Interim measures and temporary orders in Greece: when they help and how to prepare

What interim measures protect

A civil dispute may require protection before the main proceedings conclude. Interim measures can preserve a right or regulate a situation provisionally where there is urgency or imminent risk. Depending on the case, protection may concern a monetary claim, use of property or certain family arrangements. The requested remedy must be legally available for that dispute.

The practical question is not only whether your claim is justified, but what specific harm is likely if you wait. General concern or a preference for a quicker outcome is not enough. A lawyer assesses the right claimed, the facts supporting urgency and the suitability of the proposed measure.

How a temporary order differs

Within an application for interim measures, a temporary order may be requested to address the need for protection in the meantime. Filing an application does not automatically secure one. It is distinct from the decision on interim measures, and its effects depend on the specific directions it contains.

Do not assume that every temporary order lasts indefinitely or prevents every action by the other party. Read its terms, duration and limitations. Obtaining interim protection does not mean that the underlying dispute has been finally decided.

Prepare evidence of the risk as well as the right

Write a short timeline showing when the dispute arose, what has already happened and what action is expected next. Distinguish events you witnessed from assumptions. An announced transaction, recent notification or specific incident needs to be assessed with the rest of the evidence, not in isolation.

Collect lawfully available documents and provide complete correspondence, including material that may not support your position. Do not alter files or access another person's accounts. If the situation is urgent, seek an assessment before every document has been gathered. Explain what is missing so that next steps can be prioritised.

• Contracts, payment records and earlier decisions
• Service documents and complete relevant correspondence
• A dated timeline, including upcoming events
• Information about the threatened harm and possible witnesses

Check what must happen after an order

Issuing an order does not always complete the protection. Service, possible registration and lawful implementation may still be needed. It is also necessary to check whether a main action or another step must be taken within a particular time limit. There is no single timetable that safely applies to every type of dispute.

If you receive an application, order or decision, keep the complete documents and do not disregard their terms because you disagree. For advice from a lawyer in Heraklion, explain what needs immediate protection and what outcome you seek in the main dispute. The procedure is selected case by case, without a guarantee that protection will be granted or issued within a fixed period.