Divorce Lawyers in Greece – A Comprehensive Guide to Consensual & Contested Divorce, Procedures & Legal Framework
Divorce is a particularly significant and often emotionally demanding process that requires proper legal guidance from a specialized family law attorney. Whether the case involves a consensual divorce or a contested one, the presence of an experienced lawyer is crucial for ensuring a smooth procedure, the protection of each spouse’s rights, and the safeguarding of the children’s interests.
The lawyer undertakes all legal actions, prepares the necessary documents, drafts agreements, and represents the client at every stage, ensuring that all procedures comply with the law and are completed as swiftly as possible.
-
Consensual Divorce – The Fastest and Most Cost-Effective Solution
A consensual divorce is the process through which the spouses jointly decide to dissolve their marriage. Since 2017 (Law 4509/2017), this procedure is carried out extrajudicially before a notary public, with the mandatory participation of two lawyers — one for each spouse.
What a consensual divorce includes
- Signing a private agreement for the dissolution of the marriage
• Regulation of child custody
• Regulation of communication between each parent and the children
• Regulation of child support for minor children
• Optional agreements on property matters
• Signing the act before a notary
• Registration of the marriage dissolution with the Civil Registry
Advantages
- Completion within 15–20 days
• Low cost
• No court appearance required
• Minimal emotional burden
• Fully lawful and safe procedure
The lawyer is responsible for drafting the agreements, safeguarding the spouses’ rights, and ensuring full respect for the best interests of the children.
-
Divorce Due to Irretrievable Breakdown (Contested Divorce)
This is a court-based divorce, where one or both spouses claim that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Lawyers undertake the filing of lawsuits, gathering of evidence, and court representation.
Grounds for irretrievable breakdown
- Domestic violence
• Adultery
• Prolonged separation
• Abandonment of the family
• Addiction (alcohol, substances, gambling)
• Serious violation of personality rights
How the procedure works
- Collection of evidence
- Drafting the divorce lawsuit
- Service upon the other spouse
- Court hearing
- Issuance of judgment
- Registration of the marriage dissolution at the Civil Registry
The lawyer plays a decisive role in protecting the spouse’s interests, proving the allegations, and ensuring a proper judicial outcome.
Contested divorce constitutes the judicial process of terminating the marriage and is divided into two main categories:
the issuance of divorce on grounds of irretrievable breakdown of marital cohabitation and the dissolution of marriage due to two-year separation.
In the first case, the spouse filing the lawsuit cites specific acts or behaviors of the other party that have led to a complete and irreversible disruption of marital life.
In the second case, the mere prolonged separation for more than two years suffices as a legal basis for dissolution of the marriage, even without the consent of the other spouse.
When the marriage involves a minor child, the primary concern in every procedure — consensual or contested — is the protection of the child’s best interests. Key issues such as custody, child support, and communication with the non-resident parent must be regulated clearly and in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
If the spouses reach agreement on all these matters, the dissolution of the marriage can proceed consensually. The arrangements are recorded in a private agreement, which is fully incorporated into the notarial act of consensual divorce. This procedure is extrajudicial, swift, and requires the participation of two lawyers and a notary.
If no agreement is reached, the process moves forward as a contested divorce, while issues concerning the minor child often require recourse to interim measures proceedings. These determine temporary custody, child support, and communication arrangements until the case is heard on the merits.
Additionally, most divorces raise questions relating to the spouses’ property relations. Property acquired during the marriage is often considered the result of joint contribution, potentially giving rise to a claim for participation in acquisitions. This can be regulated through a lawsuit or through a private agreement between the spouses.
Similar issues arise in the division of household items, where clear documentation and proper legal handling are often necessary.
Overall, contested divorce is a more complex and time-consuming process compared to consensual divorce, but it remains essential when there is no agreement or when a clear judicial ruling is required for matters concerning children and property. The involvement of an experienced family law attorney ensures that each stage is handled correctly and that the client’s rights and interests are fully protected.
-
Divorce Due to Two-Year Separation
Legally, if the spouses have lived apart for more than two years, the marriage is deemed irretrievably broken, and a divorce can be granted even without consent.
Requirements
- Filing a lawsuit through a lawyer
• Proof of the separation period (witnesses, lease agreements, bills, etc.)
This constitutes a simpler form of contested divorce, as no additional grounds are required beyond the two-year separation.
