Pesänjakaminen

Pesänjakaminen is a Finnish legal term referring to the division of an estate after a person's death. It is a crucial part of the inheritance process, ensuring that the deceased's assets are distributed among their rightful heirs according to the law or their will. The process typically begins after the probate of the will or the determination of legal heirs if no will exists.

The division itself is usually carried out by a court-appointed executor or by agreement among the heirs. If an agreement cannot be reached, a court may order a pesänjakaminen. The executor's role is to identify all assets and debts of the deceased, pay off any outstanding debts and taxes, and then divide the remaining assets among the heirs. This can include real estate, money, investments, and personal belongings.

Finnish law dictates a specific order of inheritance, prioritizing spouses and descendants. However, a testator can alter this order through a valid will, though certain mandatory heirs, like children, still have a right to a guaranteed inheritance share, known as the "laglott." Pesänjakaminen aims to fulfill these legal and testamentary obligations fairly and transparently. The process can be complex, especially in cases with multiple heirs, significant assets, or disputes, and often involves legal professionals.