Child custody after separation in Greece: school, healthcare and relocation

What custody means in practice

After separation, parents often face very practical questions: who signs school documents, who arranges treatment, and whether a child can move with a parent to another city. The starting point is the existing court order or agreement and the precise decisions it covers.

Under Greek law, parental responsibility is broader than personal care or custody: it also includes the child's property and legal representation. Having day-to-day care does not, by itself, give one parent sole authority over every major decision. The child's best interests remain the starting point.

School and healthcare decisions

The general rule in Article 1519 of the Greek Civil Code requires joint decisions about significant healthcare matters, excluding emergencies and routine issues, and educational choices that decisively affect the child's future. Any specific court arrangements and the applicable allocation of parental responsibility must also be checked.

Before enrolment or a school transfer, gather the documents requested by the school together with the custody arrangements. A practical proposal to the other parent can explain the timetable, transport, costs and benefit to the child. If there is disagreement, seek advice early enough for it to be addressed before the school deadline.

Moving from Heraklion to another city

Where a change in the child's residence substantially affects contact with the other parent, prior written agreement or a court decision is required. Simply notifying the other parent of the new address is insufficient in that situation.

A job outside Crete, for example, creates different practical questions from a move within the same neighbourhood. A proposal should explain accommodation, school, travel arrangements, cost and how the relationship with the other parent would be maintained. This is a planning example, not a prediction that a particular move will be permitted.

Preparing for discussion or legal review

A record of a specific problem is more useful than general criticism of the other parent. Keep dates, concrete proposals and replies, without making the child carry messages. A shared calendar may help where communication is safe and workable.

The following documents are useful at an initial legal meeting. Where violence or immediate danger is involved, protection and the appropriate urgent response take priority. The procedure should be selected around the child's particular needs.

• The current court order, interim order or parenting agreement
• School timetable and documents relevant to the healthcare issue
• A proposal for accommodation, travel and contact
• Relevant correspondence and dates by which decisions are needed