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Paveldėjimas in Lithuania is regulated by the Civil Code and related legal acts. The law covers how a decedent’s assets pass to heirs, the rights of beneficiaries, and how debts are settled from the estate. It also governs how wills are created, challenged, and administered after death. Notaries and courts play key roles depending on whether there is a will and how complex the estate is.
In practice, the process often involves proving the decedent's assets and liabilities, identifying rightful heirs, and distributing property such as real estate, bank accounts, and shares. The goal is to ensure a lawful, transparent transfer of ownership while protecting the rights of statutory heirs and legatees. Because rules can be technical and change over time, many people seek professional guidance from a Lithuanian advokatas or notaras to avoid errors.
Understand that inheritance matters may require coordination across multiple agencies, including land registers and tax authorities. The rules distinguish between testamentary and intestate succession, and they address issues like debts and succession timing. Consulting a lawyer early can prevent delays and potential disputes later in the process.
Having a qualified attorney or advokatas on your side reduces the risk of procedural mistakes and helps you navigate both notarial and court proceedings. A legal professional can also explain the costs, timelines, and options for resolving disputes efficiently. In complex estates, professional guidance is often essential to protect your rights and interests.
The above acts are continuously amended. For the most up-to-date text and amendments, consult the official legal acts registry. See the sources below for direct access to current versions and changes.
“In Lithuania, notaries usually initiate estate administration when there is a will or when heirs are clearly identified; disputes typically move to court for resolution.”Source: Ministry of Justice and official registries - links provided in the Resources section
Paveldėjimas is the process by which a deceased person’s assets pass to heirs or legatees under Lithuanian law. It can occur with a will or without one (intestate succession). The Civil Code regulates who inherits and how debts are settled.
First, determine if there is a will. Then gather key documents such as death certificate, will (if any), and property records. Contact an advokatas or notaras to open the estate file with the appropriate authority.
Hire a lawyer if there are disputes among heirs, questions about a will’s validity, or complex assets such as real estate or shares. Legal counsel helps you navigate notary procedures and court filings.
Notaries often handle probate filings in straightforward cases. For disputes or where a court order is needed, you file with the appropriate Lithuanian court. The local jurisdiction depends on the decedent’s last residence and assets.
A notary administers estates with a will, authenticates documents, and prepares inventories for title transfers. They can issue official estate documents and coordinate with registers for property transfers.
Yes, you can challenge a will if you believe it was invalid due to lack of capacity, coercion, or other statutory defects. A lawyer guides you through the grounds, evidence, and timing for a challenge.
Renunciation is an option in some cases to avoid assuming responsibility for debts. A lawyer can assess whether renunciation is advantageous given the estate and creditors.
If the estate is simple and uncontested, a notary can handle the process efficiently. More complex or disputed estates may require court involvement.
Time limits exist for certain actions, such as challenging a will or notifying heirs. A lawyer can specify deadlines based on the case facts and local rules.
Uncontested cases may take a few weeks to a couple of months. Contested matters or estates with foreign assets can extend to several months or more depending on complexity and court schedules.
Prepare death certificate, any will, identity documents, property records, debt statements, and lists of heirs or beneficiaries. Additional documents may be required by the notary or court.
Costs include notary fees, court fees if applicable, and attorney fees. The total depends on case complexity and the value of the estate.
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