You should never sign or turn over a Greek Power of Attorney to any relative, friend or acquaintance in Greece – unless they are bonded/insured and or are a professional who may be held responsible and pay for unethical conduct, malpractice, or other damaging errors or judgments.
In the last 25 years, in which we have been working on U.S-Greek legal matters, we have seen thousands of situations where Greek relatives have gotten the Greek-American to sign over to them Greek Powers of Attorney (Πληρεξούσιο) and after that these “friends and relatives” have proceeded to take the property, transfer the property, steal the property or divide/deed a portion of the property improperly so they can benefit. We have seen many matters involving Greek attorneys who have been often (hired by our clients initially) and then make “side” or secret deals with relatives in Greece. When such lawyers “sell” the case, there is nothing (practically) the U.S. resident can do.
Very often, we draft a second Power of Attorney to revoke the first Power of Attorney that may have been improperly drafted or may be too broad. Greek-Americans should be especially concerned when Greek relatives or friends delay, are vague or do not provide information or are not precise about what should be done with regard to the Greek legal matter. Beware of relatives who often to do you a favor by “handling the matter for you”!! You do not need these kind of favors!
Greek Powers of Attorneys are the most dangerous instruments possible because there is no defense to a relative or Greek acquaintance steeling your property if a Power of Attorney gives them such broad power. A lawsuit for fraud or misappropriation for property against someone who holds a valid Power of Attorney that gives him the Power to transfer such property “as they see fit”, is not going to go anywhere in Greece. It is just not worth it to try to “save” money in this way.
Even worse, Greek litigation over such matters can take seven to eight years or more and costs tens of thousands of dollars. Have a trusted bonded lawyer (who can track down in the U.S. also!) and tell the Greek “friends” and relatives: “Thank you but no thank you!”
