Perintöjakaminen

Perintöjakaminen refers to the division of an estate among heirs in Finnish law. When a person passes away, their assets and liabilities are collectively known as the estate. The process of perintöjakaminen ensures that these assets are distributed according to the deceased's will or, if no will exists, according to the legal provisions of inheritance.

The primary document guiding perintöjakaminen is often a will (testamentti), which outlines the deceased's wishes for their property. If a will is present, the division usually follows its instructions. However, even with a will, certain legal entitlements, such as the reserved portion for close relatives (lakiosa), must be respected.

If there is no will, Finnish inheritance law dictates the distribution. Spouses and children are typically the primary heirs. If there are no surviving children, parents and siblings may inherit. The law specifies the order and proportion of inheritance.

The perintöjakaminen process typically involves several steps. First, an inventory of the estate's assets and debts is compiled. Then, a formal division of the estate is conducted, often through a written agreement among the heirs, or if an agreement cannot be reached, through a court-appointed administrator or through a legal division process. This division is legally documented and finalized, ensuring clear ownership of the distributed assets. The process aims to be fair and legally sound, resolving the deceased's estate for the benefit of the heirs.