Divorce Lawyer Greece | Family Law Services

A Divorce Lawyer Greece can provide legal assistance to spouses who wish to dissolve their marriage in Greece, whether the divorce is based on mutual agreement or requires judicial proceedings.

Divorce can involve considerably more than the formal dissolution of a marriage. Depending on the circumstances, legal issues may arise concerning children, parental responsibility, communication with children, maintenance, financial obligations, use of the family home, property matters and international elements.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou, based in central Athens, provides legal assistance in divorce and family law matters to clients residing in Greece and abroad.

We assist Greek and international clients with the appropriate divorce procedure, preparation of agreements and documents, representation and related family-law matters.

Πίνακας Περιεχομένων

Divorce Lawyer Greece – Legal Assistance

Every divorce has different legal and practical circumstances.

Some spouses have already agreed to end their marriage and need assistance completing a consensual divorce. Others disagree about the divorce itself or about important issues arising from their separation.

Our legal assistance may include:

divorce by mutual consent;
contested divorce proceedings;
preparation and review of divorce agreements;
parental responsibility matters;
arrangements concerning children;
communication and contact with children;
child maintenance;
spousal maintenance where applicable;
family residence issues;
financial disputes connected with separation;
representation in family-law proceedings;
divorces involving spouses living abroad;
international family-law matters;
recognition or registration issues involving foreign divorces where applicable.

A Divorce Lawyer Greece can examine the circumstances of the marriage and determine which procedure is appropriate before legal action is taken.

Divorce in Greece

A marriage in Greece can be dissolved through the procedure provided by Greek family law.

The appropriate route depends primarily on whether the spouses agree to the divorce and, where necessary, whether they can reach agreement concerning related matters.

Broadly, a divorce may be:

consensual, where both spouses agree to dissolve the marriage; or
judicially pursued, where agreement cannot be reached and the matter must proceed through the courts on an applicable legal basis.

The procedure, documentation and time required can therefore differ significantly from one case to another.

Divorce by Mutual Consent in Greece

Where both spouses agree that the marriage should end, a divorce by mutual consent can provide a more straightforward route.

The spouses are represented by separate lawyers and the procedure is completed with the involvement of a notary.

Greece also provides an official electronic divorce by mutual consent procedure through the Single Digital Gateway.

The current government procedure is initiated by one of the two lawyers. The spouses review and approve the draft agreement electronically, and the notarial stage follows the statutory procedure.

Official information is available through Gov.gr – Divorce by Mutual Consent.

Άφησε αυτό το outbound link DoFollow / nofollow OFF.

Electronic Divorce by Mutual Consent

The Greek digital procedure has simplified the administrative handling of consensual divorce.

The process involves:

the two spouses;
a lawyer representing each spouse;
a notary.

One of the lawyers initiates the electronic case and enters the necessary marriage information and draft agreement.

The spouses then access the system and review the agreement prepared by their lawyers.

After both spouses approve it, the legally prescribed waiting period begins.

The official procedure currently provides for a 10-day period after approval of the agreement before the process can proceed to completion of the final notarial divorce act.

The notary subsequently completes the notarial stage and the relevant civil-status registration process is updated through the digital system.

Do Both Spouses Need a Lawyer?

For a Greek consensual divorce, each spouse is represented by their own lawyer.

The lawyers participate in drafting and approving the agreement and the digital divorce procedure.

A notary is also involved in the completion of the consensual divorce.

The official gov.gr procedure specifically requires participation of the spouses, the lawyers of both spouses and a notary.

Agreement Between the Spouses

A consensual divorce requires agreement between the spouses regarding the dissolution of their marriage.

Where children or other family issues are involved, the appropriate legal arrangements must also be addressed according to the circumstances and applicable law.

A properly drafted agreement is important because the objective is not simply to end the marriage but also to provide clarity concerning the legal matters that continue after separation.

Our office can assist with reviewing the circumstances, negotiating the relevant terms and preparing the necessary legal documentation.

The 10-Day Period in a Consensual Divorce

Once both spouses approve the draft agreement through the digital procedure, the statutory 10-day waiting period begins.

After that period has expired, the process can proceed toward completion of the final notarial act.

The current official administrative procedure confirms that this 10-day period begins following the electronic confirmation of the spouses’ consent.

This means that a consensual divorce should not be described as being completed instantly simply because the parties have reached agreement.

There are still formal legal stages that must be followed.

