Hyväksymisperimys

Hyväksymisperimys, a Finnish legal term, translates to "beneficial succession" or "acceptance of inheritance." It refers to a situation in Finnish inheritance law where an heir implicitly accepts an inheritance by their actions or inaction. This contrasts with an explicit declaration of acceptance or rejection made to the relevant authority.

When an heir acts in a manner that suggests they consider the estate to be theirs, this can be construed as an acceptance of inheritance. Examples of such actions include selling or using property belonging to the deceased, paying the deceased's debts, or making arrangements for the deceased's funeral expenses. If an heir takes no action to reject the inheritance within the statutory period of three months from being notified of their right to inherit, and their conduct indicates acceptance, the inheritance is considered accepted.

This concept is important because it can lead to an heir becoming personally liable for the deceased's debts. If the estate's debts exceed its assets, the heir who has accepted the inheritance through their actions or inaction may be required to pay these debts from their own assets. This is why it is crucial for heirs to understand the implications of their behavior and to seek legal advice if they are unsure about their rights and obligations. The default position in Finnish law is that an inheritance is accepted unless explicitly rejected.