If you need to accept or reject inheritance in Greece, timing is crucial. Under Greek law, the heir acquires the inheritance automatically when succession opens, unless they renounce it within the legal deadline.
To reject an inheritance, the heir must file a renunciation declaration with the secretary of the inheritance court. The deadline is usually four months from the date the heir learns of the succession and the reason they are called. In cases involving a will, that period does not begin before the will is published. If the deceased had their last residence abroad, or the heir learned of the succession while living abroad, the deadline is one year. If the declaration is made through a representative, a special notarised power of attorney is required.
Inheritance may be accepted expressly or implicitly. If the heir has already acted in a way that amounts to acceptance, renunciation is no longer valid. Also, if the legal deadline passes without renunciation, the inheritance is deemed accepted.
If an heir renounces, the law treats that person as if they had never been called to the inheritance, and the share passes to the next person in line. As a rule, both acceptance and renunciation are irrevocable, so legal advice before taking any step is important.
Need help with inheritance in Greece? Contact our office for guidance on the next legal steps.
