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Greece legal reforms 2026

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2026-08-09 15:56 UTC → 2026-08-14 10:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In July 2026, the Greek government announced a reform of inheritance law scheduled to take effect in September 2026. This reform introduces inheritance contracts, allowing individuals to organize the distribution of estates or businesses during their lifetime to provide stability for family businesses and reduce legal disputes. The new laws also address heir liability regarding inheritance debts and provide mechanisms for handling joint ownership of real estate or businesses, including options for heirs to renounce inheritance rights in advance. In August 2026, officials further detailed an overhaul of seizure procedures intended to take effect in September. This includes the repeal of Article 989 of the Civil Procedure Code, which will change how third-party declarations—such as those from banks or landlords—acquire enforceable status. The reform aims to clarify which authorities can issue execution orders, thereby speeding up debt collection and reducing bureaucracy for creditors and courts. Existing cases filed before the law takes effect will continue under the previous rules. Additional details released by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance clarify that the inheritance reforms will also modify will-making procedures. Public wills will follow a simplified process, while secret wills will require two witnesses. Individuals aged 16 and older may draft wills, and special procedures will be available for those with severe speech disabilities. To prevent undue influence, the law prohibits making wills in favor of staff at care facilities where the testator is a patient. Regarding intestate succession, the surviving spouse’s share will increase to one-third if there is one child, or remain at one-fourth if there are multiple children. If no children exist, the spouse inherits the entire estate before other relatives. These rights extend to registered civil partners and unmarried partners in long-term relationships.

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