Legal Guidance for Greek-Americans Seeking Divorce in Greece
If you are a Greek-American dealing with a divorce in Greece, it is essential to understand the legal framework, the types of divorce available, and the process of registering the dissolution of marriage with the competent Greek authorities. The legal team at E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC specializes in handling Greek divorce cases for expatriates, ensuring a smooth legal process without requiring travel to Greece.
We offer comprehensive legal assistance for divorce proceedings, including online consultations and full case management across Greece and Cyprus. Contact us at +13474034789 or email info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com for expert legal support in Greek.
Types of Divorce in Greece
Greek family law recognizes two main types of divorce:
1. Consensual Divorce (Uncontested)
A consensual divorce is the fastest and most cost-effective way to dissolve a marriage in Greece. Both spouses agree on all terms, including child custody, spousal support, and property division. The key features include:
• Requires written agreement between spouses.
• Must be ratified by a notary.
• Can be finalized within 1 to 2 months.
• No court hearings are required.
2. Contested Divorce (Litigated)
A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on key aspects such as child custody, alimony, or asset distribution. In such cases, a Greek court decides on the final terms of the divorce. The process includes:
• Filing a petition with the Greek court.
• Court hearings where both parties present their case.
• A judge’s decision based on the evidence presented.
• A timeframe of several months to years, depending on case complexity.
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Divorce Registration in Greece: Legal Requirements
Once a divorce is finalized, it must be registered with the Greek authorities to ensure legal recognition. The two key offices handling divorce registration in Greece are:
1. Greek Civil Registry (Lixiarcheio)
• Records marital status changes in Greece.
• Required for updating ID documents, passports, and official records.
• Necessary for future remarriage in Greece.
2. Special Registry of Athens (Eidiko Lixiarcheio)
• Handles divorces issued abroad for Greek citizens.
• Required for divorce recognition in Greece.
• Essential for property transfers, inheritance, and financial matters.
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Steps for Divorce Registration in Greece
1. Obtain the Final Divorce Decision
• For Greek court divorces, obtain the certified final ruling.
• For foreign divorces, secure an apostille and an official translation.
2. Translate and Certify Documents
• Divorce documents must be translated into Greek by a certified translator.
3. Submit to the Relevant Greek Authorities
• Consensual divorce registrations go directly to the Civil Registry.
• Foreign divorces require validation by the Special Registry of Athens.
4. Receive the Updated Marital Status Certificate
• Once processed, the Greek government updates your official marital status.
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Why Choose E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC?
✔ Specialized in Greek Family Law – Decades of experience handling divorces for Greek expatriates.
✔ Full Remote Legal Assistance – No need to travel to Greece for the process.
✔ Efficient and Hassle-Free Process – We handle all legal and administrative steps.
✔ Greek and English Legal Support – Communication in your preferred language.
Contact Us Today for expert legal assistance!
Email: info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
Phone (USA): +13474034789
We offer online consultations to discuss your case and guide you through the Greek legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does a divorce take in Greece?
• Consensual divorces can be finalized in 1-2 months.
• Contested divorces may take several months to years, depending on complexity.
2. Do I need to travel to Greece for my divorce?
• No. Our law firm can handle everything remotely, including court representation and document processing.
3. What if my divorce was issued in the U.S.?
• You need official recognition in Greece through the Special Registry of Athens.
4. Can I remarry in Greece after divorce registration?
• Yes, once your divorce is officially registered, you can legally remarry in Greece.