Family Law

We stand by your side at every important and challenging moment of family life, offering discretion, sensitivity, and comprehensive legal support.

Our services include:

Divorce proceedings (contested, consensual, separation-based)
Spousal alimony claims
Child alimony claims (for minors and adult children)
Child custody and communication arrangements
Recognition or challenge of paternity
Claims for marital property acquired during marriage
Interim measures regarding custody, maintenance, and relocation
Domestic violence cases

What is a consensual divorce and when is it granted?

A consensual divorce may be issued when both spouses jointly decide to dissolve their marriage amicably. The marriage must have lasted at least six (6) months.
If the spouses have minor children, they must reach a prior agreement regarding child alimony, custody, and communication rights.

Following the simplification introduced by Law 4507/2017, consensual divorces are now completed extrajudicially and much more swiftly. However, a crucial aspect remains the proper drafting of the agreement governing parental responsibilities and children’s rights (maintenance, visitation, custody).

Careful legal drafting is essential to ensure the agreement is enforceable and prevents future disputes, even many years after the dissolution of the marriage.

Divorce Due to Two-Year Separation

This type of divorce is granted following the filing of a contested divorce action, provided that a continuous separation of at least two (2) years is proven through witnesses or documents.

The two-year period does not need to be completed at the time of filing the lawsuit, but must have elapsed by the hearing date.

According to Greek case law, separation exists when spouses live apart “from bed and board,” meaning both emotionally and physically, even if they continue to reside in the same household.

Occasional attempts at reconciliation do not interrupt the two-year separation period; each case is assessed individually.

Child Custody

Custody of minor children is generally granted jointly to both parents under the institution of shared parental responsibility. However, in certain circumstances, custody may be awarded to one parent exclusively.

The sole criterion applied by the court is the best interest of the child.
Factors considered include:

The child’s relationship with siblings, grandparents, and other relatives
Stability and continuity in the child’s living environment
Schooling and social ties
Potential relocation of a parent

If the child’s age and maturity allow, the court may hear the child’s opinion privately.

Custody decisions are not based on fault or the reasons leading to the divorce. Even a spouse whose conduct caused the breakdown of the marriage may be awarded custody.

Alimony & Child Support – Who is entitled to maintenance?

After divorce, a former spouse who cannot meet their basic needs from their own income or property may claim maintenance. This applies when the beneficiary:

Is unable to work
Lacks sufficient income or assets
Has custody of minor children
Requires time for professional training or education
Is unemployed for up to three years post-divorce

Maintenance may also be awarded on grounds of equity.

How is child support calculated?

Child support is determined based on:

The child’s needs (food, clothing, education, extracurricular activities, healthcare, leisure)
The standard of living the child was accustomed to
The actual financial capacity of each parent

Support may extend beyond the age of 18 if the child is pursuing university, postgraduate, or doctoral studies.

Courts frequently encounter income concealment, particularly by self-employed individuals or persons with income abroad. In such cases, access to tax data may be granted by prosecutorial order, as the child’s best interest overrides tax confidentiality.

Failure to Pay Maintenance – Criminal Liability

A criminal complaint may be filed when alimony awarded by court decision is intentionally not paid, causing deprivation or forcing the beneficiary to rely on third-party assistance.

Communication/ Visitation Rights

A parent who does not reside with the child may request a court-defined visitation schedule, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations.

For urgent situations, interim measures may be sought; however, a main lawsuit must subsequently be filed.

Visitation is a right, not an obligation. Courts favor arrangements that promote the child’s emotional development and maintain strong parental bonds.

Communication/ Visitation Rights

A parent who does not reside with the child may request a court-defined visitation schedule, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and vacations.

For urgent situations, interim measures may be sought; however, a main lawsuit must subsequently be filed.

Visitation is a right, not an obligation. Courts favor arrangements that promote the child’s emotional development and maintain strong parental bonds.

Interim Measures (Custody, Maintenance, Relocation)

Interim measures provide temporary regulation until a final court decision is issued.

Relocation orders may be granted when one spouse threatens or exercises physical or psychological violence or endangers the life of the other spouse or the child.

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