Inheritance Contracts: The New Tool for Organizing Your Estate

With the major reform of Succession Law that took effect on September 16, 2026, the institution of inheritance contracts has been introduced in Greece for the very first time. Previously, any agreement regarding a future inheritance made while the property owner was still alive was strictly prohibited. Under the new legal framework, the law allows for a formal, notarized agreement between the property owner and prospective heirs or third parties, defining with complete clarity and security how the estate will be distributed upon death.

This innovation resolves significant practical challenges and offers true peace of mind to families. For instance, it facilitates smooth succession in a family business by allowing the child who actively works in the business to take it over, while the other children receive alternative assets or financial compensation. At the same time, it enables an elderly person to agree on transferring a property to an individual who formally commits to providing care and assistance during the owner’s lifetime.

Because an inheritance contract is signed by all interested parties before a Notary, it cannot be unilaterally contested or revoked like a standard will, thereby eliminating future legal disputes. This model has been implemented with great success in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, transforming estate planning into a proactive strategy.

Important Note: Inheritance contracts pertain exclusively to future estate planning and apply to new cases arising on or after September 16, 2026.