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Greek inheritance law reforms

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-13 19:01 UTC → 2026-09-14 05:01 UTC · added removed

Greece is preparing to implement implementing significant inheritance law reforms starting in under Law 5303/2026, effective September 16, 2026. Introduced by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, the new legislative framework aims to modernize succession rules, enhance private autonomy, and accelerate legal procedures. Key changes include the ability for individuals aged 16 and older to draft wills and the introduction of inheritance contracts upon death, contracts—bilateral agreements made via notary—which allow for advanced succession planning. This differs from a will, which may benefit family businesses and agricultural holdings. remains a unilateral act. The reforms also introduce contracts for the prior renunciation of inheritance rights and simplify public will procedures while imposing stricter controls on handwritten (holographic) wills. To protect heirs, the legal portion of an estate will transition into a monetary claim, allowing heirs to request their share in cash rather than being forced into co-ownership of real estate. Additionally, new protections ensure A major update involves debt protection: heirs are not personally no longer automatically liable with their personal assets for excessive inheritance debts unless they choose to manage the obligations of an estate. Creditors may primarily only pursue the value of the inherited assets, though this protection may be lost if an heir manages the estate freely. freely or disposes of assets in violation of the new rules. The law also introduces judicial liquidation to manage estates and debts as a separate entity. Regarding intestate succession, the reforms adjust the rights of spouses and registered civil partners. A spouse will receive one-third of an inheritance if there is one child, and one-fourth if there are multiple children. If no children are present, the spouse inherits the entire estate before other relatives. These rights extend to registered civil partners and cohabiting partners in relationships lasting more than three years. estate. The law also introduces restrictions on making wills in favor of staff at hospitals or elderly care facilities where the testator is receiving care. As the implementation date of September 16, 2026, approaches, the Minister of Justice, Giorgos Floridis, has established a new framework for the certification and selection of notaries responsible for declaring published holographic wills. Under this new procedure, Notary Associations will maintain specialized lists of authorized notaries, accessible via a digital Wills Registry platform.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-14 05:01 UTC Greek inheritance law reforms
  2. 2026-09-13 19:01 UTC Greek inheritance law reforms
  3. 2026-08-25 06:43 UTC Greek inheritance law reforms

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