Perintöasioissa

Perintöasioissa refers to matters related to inheritance in Finnish law. When a person passes away, their assets, known as the estate, are transferred to their heirs. This process is governed by specific legal provisions that determine who inherits and how the estate is divided.

The primary legislation concerning inheritance is the Inheritance Act (Perintökaari). This act outlines the order of succession, which prioritizes close relatives. Typically, children inherit first, followed by their descendants. If there are no descendants, the deceased's parents inherit. If the parents are also deceased, their children (the deceased's siblings) inherit, and so on. Spouses also have a significant role in inheritance, usually inheriting a portion of the estate, often with the right to use the marital home.

There are two main ways an estate can be settled: through a testamentary disposition or according to legal succession. A testamentary disposition, or will, allows the deceased to specify how their assets should be distributed, potentially deviating from the legal order of succession. If no will exists, the estate is divided according to the rules of legal succession.

The process often involves a formal inventory of the estate and a division of assets among the heirs. This can be a straightforward process if all heirs agree, or it can become complex if there are disputes or significant assets involved. Legal assistance is frequently sought to navigate the complexities of perintöasiat, ensuring that the process is conducted legally and fairly.