Marriage Registered Before 2013

Older marriage records can require an additional administrative step before the digital consensual-divorce procedure can begin.

Gov.gr states that for marriages celebrated before 2013, it may first be necessary to contact the Registry Office of the municipality where the marriage took place so that the marriage record is entered into the Citizens’ Registry system.

This should be checked at the beginning of the case to avoid unnecessary delays.

Contested Divorce in Greece

Not every marriage can be dissolved through mutual agreement.

Where one spouse does not agree or where the circumstances require judicial determination, divorce proceedings may need to be brought before the competent Greek court.

A contested divorce can involve:

preparation and filing of legal proceedings;
evidence;
witness testimony where appropriate;
representation before the court;
examination of the legal basis for dissolution of the marriage;
related family-law disputes.

The appropriate strategy depends on the facts of the marriage and should be determined after reviewing the individual case.

When Spouses Cannot Agree

Disagreement can concern more than whether the marriage should end.

The spouses may disagree about:

children;
parental responsibility;
communication arrangements;
child maintenance;
financial support;
use of the family residence;
property;
other consequences of separation.

Some of these issues may require separate legal handling even where the divorce itself ultimately becomes consensual.

For this reason, the divorce procedure and the broader family dispute should be assessed together.

Divorce and Children

Where spouses have children, their separation does not terminate their responsibilities as parents.

Important questions may arise regarding:

parental responsibility;
child’s place of residence;
communication with each parent;
day-to-day decisions;
education;
health matters;
financial contribution to the child’s needs.

The interests of the child are central to the legal treatment of these matters.

Parents may be able to reach agreement on arrangements concerning their children. Where agreement cannot be achieved, judicial intervention may be necessary.

Parental Responsibility After Divorce

Parental responsibility is a separate legal issue from the dissolution of the marriage itself.

Divorce does not mean that one parent automatically ceases to have rights or obligations concerning the child.

Depending on the circumstances, questions can arise regarding:

exercise of parental responsibility;
major decisions concerning the child;
child’s residence;
communication with the other parent;
practical allocation of parental responsibilities.

A Divorce Lawyer Greece can assist in determining how these issues should be addressed in the context of the separation.

Child Residence

Where parents separate, the practical question of where the child will primarily reside can become important.

The arrangement should take into consideration the circumstances of the family and the child’s interests.

Relevant considerations may include:

existing living arrangements;
school;
daily routine;
relationship with each parent;
distance between parental homes;
practical ability of each parent to care for the child.

Where parents cannot agree, the matter may need to be determined judicially.

Contact and Communication With Children

A parent who does not live with the child on a daily basis may have rights concerning personal communication and contact.

The practical arrangement can address matters such as:

regular contact;
weekends;
holidays;
school vacations;
telephone or electronic communication;
travel arrangements.

Where possible, a clear arrangement can reduce future disagreements between the parents.

Where agreement cannot be reached, legal proceedings may be required.

Child Maintenance in Greece

Both parents have financial responsibilities toward their children according to the applicable legal framework and their individual circumstances.

Child maintenance can involve expenses relating to:

food;
housing;
clothing;
education;
healthcare;
extracurricular activities;
other reasonable needs of the child.

The appropriate contribution is not determined by a universal fixed amount applicable to every family.

The child’s needs and the financial circumstances of the parents must be considered.

Disputes Over Child Maintenance

A dispute may arise where:

one parent refuses to contribute;
the amount offered is insufficient;
financial circumstances change;
the child’s needs increase;
an existing arrangement is no longer appropriate.

Depending on the circumstances, the parties may attempt to reach an agreement or seek judicial determination.

Evidence concerning income, expenses and the child’s needs can be relevant.

Spousal Maintenance

In some circumstances, financial claims may also arise between former spouses.

Whether spousal maintenance is available depends on the applicable legal requirements and the individual circumstances.

It should not be assumed that every divorce automatically creates an obligation for one former spouse to maintain the other.

The legal basis and facts must be examined individually.

Divorce and the Family Home

Separation can raise questions concerning the family residence.

Issues may arise regarding:

who remains in the property;
whether the property is owned or rented;
whether both spouses have ownership rights;
expenses connected with the residence;
children residing in the home.

The right to use a residence and the ownership of that property are not necessarily the same legal question.

The circumstances should therefore be reviewed carefully before conclusions are drawn.

