Greek Extrajudicial Declaration: Εξώδικη Δήλωση/Οχληρία

In Greek legal practice, the εξώδικη δήλωση (exodiki dilosi — extrajudicial declaration) or όχληση (ochlisi — formal demand) is the primary pre-litigation instrument. Unlike many European systems where a simple registered letter may suffice, Greek law and practice place great weight on the formal extrajudicial declaration served by a δικαστικός επιμελητής (dikastikos epimelitis — court bailiff).

Under Articles 340-341 of the Αστικός Κώδικας (Astikos Kodikas — Civil Code), the debtor is in default (υπερημερία — yperemeria) either automatically at the agreed due date (υπερημερία εκ του νόμου) or upon formal demand (όχληση). The extrajudicial declaration serves as both the formal demand and irrefutable evidence of notification.

Drafting and Service

An effective εξώδικη δήλωση should:

  • Be drafted in Greek, typically by a lawyer (δικηγόρος), though self-drafting is permitted
  • Clearly identify both parties with full details (ΑΦΜ — tax number, address)
  • Set out the factual and legal basis of the claim in detail
  • Demand specific performance (usually payment) within a stated deadline
  • Reserve all legal rights (επιφύλαξη παντός νομίμου δικαιώματος)
  • Warn of legal action including the filing of an αγωγή (lawsuit) or αίτηση για έκδοση διαταγής πληρωμής (application for payment order)

Service must be by δικαστικός επιμελητής, who delivers the document in person and produces an official report (έκθεση επίδοσης). Service by registered mail is generally NOT accepted as equivalent for formal extrajudicial declarations.

The Διαταγή Πληρωμής (Payment Order)

Greece\'s διαταγή πληρωμής (diatagi pliromis — payment order) under Articles 623-634 of the Κώδικας Πολιτικής Δικονομίας (Kodikas Politikis Dikonomias — Code of Civil Procedure, KPolD) is a powerful fast-track judicial instrument. The creditor applies ex parte to the Ειρηνοδικείο (Eirinodikeio — Magistrates\' Court) or Μονομελές Πρωτοδικείο (Monomeles Protodikeio — Single-Member Court of First Instance) for immediate issuance of a payment order.

The court issues the order based solely on the creditor\'s documentary evidence — no hearing is required. The debtor has 10 working days from service to file an ανακοπή (anakopi — objection). If no objection is filed, the payment order becomes a fully enforceable title (εκτελεστός τίτλος) equivalent to a court judgment.