Joanne Weir: Reconnecting with Lithuanian Roots – and Freedom

For me, restoring Lithuanian citizenship was about heritage, freedom, and family – truly all of the above.

The idea first took shape when my stepdaughters successfully reinstated their Polish citizenship. Watching their journey made me reflect on my own family history and my deep love for Europe. I had already explored my background through 23andMe and Ancestry, and what stood out clearly was how strongly my Lithuanian and Baltic roots came through on my father’s side. I look like him, I share some of his mannerisms, and that part of my family has always resonated deeply with me. Pursuing Lithuanian citizenship felt like honoring that connection.

I realized I might be eligible through my grandparents – much like my stepdaughters had done through their family line. At first, I spoke with the attorney they had used, but I quickly understood that it wasn’t the right fit for my case. I kept researching, and that’s when I found IN IURE. At the same time, my niece helped gather important family documents – she had actually written a school paper about our heritage together with my father, which turned out to be incredibly valuable.

Like many people, I assumed the process would be straightforward – and like many people, I learned otherwise. Initially, I thought my grandfather would be the easier path, until I discovered that when he arrived in the U.S. in 1913, Lithuania was still part of the Russian Empire. My grandmother, however, arrived in October 1921 – after Lithuania had regained its independence. That detail changed everything and ultimately became the key to our case.

In total, four family members applied – and all four of us successfully restored our Lithuanian citizenship.

I truly cannot say enough good things about working with IN IURE. The team is professional, responsive, and incredibly competent. What I especially appreciated was their transparency – they only take on cases they genuinely believe they can win, and their payment structure reflects that confidence. I always felt supported and informed.

But beyond professionalism, there was something more human. When my husband and I later visited Vilnius, Dainius and his wife took the time to meet us for lunch, introducing us to local food and drinks we had never tried before. That personal connection meant a great deal to us.

When our citizenship was finally approved, my husband and I opened a bottle of Champagne. I had the biggest smile on my face – and I’m pretty sure I let out a little scream. I immediately called my nieces and shouted, “WE GOT IT!” It was an incredibly freeing feeling, and I’m still filled with joy when I think about it.

Having Lithuanian – and EU – citizenship has deepened my appreciation for my heritage even more. My nieces are so inspired by the experience that another family member has already begun her own process. Interestingly, I had never visited Lithuania before receiving my citizenship. Then, eighteen months ago, my husband and I finally went to Vilnius – and completely fell in love with it. We talk about returning again and again. I was especially moved when I visited the church in Seirijai where my grandparents were married – I cried.

To anyone just starting this journey, I say: GO FOR IT. Be patient – it took 26 documents for me and my nieces, but it was absolutely worth it. And most importantly: work with IN IURE. They truly hold your hand every step of the way.