Yes, disinheriting a child in Greece is legally permissible under strict conditions outlined in the Civil Code (Articles 1827–1834), but it is not absolute. Greek law permits parental disinheritance only for specific, legally defined grounds, such as grave misconduct by the child (e.g., violence, abandonment, or serious insults) or if the child has been convicted of a felony against the parent. The Hellenic Ministry of Justice enforces these provisions, and courts scrutinize claims rigorously to prevent arbitrary exclusions. Recent 2026 amendments to the Civil Code (Law 5092/2026) have tightened procedural requirements, mandating mandatory mediation before litigation and stricter evidentiary standards for misconduct claims.
Key Regulations for Disinheriting a Child in Greece
- Mandatory Grounds: Disinheritance is only valid if the child has committed acts of “serious ingratitude” (Article 1827 CC), such as physical abuse, false accusations of a felony, or deliberate neglect of parental care. Economic disputes alone do not suffice.
- Procedural Safeguards: Since 2026, claimants must submit a formal mediation request to the Hellenic Mediation and Arbitration Center (EODID) before filing in court. Failure to comply invalidates the disinheritance claim.
- Reserved Portion: Even if disinherited, the child retains a “legitimate portion” (usually 1/3 of the estate) unless the parent successfully proves the child’s misconduct was so severe it warrants full exclusion under Article 1832 CC. Courts may reduce or deny the reserved portion based on proportionality.