Edunvalvoja

Edunvalvoja is a Finnish legal term referring to a person appointed to manage the financial and personal affairs of an individual who is unable to do so themselves due to illness, disability, or other reasons. This appointment is made by a court, typically a District Court (käräjäoikeus), upon application.

The need for an edunvalvoja can arise in various situations, such as severe mental illness, cognitive impairment due to age or injury, or a prolonged period of unconsciousness. The court assesses the individual's capacity to manage their own affairs and determines the scope of the edunvalvoja's responsibilities. An edunvalvoja can be appointed for a specific task, such as managing a property sale, or for a broader range of matters, including income, expenses, healthcare decisions, and legal representation.

The edunvalvoja's primary duty is to act in the best interests of the person they represent, referred to as the "päämies." They are expected to manage finances prudently, ensure the principal's well-being, and make decisions in accordance with the principal's known wishes or what would be considered reasonable in their situation. The edunvalvoja is accountable to the court and often has to submit regular reports on their management. The appointment can be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances. In cases where the principal's affairs are very simple, a "edunvalvontavaltuutettu" (power of attorney holder) might be sufficient, but this is established by the individual themselves before they lose capacity, whereas an edunvalvoja is court-appointed.