Inheritance & Succession
Understanding Inheritance Procedures in Greece
An overview of the steps heirs commonly encounter, from establishing the heirs to registering inherited property.
In preparation · awaiting legal review
Read ArticlePractice I
Inheritance & Succession Law
Guidance on inheritance rights, wills, estate administration, beneficiary disputes, and succession under applicable Greek law.
Overview
When someone passes away leaving property or other assets in Greece, their heirs must follow specific legal procedures before ownership can pass to them. Those procedures depend on whether a will exists, who the legal heirs are, and what the estate contains.
From our office on Acadimias Avenue in central Athens, we help heirs and families understand where they stand, which steps are required, and which decisions — such as accepting or renouncing an inheritance — carry time limits or lasting consequences.
When clients may need assistance
- A family member has died and you are unsure whether you are a legal heir.
- A will exists, but its validity or interpretation is disputed.
- You believe you have been excluded from a share the law may reserve for you.
- You are considering whether to accept or renounce an inheritance that may include debts.
- Co-heirs disagree about how inherited property should be managed or divided.
Documents you may wish to gather
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Any will, or confirmation that none has been located
- Family status certificate or equivalent civil records
- Title deeds or land-registry references for property
- Records of known bank accounts, debts, or other assets
How the process generally works
- 01
Initial review
We review the circumstances and the documents available to identify the likely heirs and the applicable rules.
- 02
Establishing the inheritance
We advise on acceptance or renunciation and on the formal steps, documentation, and deadlines involved.
- 03
Administration
Where needed, we coordinate with notaries, tax advisers, and registries to complete the transfer of assets.
- 04
Resolving disputes
If heirs disagree, we assess options for negotiation and, where appropriate, court proceedings.
Qualifications & limitations
Succession outcomes depend on the specific facts, the applicable law, and the documents available. Information on this page is general and is not legal advice for any particular matter.Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Is there a deadline to accept or renounce an inheritance in Greece?
Greek law sets time limits for renunciation that depend on circumstances such as the heir’s place of residence and when they learned of the inheritance. Because missing a deadline can have significant consequences, it is advisable to seek advice promptly.
What happens if there is no will?
Where there is no valid will, the estate passes according to the statutory order of succession. Identifying the legal heirs and their shares requires a review of the family circumstances.
Can I inherit debts?
An heir who accepts an inheritance may become responsible for the estate’s liabilities. Options exist to limit this exposure, and they should be assessed before acceptance.
FAQ answers are general information and are subject to review by a qualified lawyer.
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Read ArticleClarity Begins With a Conversation.
Tell us briefly about your inheritance, estate-planning, or property matter. Our office will review your inquiry and advise on the appropriate next step.