The recent reforms to the inheritance law Greece represent one of the most significant modernizations of the legal framework governing succession in decades. These reforms in Greek Inheritance Law substantially affect statutory shares, the rights of spouses and long-term partners, and the pre-death planning tools available to families. The new rules are particularly important for individuals seeking guidance from a Greek inheritance lawyer, a Greek estate lawyer, or a
, especially when handling estates from abroad.
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Increased Statutory Share of the Surviving Spouse
Under the new regime, the surviving spouse’s share in intestate succession increases from 25% to 33.3% of the estate.
The descendants (children) now inherit the remaining two-thirds.
This adjustment strengthens the legal and financial position of the surviving spouse and aligns Greek law with modern European inheritance standards—an issue frequently addressed by inheritance lawyer Greece professionals.
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Lack of Protection for Long-Term Partners Without a Civil Partnership Agreement
Despite broader modernization, the law still does not provide inheritance rights to long-term partners who are not married and have not entered into a civil partnership.
The absence of protection often results in:
- Legal and Financial Inequalities,
- Uncertainty In The Administration of Estates,
- And Increased Litigation, Especially When Cohabitation Was Long-Standing And Exclusive.
This gap highlights the need for further legislative intervention—something often raised in consultation with a Greek inheritance attorney or a specialist in succession law Greece.
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Restriction of Spousal Rights in Cases of Separation
The new framework introduces limitations on the surviving spouse’s inheritance rights where the couple was in a state of separation at the time of death.
This measure seeks to align the inheritance outcome with the actual condition of the marital relationship and prevent disproportionate claims.
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Introduction of Inheritance Contracts
A major innovation is the introduction of inheritance contracts, an instrument that allows individuals to regulate succession matters prior to death. These contracts may:
- Determine the administration, management, or future transfer of assets,
- Ensure continuity of family businesses,
- Minimize future disputes among heirs,
- Provide stability in complex estates.
This tool is especially valuable for families with significant business activity and for clients seeking advanced planning with a Greek inheritance lawyer or an estate probate lawyer.
Inheritance contract
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Abolition of Judicial Publication of Wills
The reform transfers the publication and certification of wills from the courts to notaries.
This modification:
- Accelerates the probate timeline,
- Reduces court involvement,
- Enhances transparency,
- And streamlines the overall Greek probate process.
This is particularly relevant for foreign-based heirs relying on a probate lawyer Greece or a Greek wills lawyer to manage succession remotely.
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Need for Regulation Concerning Unknown or Absent Relatives
Modern inheritance cases often involve relatives who are difficult to locate, such as distant cousins or heirs permanently residing abroad.
This lack of traceability may:
- Delay estate acceptance,
- Freeze the administration of the estate,
- Expose heirs to unknown liabilities,
- Or require court-appointed administrators.
Professional assistance from a Greek property inheritance lawyer or a Greek real estate inheritance lawyer is often essential in such scenarios, particularly when real estate assets are involved.
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Conclusion
Overall, the reforms bring Greek inheritance law closer to contemporary social conditions, offering improved legal certainty and more efficient estate administration.
Nevertheless, several unresolved issues—particularly concerning the rights of long-term partners and complex family structures—indicate that further legislative refinement remains necessary.