Greek Marriage Law Emphasizes Property Autonomy Amid Global Prenup Trends

As celebrity engagements like it Jeff Bezos spark global discussions about prenuptial agreements,

Greece’s unique approach to marital property is drawing attention. Unlike many countries where prenups are a staple for protecting wealth, Greek law renders such contracts largely unnecessary due to its default system of property autonomy.

Under the Greek Civil Code, spouses automatically retain ownership of their individual assets, whether acquired before or during marriage. “In Greece, there’s no need for a prenup to keep your property separate—it’s the default,” explained Athens-based family lawyer Sofia Karamanlis. “Each spouse’s assets remain their own unless they explicitly choose otherwise.”

This system, rooted in Articles 1397–1402 of the Civil Code, contrasts with community property regimes common in countries like the United States or France. In Greece, couples can opt for a shared property arrangement through a notarized co-ownership agreement, but such contracts are exceedingly rare. Karamanlis estimates that fewer than 100 such agreements have been recorded in recent decades, a figure echoed by legal experts nationwide.

Instead of prenups, Greek law allows spouses to claim a share of their partner’s wealth if they significantly contributed to its acquisition or growth—such as supporting a spouse’s business or managing household finances. These claims, governed by Article 1400, are typically settled privately, with courts seeing only a handful of cases annually.

For international couples, Greece’s legal framework offers flexibility. EU regulations allow couples to apply foreign law to their marriage, enabling prenups for those accustomed to jurisdictions where such agreements are standard. “We see this with mixed-nationality couples, especially those with assets abroad,” Karamanlis noted.

A growing trend in Greece is the use of civil partnership agreements, introduced under Law 4356/2015. These contracts, available to both married and unmarried partners, allow couples to customize financial arrangements, including waiving alimony or inheritance rights. “Civil partnerships are more practical than prenups for many Greeks,” Karamanlis said. “They offer clarity without the stigma of planning for divorce.”

As global fascination with high-profile prenups continues, Greece’s property autonomy system remains a quiet outlier, blending tradition with practicality in matters of love and wealth.

For more information on Greek family law, contact a licensed attorney.