-
Child Custody, Child Support & Communication
The lawyer advises and guides parents on all matters concerning the children, always in accordance with the child’s best interests, as required by Law 4800/2021.
What is regulated
- Custody and parental responsibility
• Child support (amount, method of payment, duration)
• Communication schedule with the other parent
• Allocation of expenses (medical, school-related, extracurricular activities)
The lawyer ensures that all matters are legally and clearly defined without room for misinterpretation.
-
Property Claims – Participation in Acquisitions
Many divorces involve financial issues.
The lawyer undertakes:
• Calculation of property acquired during the marriage
• Filing of claims for participation in acquisitions
• Pursuit of financial compensation
• Protection of rights regarding real estate, bank accounts, and businesses
-
Why a Specialized Divorce Lawyer Is Necessary
An experienced lawyer offers:
• Protection of rights
• Fast and efficient handling
• Prevention of errors
• Legal guidance in difficult decisions
• Proper management of child-related matters
• Mediation and conflict de-escalation
Experience in family law is critical; a mistake in the agreement can cause problems for years.
How Our Divorce Lawyers Can Assist You
The divorce process, regardless of its form, is one of the most demanding phases in a person’s life. It comes with emotional strain, uncertainty about the future, and significant decisions affecting the family, daily life, and financial stability. For this reason, choosing a specialized divorce lawyer is not merely a legal necessity but an essential condition for a smooth, fair, and safe outcome.
Karpouzis-Lianou & Associates Law Firm, with extensive experience in family law, possesses the expertise required to prioritize each client’s needs and respond promptly, effectively, and with genuine care. Recognizing the personal and sensitive nature of these matters, we stand by your side at every stage with seriousness, responsibility, and true commitment.
Specialized Legal Support for Every Type of Divorce
We handle all divorce cases with expertise and consistency, whether consensual or contested. Each type requires different preparation, legal strategy, and negotiation.
- Consensual Divorce
We provide full guidance at every stage:
• drafting the private agreement
• custody, support, and communication arrangements
• advice on financial and property issues
• drafting and signing the notarial act
• registration with the Civil Registry
Our goal is a fast, safe, and smooth procedure with minimal emotional burden.
- Contested Divorce
When no agreement exists or serious grounds are present, we undertake:
• gathering evidence
• drafting and filing lawsuits
• courtroom representation
• handling custody, support, and communication issues
• filing interim measures when required
Our experience in complex cases allows us to manage contested divorces in a way that protects the client’s rights and dignity.
The Child’s Best Interests at the Centre
The involvement of a minor makes the process even more demanding. For us, child protection is a fundamental priority and a cornerstone of responsible legal practice.
We undertake arrangements concerning:
• custody and parental responsibility
• child support
• communication rights and schedule
• coverage of extraordinary and regular expenses
Our aim is to establish clear, functional, and enforceable agreements that ensure the child’s stability and emotional balance.
Property Arrangements & Marital Acquisitions
Many cases require legal handling of property issues.
We undertake:
• claims for participation in acquisitions
• calculation of marital property
• arrangements involving real estate, movable assets, and household items
• negotiation of agreements between the spouses
Our expertise ensures fair and comprehensive management of financial matters.
Our Philosophy & Identity
At Karpouzis-Lianou & Associates Law Firm:
We build relationships of trust.
Each client’s case is handled with absolute seriousness and confidentiality.
We work with long-term strategy.
Our legal actions safeguard not just the present, but the client’s future stability and security.
We uphold the values of justice and respect.
Our approach is substantive, human-centred, and impartial.
We focus on prompt responsiveness.
We understand that divorce cases require speed, clarity, and decisiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a consensual divorce take?
Usually 2–3 weeks, provided all matters have been agreed upon.
Do I need to go to court?
Not in consensual divorce.
In contested divorce, the spouse may or may not need to appear (depending on whether a notarial power of attorney is used), but the lawyer handles all preparation.
What if we cannot agree on custody?
The case proceeds to interim measures or a main action, where the court decides based on the child’s best interests.
How is child support determined?
It depends on the child’s needs, the parents’ income, and the standard of living to which the child was accustomed.
What if my spouse refuses to divorce?
A divorce may still be granted on grounds of irretrievable breakdown or two-year separation.
When are property issues examined?
Either in parallel with or after the divorce, through claims for acquisitions or by private agreement.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case requires individual assessment based on its specific facts and the applicable legal framework. For specialized advice, please contact our law firm.
No comment