Family law · Greece
Family lawyers in Greece
A family lawyer in Greece can guide you through divorce, child arrangements, inheritance and property division under the Greek Civil Code. Tell us about your situation and we will match you with a specialised lawyer in your city. Matching is free and confidential.
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Why seek specialist help
Family legal matters in Greece
When family life reaches a turning point, family lawyers in Greece can help you understand your options under the Greek Civil Code. Whether you are considering a consensual divorce by notarial deed, facing a contested divorce after separation, or planning around forced heirship rules, the right legal guidance matters. Our matching service connects you with a specialised lawyer in Athens, Thessaloniki or any Greek city who handles divorce, child arrangements, inheritance and related property issues. You receive a shortlist of verified practitioners, and the first consultation is arranged directly with the lawyer. We do not provide legal advice; we match you with a family lawyer who can assess your situation under Greek law and explain the steps, deadlines and costs.
Greece in detail
How family law works in Greece
Greece operates a civil-law system built on codified statutes. Family lawyers in Greece work within this framework, handling divorce, child arrangements, inheritance and property issues under the Greek Civil Code and related legislation. The following points highlight key practical aspects.
Civil-law framework and court structure
Greece follows the continental civil-law model. Family matters are governed by the Greek Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure. The ordinary hierarchy consists of the Magistrates’ Courts and Courts of First Instance, with appeals heard by the Courts of Appeal. The Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) reviews only legal correctness, not the facts of the case. A family lawyer guides you through this structure.
Who may act as your family lawyer
In Greece, membership of a Bar Association is compulsory to practise law. A lawyer must pass the nationwide bar examinations, receive an appointment decision of the Minister of Justice, take the statutory oath and be entered in the register of a Bar Association. The Athens Bar Association alone has roughly 22,000 members. The lawyer is a public functionary bound by professional secrecy.
Consensual divorce by notarial deed
Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce in Greece is no longer pronounced by a court. The marriage is dissolved by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers, with no hearing or minimum duration of marriage required. A family lawyer can draft and sign the deed with you, ensuring the formalities are observed.
Contested divorce and separation
A contested divorce is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which is presumed after two years of continuous separation. Only contested divorces remain before the Greek courts. A family lawyer can advise on evidence of separation and on the procedure before the competent court.
Forced heirship and estate planning
Greek succession law restricts freedom of testation through forced heirship. Descendants and the surviving spouse are entitled to a reserved portion equal to one half of the share they would receive on intestacy, and the forced heir participates as a true co-heir. Gifts made in the last ten years before death are added back when calculating that portion.
Costs and legal aid
A family lawyer’s fee is freely determined by written agreement with the client. Where there is no written agreement, the fee is fixed by the statutory scale based on the value of the matter and is subject to 24% VAT. Free legal aid is available for low-income citizens, EU citizens and certain residents under Law 3226/2004.
Key time limit — Family Law
Contested divorce (irretrievable breakdown presumption) — 2 years of continuous separation. Presumption of irretrievable breakdown after two years apart.
The data comes from official sources (Greek Ministry of Justice, Athens Bar Association, European e-Justice Portal and public authorities) as of 2025.
- European e-Justice Portal – National justice systems – Greece
- Athens Bar Association – Identity of the DSA
- Greek Civil Code – Ministry of Justice (PDF)
- European e-Justice Portal – Costs – Greece
- European e-Justice Portal – Divorce and legal separation – Greece
- Independent Authority for Public Revenue – Inheritance tax
- Ministry of Labour – Labour relations FAQs
Common challenges
Family law problems in Greece
You are not alone. Many clients face the same crossroads.
Ending a marriage without a court
If you both agree, Greek law allows a consensual divorce by notarial deed. A lawyer ensures the deed is drafted correctly and your rights are protected.
Protecting children and assets
Child arrangements and property division often become contested. A family lawyer helps you present your position within strict deadlines and court procedures.
Inheritance disputes and forced heirship
Greek forced heirship reserves half of the intestate share for close relatives. A lawyer can explain how lifetime gifts and wills are treated.
Why choose our matching
The benefits for you
We connect you with the right specialist.
Local knowledge of Greek courts
Your lawyer understands the civil-law system and the practical steps before Magistrates’ Courts, Courts of First Instance and appellate courts.
Clear deadline management
From divorce petitions to inheritance tax and renunciation windows, your lawyer tracks the statutory limits so you do not miss a step.
Notarial and registration support
For consensual divorce and property transfers, a lawyer coordinates with notaries and registries where formalities are constitutive.
Transparent fee options
Fees can be set by written agreement or, in the absence of one, by the statutory scale. Legal aid may be available for those who qualify.
Coverage
Where we can match you
We cover Greece and other European countries for family law matters.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What do family lawyers in Greece do?
Family lawyers in Greece handle divorce, child custody and contact, division of marital property, inheritance matters and prenuptial agreements under the Greek Civil Code. We match you with a lawyer who can explain which procedures apply to your situation and represent you before the Greek courts or before a notary.
How is consensual divorce concluded in Greece?
Since Law 4509/2017, a consensual divorce is no longer pronounced by a court. The marriage is dissolved by a notarial deed signed by both spouses and their respective lawyers, with no hearing or minimum duration of marriage. A lawyer prepares and signs the deed with you.
What is the separation requirement for a contested divorce?
A contested divorce is based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which is presumed after two years of continuous separation. Only contested divorces remain before the Greek courts, so a lawyer can advise on evidence and procedure.
What are the forced heirship rules in Greece?
Greek law restricts freedom of testation through forced heirship. Descendants and the surviving spouse are entitled to a reserved portion equal to half of their intestate share, and gifts made in the last ten years may be added back when calculating that portion.
What deadlines apply to inheritance matters in Greece?
The inheritance tax return is generally due within 9 months if death occurred in Greece or 1 year if abroad. A renunciation of inheritance must be filed within 4 months, extendable to 1 year if you are abroad. Your lawyer can confirm the applicable date.
How much does a family lawyer in Greece cost?
A lawyer’s fee is freely determined by written agreement with you. If there is no written agreement, the fee is set by the statutory scale based on the value of the matter, and fees are subject to 24% VAT. Free legal aid is available for low-income individuals under Law 3226/2004.
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