Inheritances in Greece will be governed by entirely new rules, as the Ministry of Justice is pushing for the adoption of the new Inheritance Law by March 2026. This legislative reform brings revolution to the inheritance sector, introducing modern institutions and solving longstanding problems in succession law.
Inheritance contracts and new disposition opportunities
The introduction of inheritance contracts represents the most significant innovation in inheritance law. Now, testators and future heirs can agree in advance on property management. These contracts bind all parties and can only be canceled in exceptional cases such as fraud or coercion. Additionally, the institution of heir with consideration allows the acquisition of inheritance rights in exchange for financial or other benefits. If the agreed consideration is not fulfilled, the testator retains the right of withdrawal.
Joint wills and modernization of testamentary practice
Joint wills are introduced for the first time in Greek law, allowing two or more people to draft a common will. When there is clear intent of commitment, these acts acquire the force of inheritance contracts. Holographic wills are now subject to stricter rules. Mandatory deposit with a notary and the requirement for handwriting expertise in specific cases enhance inheritance security.
New rights for spouses and partners in inheritance
In intestate succession, surviving spouses gain improved status. When there is one child, the spouse inherits 1/3 of the estate, while with two or more children they retain 1/4. Significantly, the spouse is now called as sole heir in the third order. Revolutionary is the recognition of inheritance rights for partners in free cohabitation. After at least three years of stable union, the partner acquires inheritance rights when no relatives up to the fourth degree exist. Additionally, they are entitled to use the common residence for one year.
Modernization of forced heirship and heir protection
The forced share is converted into a monetary claim, eliminating compulsory co-ownership of real estate. Beneficiaries receive monetary compensation instead of a percentage of property, with security through new enforcement privileges. The automatic liability of heirs for estate debts is definitively abolished. The estate functions as a separate patrimonial unit with a judicial liquidator, protecting heirs’ personal assets.
Protection of vulnerable persons and modern regulations
Special protection is provided for vulnerable testators. Wills drafted during hospitalization or within three months of discharge are considered invalid if they benefit medical personnel, unless they are relatives. Provisions in favor of spouses are automatically canceled in case of divorce after the will’s execution. Similarly, provisions for partners are canceled upon dissolution of the cohabitation agreement. The archaic widowhood condition that made inheritance dependent on whether the spouse would remarry is also abolished.
