Acceptance of Inheritance in Greece

Tsoromokos & Papadopoulos PLLC is your trusted source for expert Greek Legal Services. Greek inheritance law is a complicated subject governed by specific laws in Greece making the complexities of accepting an inheritance in Greece overwhelming. Our Greek Legal Services team, dually licensed in Greece and in United States, has over 20 years of experience in Greek Inheritance law. Our firm is here to help guide you through the Greek legal system and the Greek Inheritance procedures of Greece to ensure that your legal rights are protected with prompt, sensitive and carefully crafted representation.

The foundation of Greek Inheritance law lies within the Greek Civil Code, governing the process and regulations regarding the transfer of property following an individual's passing. The key to effective estate management is understanding two very distinct inheritance options in Greece: inheritance via a will (a handwritten will, a notarized will, or a secret will) and inheritance through intestacy (without a will). Understanding these inheritance options in Greece is essential to ensure assets are distributed according to one’s wishes after death.

When a Greek citizen, a person of Greek origin, or an individual with properties and assets in Greece passes away, a series of procedures, legal obligations, and proceedings to be taken in Greece are set in motion. These procedures are regulated by Greek law. The initial steps involve determining an inventory of the deceased assets such as real estate in Greece or Greek bank accounts and researching the existence of a will. The subsequent steps are a determination of whether to proceed with claiming a Greek inheritance or renouncing it.

Heirs sometime face a crucial decision – accepting or renouncing the inheritance in case where there is debt and/or encumbrances on property in Greece. This decision requires careful consideration, especially when an estate carries outstanding debt or if one wishes to subsequently allocate their share to another family member. Renunciation or acceptance must occur within specific time frames that must be strictly adhered to where failure to comply can result in monetary fines or encumbrances.

In international cases, such as when heirs live abroad like in the United States, the complexities of Greek inheritance law become even more pronounced. Tsoromokos & Papadopoulos PLLC Greek Legal Services team is well-versed in handling such cases, ensuring a smooth process for heirs located abroad. We work on a daily basis after we have gathered all the necessary information and forms from the relevant Greek authorities and help our clients make an informed decision after careful consultation. Our team attorneys and team of Greek professionals (Greek notary publics, Greek accountants and Greek civil engineers) ensure a smooth process in any type of case.

We take special care to help you understand the legal and administrative procedures of Greek Inheritance law which includes completing a Greek death registration process with the Greek Consulate or directly in Greece, compilation and preparation of necessary legal documents (property titles, tax documents, Greek registry documents, topographical maps), and to represent you before the Greek tax authorities, the Greek Land Registry and in some cases the Greek Courts.

At Tsoromokos & Papadopoulos PLLC, our dedicated Greek Legal Services team is experienced in Greek Inheritance law and is dually licensed in Greece and the United States making our firm the preferred choice for clients worldwide. We offer free consultations through various platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets and WhatsApp. Regardless of where you may be located, we are available to guide you through the complexities of acquiring or renouncing an inheritance in Greece.

For knowledgeable, expedited, and cost-effective representation for Greek Inheritance law and other Greek Legal Services, call our offices at 718-721-1250 to make an appointment for your consultation or email us at info@tandplawfirm.com today.