Divorce and Property in Greece

A divorce does not automatically mean that every asset owned by either spouse is simply divided equally.

Property matters should be examined according to:

ownership;
acquisition of assets;
contributions during the marriage;
applicable family-law claims;
agreements between the spouses;
evidence concerning the property.

Where Greek real estate is involved, additional property-law questions may also arise.

For title and ownership matters concerning real estate, see our Property Legal Check Greece – Legal Due Diligence service.

Property Acquired During Marriage

Property acquired during a marriage can become an important issue following separation.

The legal consequences depend on the circumstances and should not be reduced to the assumption that marriage automatically creates equal ownership of every asset.

Relevant documentation can include:

property deeds;
bank records;
contracts;
evidence of financial contributions;
loan documentation;
tax records.

A legal assessment can determine whether and what type of claim may exist.

Financial Matters After Separation

Divorce can also involve practical financial questions unrelated to formal ownership.

These may concern:

common expenses;
loans;
bank obligations;
family expenses;
maintenance;
property-related costs.

The appropriate legal treatment depends on the nature of the obligation and the parties involved.

Financial issues should therefore be identified early in the divorce process rather than addressed only after the marriage has formally ended.

Divorce Lawyer Greece for International Clients

Our office assists international clients with divorce and family-law matters connected with Greece.

International cases can involve:

a Greek spouse and a foreign spouse;
two foreign nationals living in Greece;
spouses married abroad;
spouses living in different countries;
Greek property;
children living abroad;
foreign marriage certificates;
foreign divorce judgments.

These cases may require consideration of jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition of foreign documents and cross-border procedural rules.

A Divorce Lawyer Greece can examine the Greek-law aspects of the matter and coordinate the procedures that need to be completed in Greece.

Divorce When One Spouse Lives Abroad

A spouse does not necessarily need to reside permanently in Greece for a Greek divorce or related family-law issue to arise.

Cases frequently involve one spouse living in Greece while the other lives abroad.

This can create additional practical issues concerning:

service of documents;
representation;
powers of attorney;
foreign addresses;
translations;
authentication of foreign documents;
court jurisdiction.

The precise procedure depends on the circumstances and the legal basis for Greek jurisdiction.

Can a Divorce Be Handled From Abroad?

In appropriate circumstances, substantial parts of a Greek divorce matter may be handled while the client remains abroad.

Whether personal presence is required depends on:

type of divorce;
documents available;
procedural requirements;
whether representation through power of attorney is permitted for the relevant act.

The digital consensual-divorce system has also reduced the need for physical presence in qualifying consensual cases. The Greek government describes the electronic procedure as enabling the consensual divorce process to be carried out digitally.

International clients should nevertheless obtain advice about their particular case rather than assume every procedure can be completed remotely.

Power of Attorney for Divorce Proceedings

Where a client lives abroad or cannot personally attend a required procedure, representation through an appropriate power of attorney may be relevant.

The required form depends on the legal act to be performed.

A power of attorney executed abroad may require:

notarisation;
Apostille;
consular legalisation;
official Greek translation;
specific authority for particular acts.

The document should therefore be prepared according to the actual divorce procedure rather than using a generic authorisation.

Foreign Marriage Certificate

Where a marriage was celebrated outside Greece, the marriage documentation may need to be reviewed before divorce proceedings can proceed.

Depending on the circumstances, questions can arise concerning:

recognition of the foreign marriage;
registration in Greece;
Apostille or legalisation;
official translation;
Greek civil-status records.

Where the marriage of a Greek citizen celebrated abroad must be addressed in the Greek civil-status system, see our Register Foreign Marriage in Greece – Legal Assistance service.

Divorce Involving Foreign Documents

International divorce cases frequently require documents issued outside Greece.

These can include:

marriage certificates;
birth certificates;
family-status certificates;
court decisions;
powers of attorney;
agreements.

Depending on the country of issue, documents may require an Apostille, legalisation or another authentication procedure.

Official translation into Greek may also be required.

Determining these requirements at the beginning of the case can prevent unnecessary delays.

Foreign Divorce and Greece

A person may already have obtained a divorce outside Greece but still need to address its legal or civil-status effects in Greece.

The procedure depends on factors including:

country where the divorce was issued;
nature of the foreign decision or act;
applicable European or international framework;
whether recognition is required;
whether the Greek civil-status records need to be updated.

A foreign divorce should not automatically be assumed to have completed every necessary procedure in Greece.

