Publishing a Holographic Will in Greece: A Step-by-Step Guide for Greek & Cypriot Citizens

Alt Title: Magistrate’s Desk

Alt Description: The Magistrate’s Court plays a central role in the publication and validation of holographic wills in Greece

For Greek expatriates and Cypriot citizens with assets or family ties in Greece, understanding the correct legal steps for handling a deceased loved one’s estate is essential. Among the most important issues you need to understand is the procedure for the publication of a Greek holographic will.

1.      Simple Publication of a Holographic Will

The simple publication of a Holographic will in Greece takes place in the courtroom of the Magistrate’s Court with the following supporting documents:

1. Application: If the applicant is represented by an authorized lawyer, court stamps and a representation fee receipt are required. If the applicant appears in person, a court fee stamp of €3.00 must be affixed to the application, or alternatively, an e-paravolo of €3.00 (Fee Type 2032), along with the applicant’s identity card.
2. Certified Copy of the Death Certificate (original document) of the deceased.
3. The original will must be presented on the hearing date, along with the applicant’s ID card.

2.      Publication of a Holographic Will & Declaration of Validity (“Kyria”)

The declaration of validity in Greece also takes place in the courtroom of the Magistrate’s Court. However, the applicant must be represented by a lawyer (personally or through a power of attorney).

A. Pre-Hearing Preparation

1. Application: The application must include full details of two witnesses, court stamps, and a representation fee receipt (to be submitted by the representing lawyer).
2. Certified Copy of the Death Certificate (original) of the deceased.
3. Certificate of Closest Relatives or Family Status, Certificate of the deceased (recently issued), to prove that the deceased had intestate heirs (heirs under the law).

B. On the Hearing Date

The following must be submitted to the competent court:

1. Original holographic will.
2. Two witnesses will testify in court.

3.      Declaration of the Holographic Will as Valid (“Kyria”) on a Later Date

The declaration of the will as “kyria” (i.e., genuine) takes place in the Magistrate’s Court. It requires a separate application to be filed in advance by a lawyer, and a hearing date is scheduled for the matter to be discussed.

Why is this process important for Greek & Cypriot Citizens?

Proper publication of a holographic will is a critical step in Greek inheritance law. Without it, even a perfectly drafted holographic will may be considered non-existent in the eyes of the law. This can result in the estate being distributed according to intestate succession rules. For Greek expatriates and Cypriot citizens who may have drafted holographic wills outside Greece, it is best to seek legal advice from a specialized Greek lawyer. T