Aviooikeus

Aviooikeus, literally “spousal right,” is a term used in Finnish family law to describe the rights and obligations between spouses related to property and finances during a marriage and in events that terminate the marriage, such as divorce, or in cases of death. It is part of the broader framework governing how matrimonial assets are treated and how spouses may use and manage those assets.

The concept sits within matrimonial property regimes and the legal arrangements spouses choose, including any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Aviooikeus covers questions such as ownership, use, and disposition of property acquired during the marriage, as well as responsibility for debts incurred by the spouses in the course of the marriage. The exact scope can vary depending on the applicable statutes and any agreements between the spouses.

In practical terms, aviooikeus influences how property and financial resources are divided upon divorce and may affect the surviving spouse’s rights in an estate upon a death. It is distinct from alimony or maintenance obligations (elatusapu), which concern ongoing financial support rather than property division.

Terminology and translations may vary; in some contexts aviooikeus is related to the Swedish term giftorätt, which describes a similar concept in their legal framework. Because the specifics are set by law and by any contractual arrangements, the exact rights under aviooikeus should be confirmed in current statutory text or with legal counsel.

See also: giftorätt, elatusapu, perintöoikeus, avioehtosopimus.