Greek Inheritance Law
Greek Inheritance Law: Intestate Succession and Heirs in Greece
When a deceased person has not left a will, Greek inheritance law governs the distribution of their estate through intestate succession in Greece. According to the Greek Civil Code (Articles 1813 et seq.), heirs are classified into different classes, and the presence of heirs in a higher class excludes those in lower classes.
For anyone navigating inheritance law in Greece, it is crucial to understand the legal framework governing Greek succession law and how heirs are determined. If you are dealing with a Greek inheritance case, seeking expert legal assistance can ensure a smooth process.
First Class of Heirs in Greek Inheritance Law
The first class of heirs in Greece includes direct descendants of the deceased, such as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If a Greek will does not exist, the intestate succession rules in Greece apply. In this case, the surviving spouse inherits 25% of the estate, while the remaining 75% is divided among the children or other descendants.
If a child of the deceased has predeceased them, that child’s share is distributed to their own descendants. This principle of inheritance in Greece ensures that family wealth remains within direct lineage.
Second Class of Heirs in Greek Succession Law
If no first-class heirs exist, the second class of heirs in Greece inherits. This category includes parents, siblings, and the children or grandchildren of predeceased siblings. The surviving spouse in Greece in this scenario inherits 50% of the estate, while the remaining 50% is shared among the other relatives.
Third and Fourth Class of Heirs in Greek Inheritance Cases
The third class of heirs includes the grandparents of the deceased and their direct descendants, such as first cousins. The fourth class of heirs consists of great-grandparents. In both cases, the surviving spouse in Greece inherits 50% of the estate, with the rest divided among the other heirs.
Understanding these inheritance rules is crucial for anyone dealing with Greek probate law or managing an estate in Greece.
Fifth and Sixth Class of Heirs: When the Greek State Inherits
If there are no surviving relatives from the first four classes, the surviving spouse inherits 100% of the estate under Greek inheritance law. If no spouse or heirs exist, the estate passes to the Greek State as the ultimate heir in Greece.
Understanding Greek Kinship and Degrees of Relationship in Greek Succession Law
Greek inheritance law categorizes kinship into:
• Blood relatives, who inherit based on direct descent.
• Affinity relatives, who are related by marriage.
Kinship in Greek succession law is measured by degrees of relationship. Understanding these degrees is essential for anyone handling inheritance in Greece.
• First-degree relatives in Greece: Parents and children.
• Second-degree relatives in Greece: Grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings.
• Third-degree relatives in Greece: Great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, uncles, aunts, and nephews/nieces.
• Fourth-degree relatives in Greece: First cousins and great-great-grandparents.
For those dealing with Greek inheritance law, understanding kinship degrees can determine whether they are eligible to inherit.
Expert Legal Assistance for Greek Inheritance Law
Navigating Greek inheritance law and intestate succession in Greece can be complex, especially for foreign nationals dealing with inheritance cases in Greece. Whether you need assistance with probate in Greece, resolving disputes, or managing assets, expert legal guidance is crucial.
For professional assistance, Economou & Economou Law Firm is recognized as the best inheritance law firm in Greece. Specializing in Greek inheritance cases, they offer fast and reliable legal services for both Greek and international clients.
Contact the Best Greek Inheritance Lawyers according to Lawzana
For expert advice on inheritance law, contact Economou & Economou Law Firm:
• Email: econlaw@live.com
• Phone: (+30) 2103603824
With years of experience in inheritance law in Greece, their team ensures smooth legal processes for clients worldwide. If you are dealing with a Greek inheritance case, trust the best Greek lawyers for inheritance law to handle your legal needs effectively.
