Divorce without agreement in Greece: preparing for the first lawyer meeting

Identify the points of disagreement

Disagreement may concern ending the marriage itself or particular matters such as children's residence, maintenance and housing. Identify where there is common ground and where there is not. This helps establish whether a consensual solution remains possible or court proceedings are necessary.

The Greek Civil Code provides for judicial divorce, including on grounds of serious breakdown of the marital relationship. The appropriate basis, evidence and timing depend on the case. A spouse's refusal to sign does not mean they can indefinitely prevent every route to ending the marriage.

The history and useful documents

Prepare a short chronology: marriage, separation, separate homes, key attempts to reach agreement and earlier proceedings. Distinguish facts you know personally from assumptions or information provided by others. The aim is an accurate account of the situation.

Bring documents already available without delaying necessary help until the file is complete. If something is held only by the other spouse, discuss how it can be obtained lawfully. Do not access accounts, devices or private correspondence without permission.

• Marriage and family-status records, if available
• Judgments, agreements, notices and service records
• Income, housing and essential family expenditure
• Information on property, joint obligations and existing arrangements

Children's needs and everyday arrangements

If there are children, describe their current routine: school, care, residence, travel, healthcare and contact with each parent. A workable proposal is more useful than a general demand. Arrangements must serve the child's interests and reflect the actual circumstances.

Divorce does not automatically resolve every maintenance, parental responsibility or property issue. Identify what needs immediate attention and what can be addressed separately. An urgent housing or maintenance need may require temporary protection before the divorce proceedings conclude.

Questions for the first meeting

Ask about available procedures, required documents, stages of cost and immediate deadlines. Overall duration depends on the progress of the case and cannot reliably be predicted by a general guide. Disclose every document received, even if you disagree with its contents.

Violence or threats should be raised at the outset. Safe communication and protection take priority over suggesting a joint meeting. Where family members or children live abroad, identify the countries involved so that jurisdiction and the applicable rules can be checked.