Law Firm Assists Clients in Overcoming Bank Refusal to Release Inherited Funds

Our law firm recently represented heirs in a cross-border inheritance matter involving assets in Lithuania. The heirs had inherited their late father’s estate under a Grant of Administration issued by the High Court Probate Office in Ireland. However, a Lithuanian bank refused to recognise their entitlement and release the estate funds.

The case was complicated by the fact that Ireland is not a party to Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, does not issue European Certificates of Succession, and has no bilateral treaty with Lithuania on legal assistance in civil matters. This created significant legal barriers for the heirs.

On behalf of our clients, our law firm filed an application with the Court of Appeal of Lithuania seeking recognition and enforcement of the Irish Grant of Administration. The law firm successfully argued that the Irish Probate Office qualifies as a “court” under EU law and that its decisions should be recognised in Lithuania under the Code of Civil Procedure provisions on foreign judgments. The court agreed and recognised our clients as the rightful heirs.

Following the judgment, we assisted in securing the transfer of the inherited funds from the Lithuanian bank to the heirs abroad.

This case highlights the firm’s expertise in cross-border succession and the enforcement of foreign probate decisions. It also reflects our wider experience in disputes where Lithuanian banks withhold or freeze funds—whether in inheritance matters, AML (anti-money laundering) checks, or other contexts.

The law firm regularly assist both private individuals and businesses in ensuring that lawfully held funds are released.

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