Greek Inheritance Rights for Greek-Americans: How to Claim Your Legitimate Share
Greek-Americans with inheritance rights in Greece often face legal challenges when claiming their rightful share of an estate. If your relative passed away in Greece or owned property there, understanding the legal process is crucial. Greek inheritance law protects immediate family members from being entirely excluded, even if the will states otherwise.
What Is the Legitimate Share in Greek Inheritance Law?
The legitimate share is the minimum portion of an estate reserved for immediate family members under Greek law. If a will excludes you or prioritizes other heirs, you still have the legal right to claim your share. The following heirs qualify for a legitimate share:
•Children of the deceased, entitled to half of what they would inherit if no will existed.
•Surviving spouses, who receive a portion of the inheritance alongside the children.
•Parents of the deceased, if no children exist.
Contact a Greek Inheritance Lawyer
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your Inheritance in Greece
1. Gather the Necessary Documents
To start the process, you need to collect legal documents proving your relationship to the deceased and your inheritance rights:
✔ Death certificate of the deceased
✔ Certificate of closest relatives from the Greek registry
✔ Copy of the will (if available)
✔ Certificate of no renunciation of inheritance to confirm no other heir has rejected their share
✔ Property ownership documents (real estate deeds, bank accounts, etc.)
2. Review the Will and Assert Your Legal Rights
A will does not always determine the final inheritance distribution. If a will excludes your rightful share, a Greek inheritance lawyer can challenge it in court. The legal process ensures your rights are upheld under Greek inheritance law.
3. File a Petition to Recognize Inheritance Rights
Your lawyer will file a petition at the Greek Court of First Instance where the estate is located. This legal step is required for official recognition as an heir and allows you to claim your share of the estate.
4. Submit the Inheritance Tax Declaration
Greek law requires heirs to file an inheritance tax declaration within:
•6 months if the deceased passed away in Greece.
•12 months if the deceased passed away abroad.
Tax liabilities vary based on the estate’s value and the heir’s relationship with the deceased. A Greek inheritance lawyer will assist in minimizing tax obligations and applying for available exemptions.
5. Transfer the Inherited Property to Your Name
Once legal and tax matters are settled, you must register the inherited property under your name. If real estate is involved, heirs must update ownership at the Greek Land Registry or Mortgage Office.
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.
Deadlines for Claiming Your Legitimate Share
Greek law imposes strict deadlines for inheritance claims:
•Greek residents have 1 year to claim their share.
• Greek-Americans and foreign residents have 5 years to file a claim.
Missing these deadlines may result in permanently losing your inheritance rights.
Why You Need a Greek Inheritance Lawyer
Handling Greek inheritance matters from the U.S. can be challenging. A Greek inheritance attorney ensures:
✔ You can claim your inheritance without traveling to Greece.
✔ All legal and tax requirements are met correctly.
✔ Your inheritance rights are protected, even if a will tries to exclude you.
✔ Bureaucratic obstacles are minimized to prevent unnecessary delays.
Protect Your Inheritance Rights with Expert Legal Assistance
The legitimate share is a protected legal right under Greek inheritance law. If you are a Greek-American looking to secure your rightful inheritance in Greece, working with an experienced Greek inheritance lawyer ensures a smooth and stress-free process.
Contact Us for Expert Legal Assistance
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.