The documentation and applicable recognition rules should first be examined.

Divorce Between Greek and Foreign Spouses

A marriage between a Greek citizen and a foreign national can create additional cross-border considerations.

These may concern:

jurisdiction;
foreign marriage documentation;
residence in different countries;
children;
foreign property;
immigration consequences;
registration of the divorce.

The divorce and immigration position should be examined separately where appropriate.

Ending a marriage does not mean that every other legal consequence follows automatically.

Divorce and Residence Permits

Where a non-Greek spouse holds a residence permit connected with family status, divorce may have immigration implications.

The effect depends on the type of residence permit, duration of residence and the individual circumstances.

A person should therefore avoid assuming that divorce either automatically terminates or automatically preserves their residence status.

The specific permit should be reviewed under the applicable immigration rules.

For immigration assistance, see our Immigration Lawyer Athens – Immigration Legal Services page.

Divorce and a Greek Spouse Residence Permit

A non-EU national who obtained residence rights through marriage to a Greek citizen may need to examine their immigration status if the marriage ends.

The divorce procedure and residence-permit procedure are legally distinct matters.

The effect on the residence permit depends on the circumstances and the applicable immigration provisions.

Legal advice should therefore be obtained before making assumptions about continued residence in Greece.

Children Living in Different Countries

International separation becomes more complex where children and parents are located in different countries.

Questions may arise concerning:

jurisdiction;
parental responsibility;
child’s habitual residence;
communication;
relocation;
recognition and enforcement of decisions.

These matters can involve European and international family-law instruments in addition to Greek domestic law.

Cross-border child matters should therefore be addressed promptly, particularly where a parent is considering relocating a child from one country to another.

Relocation of a Child

After separation, one parent may wish to move with a child to another city or country.

Relocation can significantly affect the rights of both parents and the child’s relationship with each of them.

A parent should not assume that being the parent with whom the child primarily resides automatically gives unrestricted authority to relocate internationally.

Legal advice should be obtained before taking steps that materially affect the child’s residence or the other parent’s rights.

Domestic Violence and Divorce

Where domestic violence or immediate safety concerns exist, the legal priorities can extend beyond the ordinary divorce procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, urgent protective measures and separate legal proceedings may need to be considered.

Such cases should be assessed individually and promptly.

The existence of an ongoing divorce does not prevent a person from seeking any separate protection available under applicable law.

Negotiating a Divorce Agreement

Where communication remains possible, negotiation can sometimes resolve issues that would otherwise require litigation.

A divorce agreement can potentially address matters concerning:

dissolution of the marriage;
children;
communication;
financial arrangements;
practical family matters.

Each spouse should understand the legal consequences of the proposed terms before giving consent.

The purpose of negotiation is not merely to complete the divorce quickly but to create clear arrangements capable of reducing future disputes.

Divorce Mediation

Depending on the nature of the dispute, mediation may also be considered as a method of attempting to resolve family-law disagreements.

Whether mediation is appropriate depends on:

relationship between the parties;
nature of the dispute;
ability to negotiate;
existence of safety concerns;
issues requiring judicial determination.

Mediation is not a substitute for independent legal advice.

A lawyer can advise the client on the legal consequences of any proposed settlement before an agreement is finalised.

Court Proceedings in a Divorce Case

Where agreement cannot be reached, court proceedings may become necessary.

The case may require:

preparation of pleadings;
supporting documents;
evidence;
witness testimony where appropriate;
representation before the competent court;
subsequent procedural steps.

The exact procedure depends on the claim being pursued.

A contested divorce involving children, maintenance and financial disputes may therefore require substantially more legal work than an uncontested consensual divorce.

Documents for Divorce in Greece

The documents required depend on the type of divorce and individual circumstances.

They may include:

identification documents;
marriage certificate;
family-status documentation;
children’s birth records;
foreign civil-status documents;
powers of attorney;
financial evidence where maintenance is disputed;
property documents where relevant.

Clients living abroad may also need authenticated and officially translated documents.

A preliminary legal review can identify what is actually required before unnecessary documentation is obtained.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Greece?

There is no single timeframe applicable to every divorce.

A consensual divorce is generally more predictable because the spouses have already agreed to dissolve the marriage.

Even then, the statutory procedural stages must be followed, including the 10-day period in the electronic consensual-divorce process.

