Name Change or Correction in Greece: Legal Process for Greek Americans
Legal Name Change or Correction in Greece for Greek Americans
If you are a Greek American and need to modify or correct your last name in Greece, you must follow a legal process through the Greek authorities. Whether it involves a surname change due to marriage, divorce, or an error in official records, it is essential to ensure that your name is correctly registered in the Greek Municipal Registries (Δημοτολόγιο) and the Special Registry of Athens (Ειδικό Ληξιαρχείο Αθηνών).
At E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC, we specialize in assisting Greek Americans with all legal name change procedures in Greece. Our experienced legal team provides comprehensive legal support to ensure that your request is processed correctly and efficiently.
Who Needs a Name Change or Correction in Greece?
You may need to modify or correct your name in Greece if:
•Your Greek and U.S. documents display different names.
•You got married or divorced in the U.S., and the name change was not registered in Greece.
•There is a spelling mistake in your birth certificate or passport.
•You have legally changed your name in the U.S. and need it updated in Greek records.
Legal Steps for Name Change or Correction in Greece
The process of modifying your last name in Greece requires several steps, including submitting official documentation, legal petitions, and approvals from Greek authorities.
Step 1: Gathering Required Documents
Before applying for a name change or correction, you must collect the following documents:
• Greek Birth Certificate
• U.S. Birth Certificate (with Apostille)
• Passport (Greek & U.S.)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce Decree (if applicable)
• Legal Court Decision (if you changed your name in the U.S.)
• Proof of Greek Citizenship (Certificate of Registration or Family Status Certificate)
Step 2: Certified Translation and Apostille
All U.S. documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Greek by a certified translator.
Step 3: Submission to the Competent Authorities
The request for name change or correction must be submitted to one of the following:
•Municipal Registry (Δημοτολόγιο) for birth and family record updates.
• Special Registry of Athens (Ειδικό Ληξιαρχείο Αθηνών) for birth, marriage, or divorce corrections.
• Greek Consulate in the U.S. (in some cases).
Step 4: Review & Approval
Greek authorities will review your application and supporting documents. Depending on the case, additional verifications may be required.
Step 5: Issuance of the Corrected Documents
Once approved, the updated documents will be issued, allowing you to use your corrected name in all legal transactions in Greece.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The processing time varies depending on the municipality or registry office handling the request. On average:
• Municipal Registry updates: 2-4 months.
• Special Registry updates: 3-6 months.
• Court-ordered name changes: 6-12 months.
Our legal team ensures that your case is handled efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Why Choose E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC?
•Experienced Legal Team: We have extensive expertise in handling name change and registration procedures for Greek Americans.
• Remote Processing: We can handle your case without requiring you to travel to Greece through a power of attorney.
•Full-Service Support: We take care of translations, apostilles, document submission, and legal representation.
•Personalized Consultation: We provide tailored legal solutions based on your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to travel to Greece for a name change?
No. We can handle the entire process remotely through a power of attorney, eliminating the need for travel.
2. Can I apply for a name change in Greece if I was born in the U.S.?
Yes, if you have Greek citizenship, your name must be properly registered in Greek records.
3. Can I update my Greek passport after a name change in the U.S.?
Yes, but you must first update your Greek records before applying for a new passport.
4. What if my birth certificate has an error?
We assist in correcting errors in birth certificates registered in Greece through a legal petition.
Contact Our Legal Team for Assistance
If you need help changing or correcting your name in Greece, our law firm is here to guide you through every step.
Email: info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
U.S. Phone: +13474034789
We handle cases across Greece and Cyprus.
Language of communication: Greek.
Book a Free Online Consultation Today!