Inheritance Law Legal Services in Greece
At Katsouris Law Firm, we understand the complexities and sensitivities surrounding inheritance matters. Our comprehensive legal services in Greece offer invaluable guidance and support to individuals and families navigating the intricate landscape of inheritance law. With a deep understanding of Greek legal frameworks and a commitment to personalized service, we stand ready to assist clients in safeguarding their legacies and securing their loved ones’ futures.
Our Expertise:
- Inheritance Planning: Our seasoned legal professionals provide tailored inheritance planning strategies to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. We meticulously assess your unique circumstances, offering insightful advice on wills, trusts, and estate planning tools to optimize asset protection and minimize tax liabilities.
- Probate and Estate Administration: Navigating probate proceedings can be daunting. Our dedicated team alleviates the burden by managing all aspects of estate administration with efficiency and compassion. From filing petitions to distributing assets, we handle every step of the probate process with meticulous attention to detail.
- Dispute Resolution: Inheritance disputes can strain familial relationships and prolong the resolution process. Our adept litigators specialize in resolving contentious inheritance matters through mediation, negotiation, or litigation when necessary. We advocate vigorously for our clients’ rights while striving for amicable resolutions that preserve family harmony.
- International Inheritance Matters: With globalization, inheritance issues often transcend borders, presenting complex legal challenges. Having extensive experience in handling international inheritance cases, we offer seamless guidance on cross-border estates, foreign assets, and applicable tax implications.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise: Our legal team comprises seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of Greek inheritance laws and international legal frameworks.
- Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize open communication and collaboration, tailoring our services to meet each client’s unique needs and objectives.
- Confidentiality: We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion, ensuring that sensitive inheritance matters are handled with the utmost privacy and respect.
- Proven Track Record: Backed by a track record of successful outcomes, we have earned the trust of clients seeking reliable and effective legal representation.
At Katsouris Law Firm, we recognize the profound importance of safeguarding your assets and protecting your loved ones’ future. Our inheritance law legal services in Greece offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your individual needs, backed by expertise, integrity, and unwavering dedication. We are dedicated to navigating you through all necessary procedures with competence and confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards managing your legal concerns.
Primary Information in relation to Greek Inheritance Law
Under Greek Law, Wills may be either handwritten or drafted before a Notary Public. If a will is not found, the law regulates the inheritance succession under intestacy as follows:
- Husband/wife and children
- Husband/wife, parents and brothers/sisters
- Husband/wife, grandparents, their children and grandchildren
- Husband/wife and great-grandparents
- Husband/wife
- The State
Children, parents and husband/wife cannot be excluded completely from their inheritance rights by virtue of a Will (“forced share” right holders), except in very specific circumstances (for example, if they threatened the life of the deceased).
When the inheritance includes real estate, then the beneficiary must formally “accept” the Estate through a Deed drafted and executed before a Public Notary. The same Deed must then be registered before the local Land Registry of the property’s location under the name of the beneficiary.
The beneficiaries, (under intestacy or by virtue of a Will), must file an inheritance tax statement within 6 months if they live in Greece, or within 12 months if they live abroad. The deadline is determined from the date of death or, should there be a will, from the date of the probation of the Will.
For the assessment of inheritance tax, the beneficiaries are categorized according to the relation that connects them with the deceased. For each category a different progressive tax scale applies, rising from 5% up to 40%. Also a tax free amount, which is higher for closer relatives, applies for each category. For example if a flat valued at $100,000 is inherited by the only child of the deceased and that child lives in Greece and does not have any other residence, the beneficiary is not obliged to pay any inheritance tax at all.
If the inheritance includes real estate and is inherited by more than one beneficiary, it can be divided among them as it is, or, if that is not possible, it can be sold upon a court’s judgment. The proceeds of the sale will be distributed between the beneficiaries in proportion to their shares. Inheritance tax can be minimized through utilization of the provisions of inheritance law.
