Inheritance law reform: Larger share for surviving spouse

Significant changes to Greece’s inheritance law are under discussion. A reform draft prepared by a Justice Ministry commission will be submitted to the ministry in September.

According to national media reports, the new framework will increase the share inherited by the surviving spouse. Currently, a spouse is entitled to 25% of the estate, but under the proposal, this will rise to 33.3%, while the remaining two-thirds will continue to be divided among the children.

If there are no children, the spouse will receive half of the estate, with the other half passing to parents, siblings, or cousins.

The commission also proposes that partners without marriage or a registered civil union will not inherit. However, they may be granted the right to reside in the deceased’s home for three years.

One of the most debated issues concerns inheritance debts. Under current law, heirs who accept an inheritance are liable for the deceased’s debts with their own assets, prompting many to reject inheritances. The commission suggests limiting liability so that debts are covered only from the deceased’s estate. Some members opposed this, warning it could leave banks and creditors unable to recover money owed.

For the first time in Greek law, the concept of an inheritance contract will be introduced, allowing a person to make binding arrangements with heirs during their lifetime regarding how assets will be divided. This is expected to facilitate the transfer of businesses and commercial rights.

Another key reform involves forced heirship. Children or spouses disinherited under the new rules would no longer receive part of the estate directly, but instead could claim financial compensation.

The commission will finalize the draft at its September meeting before submitting it to the Ministry of Justice.