waiver of inheritance in Greece
waiver of inheritance in Greece
In Greece, inheritance is automatically transferred to heirs upon the death of the deceased. However, heirs also inherit the deceased’s financial obligations, including debts. To avoid financial burden, heirs can choose to renounce their inheritance rights through a formal legal process known as a “waiver of inheritance” under the Greek Civil Code. Economou & Economou, one of Greece’s top law firms, can expertly guide you through this process to ensure your legal and financial interests are protected.
Key Points About the Waiver of Inheritance in Greece
Under Greek law, heirs must formally waive their inheritance within four months from the date they become aware of their inheritance rights. For heirs residing outside Greece or those with foreign citizenship, this timeframe extends to one year. Failure to act within these deadlines results in automatic acceptance of the inheritance, including both assets and liabilities.
A waiver of inheritance is irrevocable, and once declared, heirs cannot reclaim their rights. It applies only to the individual making the waiver, leaving the estate to pass to the next legal heir. If the next in line also wishes to waive, they must follow the same procedure.
Procedure for Waiver of Inheritance
1. Declaration at the Court of Peace:
The waiver must be declared in person or through a legal representative at the Court of Peace in the jurisdiction where the deceased had their last domicile.
2. Notarial Deed Requirement:
In some cases, particularly for high-value estates, a notarial deed may be required to accompany the waiver filing.
3. Approval for Minors or Incapacitated Heirs:
For minors or legally incapacitated heirs, guardians or legal representatives must obtain court approval before submitting the waiver on their behalf.
Required Documents for Waiver of Inheritance
To successfully waive an inheritance, heirs need to provide the following:
• Death Certificate: Issued by the local registry office of the deceased.
• Certificate of Close Relatives: A document listing all legal heirs.
• Certificate of Non-Publication of a Will: Confirms whether the deceased left a will.
• Certified Copy of the Will (if applicable): If a will exists, a copy must be submitted.
• Proof of Relationship to the Deceased: For example, a marriage or birth certificate.
• Identification Documents: Valid ID or passport of the heir.
Additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
How Economou & Economou law office Can Help
Navigating the waiver of inheritance in Greece process can be complex, particularly for heirs living abroad. At Economou & Economou law office, we are aware of that and that’s why we have the best English speaking waiver of inheritance lawyers and our experienced legal team ensures the process is smooth, efficient, and fully compliant with Greek law. We specialize in inheritance law and offer personalized services tailored to your unique situation.
Economou and Economou law office in Athens Greece will:
• Conduct thorough legal research on your inheritance rights and obligations.
• Gather and validate all necessary documents. • Act as your legal representative in Greece to expedite the process.
• Assist with translations and certifications for foreign heirs.
With our in-depth knowledge of the Greek Civil Code and years of expertise, we are recognized as one of the best law firms in Greece according to Lawzana, particularly in inheritance law.
Secure your financial future with Greece’s best lawyers. When you work with us, you don’t just hire a single lawyer—you gain the strength of our entire team. Many firms handling similar cases assign your file to one lawyer who works alone. At our firm, your case is managed by a dedicated team, including a senior lawyer, partners, associates, and skilled support staff. We ensure every case is fully resourced, with the right expert handling each specific task. This collaborative approach means we’re all deeply committed to your case, constantly exchanging ideas and information to catch every detail. In short, we don’t just give you our best—we give you all of us, without any additional cost
At Economou & Economou law office we don’t just solve legal challenges—we create lasting solutions with expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to your success. Economou & Economou law office: Protecting Your Rights, Securing Your Future.
For professional assistance in waiving an inheritance in Greece, contact Economou & Economou law office today.
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