DistantNews
Who Inherits When There's No Will? Greece's New Law on Succession
🇬🇷 Greece /Economy & Trade

Who Inherits When There's No Will? Greece's New Law on Succession

From Ta Nea · (15m ago) Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Greek law outlines a specific order of inheritance when a person dies without a will, prioritizing close family members.
  • The inheritance pyramid includes six classes, starting with the spouse and children, followed by parents, siblings, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
  • Cohabiting partners may inherit under strict conditions, and if no relatives exist, the estate passes to the state.

Navigating the complexities of inheritance law can be daunting, especially when a will is absent. In Greece, the legal framework provides a clear, albeit intricate, structure for distributing an estate when a deceased individual has not left explicit instructions. This system, often referred to as intestate succession, ensures that assets are allocated according to a predefined hierarchy, prioritizing familial ties.

Πολλοί πολίτες απευθύνονται πλέον σε συμβολαιογράφους με ερωτήματα όπως «Πώς μοιράζεται η περιουσία όταν δεν υπάρχει διαθήκη;» ή «Ποιοι έχουν δικαίωμα κληρονομιάς σε περίπτωση ελεύθερης συμβίωσης».

— ExpertsExplaining the common questions citizens have about inheritance without a will.

The law establishes six distinct classes of heirs. The first class comprises the surviving spouse and children, whose shares are determined by the number of children. If no relatives from the first class are present, the inheritance moves to the second class: parents and siblings, and their descendants. Subsequent classes include grandparents and their descendants, followed by great-grandparents. This systematic approach aims to keep the inheritance within the closest bloodlines possible.

Αν δεν υπάρχει κανένας συγγενής οποιουδήποτε βαθμού, τότε η περιουσία περιέρχεται στο Δημόσιο.

— ExpertsStating that the estate goes to the state if no relatives are found.

Notably, recent legal changes have introduced provisions for partners in a civil union to be included in the inheritance, specifically within the fifth class, provided they meet stringent criteria such as a three-year cohabitation period proven by court order. This reflects a modernizing approach to family law in Greece. Should no relatives from any of the preceding classes be found, the estate ultimately devolves to the state, which always accepts the inheritance with the benefit of inventory, safeguarding against unforeseen debts. The article provides practical examples to illustrate these rules, demystifying the process for citizens seeking clarity on their rights and obligations.

Οι σύντροφοι σε ελεύθερη ένωση θα μπορούν, υπό αυστηρές προϋποθέσεις, να εντάσσονται στην πέμπτη τάξη των κληρονόμων.

— ExpertsDetailing the conditions under which cohabiting partners can inherit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog