Perinnönjaolle

Perinnönjaolle refers to the division of an estate among heirs in Finnish inheritance law. When a person passes away, their assets and debts constitute their estate. The process of dividing this estate is known as perinnönjako. This division is typically carried out after the estate inventory (perukirja) has been completed, which lists all assets and debts.

There are two main ways perinnönjako can occur: through an agreement between the heirs or through a court-appointed partitioner (pesänjakaja). If all heirs are in agreement, they can voluntarily decide how to divide the estate amongst themselves. This often involves discussions and negotiations to ensure everyone's inheritance rights are respected according to the law.

If the heirs cannot reach an agreement, any heir can petition the district court to appoint a pesänjakaja. The pesänjakaja is an impartial professional, usually a lawyer, who is responsible for conducting the division. They will consider the estate inventory, legal inheritance shares, and any specific testamentary wishes of the deceased, and then create a formal division proposal (jakokirja). This proposal is then presented to the heirs, and if accepted, it becomes legally binding. If not accepted, the court may have to make the final decision. The aim of perinnönjako is to equitably distribute the deceased's property and settle their debts.