
The procedure changed in 2017: most uncontested divorces are now concluded by notarial deed, while contested cases remain in court. A lawyer clarifies which route applies to your situation.
Greek court deadlines and fees feel unpredictable
Without local knowledge, you may miss a limitation period or misunderstand court stamp duties. A Greek divorce lawyer explains the applicable deadlines and costs before you file.
You are abroad and need representation in Greece
If you live outside Greece, local bar rules and service requirements still apply. We match you with a lawyer who can act on your behalf, including by notarised power of attorney where necessary.
Why use our matching service
A simpler way to find the right Greek divorce lawyer
We remove the guesswork so you can focus on your next chapter.
Free, no-obligation matching
Tell us about your divorce matter and we introduce you to suitable divorce lawyers in Greece. You decide whether to proceed; the matching service costs nothing.
Lawyers verified with Greek Bar Associations
Every lawyer on the platform is a member of a local Greek Bar Association, so you know they meet the legal requirements to practise family law in Greece.
Clear guidance on consensual vs contested divorce
Your matched lawyer explains the notarial deed route for consensual divorce or the court route for contested divorce, including the two-year separation presumption.
Support with property and inheritance issues
Divorce often involves property division. Your lawyer handles real estate formalities, from notarial deeds to Land Registry registration and transfer tax.
Coverage
We also match clients in these countries
If your case involves cross-border elements, our network extends across Europe.
FAQs
Questions about divorce lawyers in Greece
Do I need a lawyer for a consensual divorce in Greece?
Yes. Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce is concluded by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers. The lawyer ensures the deed meets formal requirements and protects your interests; no court hearing is needed.
How long does a contested divorce take in Greece?
The duration depends on the court’s workload and the complexity of the case. Greek law presumes irretrievable breakdown after two years of continuous separation, but the court process itself may take additional months. Your divorce lawyer can give a realistic timeline.
What are the main divorce lawyers in Greece like?
Divorce lawyers in Greece are members of a local Bar Association, having passed the nationwide bar examinations and taken the statutory oath. They may charge fees freely agreed in writing or set by the statutory scale. You can request a lawyer who speaks English.
Can I get legal aid for a divorce in Greece?
Legal aid is available in civil cases under Law 3226/2004 for low-income persons whose annual family income does not exceed two thirds of the minimum annual personal income. EU citizens and lawfully resident third-country nationals may also qualify.
Do I need to register a divorce-related property transfer?
If your divorce settlement includes transferring immovable property in Greece, the transfer must be by notarial deed and registered with the competent Land Registry or Cadastral Office. Ownership passes only upon registration; a 3% Real Estate Transfer Tax is payable.
What limitation periods apply to divorce-related financial claims in Greece?
The general limitation period for civil claims is 20 years, but commercial, professional-fee and periodic claims are limited to five years, and tort claims to five years with a 20-year absolute period. Your lawyer will identify which rule applies to your claim.
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