The New Greek Inheritance Law: Digital Wills, Increased Spousal Shares, and the Introduction of Inheritance Contracts

The reform of Greek inheritance law introduces substantial structural changes affecting the drafting, publication, and administration of wills, the rights of surviving spouses and partners, and the future handling of estate succession. These updates modernize a legal framework that had remained largely unchanged for decades and are of particular relevance to individuals seeking guidance from a Greek inheritance lawyer, a Greek estate lawyer, or a Greek property inheritance lawyer—especially heirs living abroad.

1. Digital Publication and Registration of Wills

Beginning 1 November 2025, a new digital platform (diathikes.gr) will allow notaries to publish wills electronically, replacing the traditional court-based process. This transition is expected to:

• Accelerate will publish dramatically,
• reduce delays that previously reached up to 450 days,
• allow faster issuance of certificates,
• strengthen transparency and prevent loss or concealment of wills.

This modernization is particularly significant for heirs seeking a probate lawyer in Greece or assistance with the Greek inheritance process from abroad.

2. Holographic Wills: Enhanced Safeguards

Holographic (handwritten) wills will remain valid under Greek law but will now include additional verification mechanisms, especially when bequests are made to individuals outside the normal circle of statutory heirs. This serves to reduce the risk of forgery and litigation.

The new system also enables voluntary pre-death deposit of a will into the national digital registry, ensuring secure retrieval after the testator’s death.

Pending wills already filed with courts will undergo a transitional publication procedure until the digital system is fully implemented.

3. Changes to Intestate Succession: Increased Spousal Share

A central reform is the increase in the surviving spouse’s statutory share. Under the new succession law of Greece:

• The spouse will inherit 33.3% of the estate (previously 25%),
• The remaining two-thirds will be distributed among the children.

This shift strengthens the legal and economic position of the surviving spouse, aligning Greek succession rules with contemporary European standards.

4. Rights of Long-Term Partners Without a Civil Partnership Agreement

For the first time, long-term cohabitants without a civil partnership agreement are granted limited protective rights, including:

• temporary residence in the deceased’s primary home,
• a reasonable period to secure alternative accommodation.

This measure addresses practical issues arising in long-term relationships that fall outside the formal marital framework.

Digital Wills in Greece

5. Introduction of Inheritance Contracts

A major innovation is the introduction of inheritance contracts, a concept previously unknown in Greek law. These contracts may:

• regulate the administration, management, or transfer of property before death,
• ensure continuity in family businesses,
• minimize future disputes among heirs,
• provide legal predictability in complex successions.

Contracts executed after the law’s enactment but before its effective date will remain valid and will take effect retroactively.

This new mechanism is expected to become a valuable planning tool for individuals consulting a Greek inheritance attorney or a succession law expert.

6. Protection of Heirs From Estate Debts

The modernized framework reinforces the principle of limited liability for heirs:

• Heirs are not personally liable for estate debts,
• creditors and tax authorities may collect claims only from estate assets,
• If liabilities exceed the estate’s value, the remaining debt is automatically discharged,
• Personal liability arises only if the heir explicitly elects to manage or dispose of the estate independently.

These provisions are crucial for heirs abroad who often rely on a Greek inheritance lawyer for expats to safeguard their personal assets.

7. Overall Impact

The reform represents one of the most comprehensive updates to inheritance law in Greece in recent decades. It offers:

• digital modernization of will publication,
• enhanced security and accessibility of testamentary documents,
• expanded rights for spouses and long-term partners,
• clearer liability rules regarding estate debts,
• and the establishment of inheritance contracts as a tool for structured succession planning.

The expectations are that these changes will make the Greek probate process more transparent, efficient, and aligned with modern societal needs—particularly for individuals managing inheritance matters from abroad with the assistance of a Greek property inheritance lawyer or estate probate lawyer.