Täytäntöönpanomenettelyjä

Täytäntöönpanomenettelyjä are legal procedures used in Finland to enforce court judgments and other legally binding decisions. These procedures are governed by the Execution Act (Ulosottolaki). The primary goal of täytäntöönpanomenettelyjä is to ensure that a debtor fulfills their obligations to a creditor, even if the debtor is unwilling to do so voluntarily.

The process typically begins when a creditor obtains a legally enforceable decision, such as a court judgment, a payment order, or a foreclosure order. The creditor then applies to the enforcement authority, the bailiff's office (ulosottovirasto), for enforcement. The bailiff's office will then initiate the enforcement proceedings.

Common enforcement measures include the seizure and sale of the debtor's assets, such as movable property (e.g., vehicles, electronics) or immovable property (e.g., real estate). Funds can also be seized directly from the debtor's bank accounts or wages through garnishment. In cases involving monetary debts, the bailiff's office collects the owed amount from the debtor and transfers it to the creditor.

The enforcement authority has the power to investigate the debtor's financial situation to identify assets that can be used to satisfy the debt. The debtor has certain rights during the enforcement process, and they can also apply for a stay of enforcement under specific circumstances. The execution act aims to balance the rights of both the creditor and the debtor, ensuring a fair and efficient process.