A contested divorce can take substantially longer depending on:

court scheduling;
complexity of the dispute;
evidence;
related family-law proceedings;
service of documents;
international elements.

A precise timeframe should therefore be given only after the case has been reviewed.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Greece?

The total cost depends on the type and complexity of the divorce.

Relevant factors can include:

consensual or contested procedure;
complexity of the agreement;
involvement of children;
additional family-law disputes;
international documentation;
court proceedings;
notarial involvement where applicable.

The official digital platform itself should not be confused with the total professional cost of completing a consensual divorce. The current National Registry describes the government digital service as being provided without an administrative fee, while the legal/notarial services involved are separate matters.

A fee estimate can therefore be provided after the circumstances of the case are known.

Why Use a Divorce Lawyer in Greece?

Divorce can affect several areas simultaneously:

marital status;
children;
financial obligations;
property;
residence;
international family relationships.

A Divorce Lawyer Greece can identify the issues requiring legal attention and coordinate the appropriate procedure.

This is particularly useful where:

children are involved;
the spouses disagree;
one spouse lives abroad;
foreign documents are required;
significant property is involved;
immigration issues arise;
court proceedings may be necessary.

Divorce Lawyer Greece – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a consensual divorce in Greece?

Yes. In the official Greek consensual-divorce procedure, each spouse is represented by a lawyer and a notary is involved in completion of the divorce.

Can we get divorced online in Greece?

Greece provides a digital procedure for divorce by mutual consent through gov.gr. It is initiated by one of the lawyers and involves the spouses, both lawyers and a notary.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes. In the digital consensual-divorce procedure, after both spouses approve the agreement, a statutory 10-day period begins before the subsequent completion stage.

What if my spouse does not agree to the divorce?

Where mutual consent cannot be achieved, judicial divorce proceedings may need to be considered according to the circumstances and applicable legal grounds.

What happens to the children after divorce?

Issues concerning parental responsibility, residence, communication and maintenance must be addressed according to the child’s interests and the circumstances of the family.

Does the mother automatically receive custody?

The legal position should not be determined by assumptions based solely on the parent’s gender. Parental responsibility and child-related arrangements are assessed under the applicable family-law framework and the circumstances of the child.

How is child maintenance calculated?

There is no universal amount applicable to every family. The child’s needs and the financial circumstances of the parents are relevant.

Is all property divided 50/50 after divorce?

No automatic assumption should be made that every asset becomes equally owned simply because the parties were married. Ownership and any family-law property claims must be examined according to the circumstances.

Can I divorce in Greece if I live abroad?

Potentially, yes, depending on jurisdiction and the circumstances. Many aspects may also be handled through representation where legally permitted.

What if we were married outside Greece?

Foreign marriage documents and their status in Greece may need to be examined. Authentication, translation or Greek civil-status procedures may also be relevant.

Does divorce affect my Greek residence permit?

It can, depending on the basis of the residence permit and the individual circumstances. The immigration position should be reviewed separately.

Can a foreign divorce be used in Greece?

Potentially, but the appropriate recognition or registration procedure depends on the country of origin and nature of the foreign divorce.

Divorce Lawyer Greece – Legal Assistance for Clients Abroad

International clients frequently need Greek legal assistance without being permanently present in Greece.

Our office can review the case remotely, identify the documents required and determine which procedures can be handled through representation.

Where foreign documents are involved, we can also advise on the appropriate authentication and translation requirements for their use in Greece.

This allows the legal process to be organised before unnecessary travel arrangements are made.

Related Legal Services

A divorce can overlap with other legal matters, particularly where the spouses have property in Greece or one spouse is a foreign national.

For related assistance, see:

Immigration Lawyer Athens – Immigration Legal Services

Property Legal Check Greece – Legal Due Diligence

Real Estate Lawyer Greece – Property Legal Services

Register Foreign Marriage in Greece – Legal Assistance

Divorce Lawyer Greece – Contact Our Law Office

If you require a Divorce Lawyer Greece, the Law Office of Anna Deftereou can assist with consensual and contested divorce, family-law disputes, matters concerning children, maintenance and international divorce cases connected with Greece.

The appropriate procedure depends on the individual circumstances of the marriage. An initial legal review can determine the steps required and the documentation needed to proceed.

We assist clients residing in Greece as well as international clients who need legal representation or assistance with divorce and family-law matters in Greece.

Law Office of Anna Deftereou
39 Stadiou Street, Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 323 8062