PLEASE NOTE that this Outline does not constitute legal advice

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PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW BY HEIRS TO AN ESTATE

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1. Determine If There’s a Will

• Obtain the death certificate from the Civil Registry Office (Civilinės metrikacijos skyrius).

• This is the first document needed to begin inheritance proceedings.

2. Obtain a Death Certificate

• Wills are usually registered with the Register of Wills (Testamentų registras), managed by the State Enterprise Centre of
  Registers (Registrų centras).

• If no will: inheritance follows intestate succession rules (based on kinship, under the Civil Code of Lithuania).

3. Contact a Notary

• Inheritance in Lithuania is handled by notaries, not courts.

• You must contact a notary in the district where the deceased had their last place of residence.

• Find a notary through the Lithuanian Chamber of Notaries: www.notarurumai.lt

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4. Submit Application for Inheritance

• You must submit a formal statement to either:

  • Accept inheritance (priimti palikimą)

  • Renounce inheritance (atsisakyti palikimo)

• Deadline: 3 months from the date of death (or from the moment you become aware of your right to inherit).

• Submit to a Lithuanian notary or, if abroad, to a Lithuanian consulate.

• Required documents:

  • ID/passport

  • Death certificate

  • Proof of relation (birth or marriage certificates)

  • Copy of the will (if exists)

  • Information about estate (property ownership, bank accounts, etc.)

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5. Notary Initiates the Inheritance Case

• The notary opens the case (palikimo byla).

• A public announcement may be made in the Lithuanian Official Gazette (“Valstybės žinios”) or in other public channels.

• Other heirs and creditors may come forward within the 3-month term.

6. Waiting Period

• If requested, an inventory (palikimo apyrašas) of the deceased’s assets and debts can be drawn up by:

  • Notary

  • Court executor (antstolis)

  • Heirs (with notary assistance)

• This protects heirs from being liable for more debts than assets.

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7. Asset Identification & Debts

• Creditors must file claims within the inheritance period.

• Heirs must settle debts only up to the value of inherited assets.

8. Inheritance Certificate

• After confirming heirs and assets, the notary issues the Certificate of Inheritance.

• It legally proves your right to the inherited assets.

9. Transfer of Property

• Use the inheritance certificate to:

  • Register real estate in the Real Property Register (Nekilnojamojo turto registras).

  • Access bank accounts

  • Visit the local bank accounts owned by the deceased and present the power of attorney from the heirs or heir and the notary

  • decision the legal department of the bank or banks as well as the account representative

  • Return to the bank after some days when the bank lawyers approve the money transfer to the heir or heirs and sign the money

  • transfer documents

  • Transfer vehicle ownership

  • Update tax records

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10: Pay Inheritance Taxes and Notary Fees

• Spouses, children, parents, and some other close relatives are exempt from inheritance tax.

• Notary fees are based on estate value and are set by regulation.