The new Draft Bill, which is expected to be released for public consultation before the holidays, was presented at a special event at the Ministry of Justice by Apostolos Georgiadis, Emeritus Professor of Civil Law at the University of Athens and President of the Drafting Committee.
The new provisions reform the framework governing intestate succession and the statutory share, while comprehensively modernising the system of heir liability. The institution of judicial liquidation is upgraded, reducing long-standing delays and enabling the faster utilisation of estates. The smooth settlement of relations among co-heirs serves as a stabilising factor for the real estate market and family businesses.
Introduction of new institutions with economic impact
For the first time, inheritance contracts and agreements to waive future inheritance rights are being introduced. These regulations offer new possibilities for strategic asset planning, particularly important for family businesses, investment properties, and asset portfolios.
In addition, provisions that have generated persistent legal uncertainty—such as the calculation of shares for half-siblings and the time limits for renunciation—are clarified. Legal clarity translates into fewer disputes, faster procedures, and greater confidence in the market.
Among the key reforms of the new institutional framework are:
1. Adapting inheritance law to modern family structures
Today’s family reality extends beyond close blood relations. New forms of cohabitation and family life create meaningful personal relationships that the law must recognise. The reform broadens protection to individuals who, although not relatives in the traditional sense, form part of the testator’s family life.
In this way, respect for the testator’s will is enhanced, and contemporary social needs are addressed.
2. Rationalising the institution of the statutory share by converting it into a personal claim
This prevents the fragmentation of productive or business units and facilitates the rational transfer of property.
3. Relaxing the absolute prohibition on inheritance contracts
The current absolute prohibition on inheritance contracts creates significant practical difficulties, especially when the estate includes family businesses or productive real estate. In such cases, the testator has a legitimate interest in ensuring that the business or property passes to a person with the necessary knowledge, experience, or genuine interest in continuing and further developing the productive activity.
For the first time in Greek law, inheritance contracts will be permitted. This provision allows for the rational and timely organisation of post-mortem property arrangements, helping to avoid family conflicts, reduce the fragmentation of property units, and lessen court disputes.
4. Separating the estate from the heir’s personal property
Until now, heirs have borne unlimited liability for the debts of the deceased. This uncertainty resulted in endless renunciations of inheritance, even in cases involving assets of significant economic value. Under the new framework, an absolute separation is established: debts are settled exclusively from the estate and do not burden the heir’s personal property.
This change is expected to reduce renunciations, reintegrate substantial volumes of assets into economic activity, and strengthen both the heir’s liquidity and the marketability of real estate, as investors and buyers will now operate in an environment of greater security.
