Täytäntöönpanolaki

Täytäntöönpanolaki, or the Enforcement Act, is a fundamental piece of Finnish legislation that governs the process of enforcing court judgments and other legally binding decisions. It provides the framework for how creditors can collect debts and how other enforceable titles can be realized. The law outlines the roles and responsibilities of enforcement authorities, such as the Enforcement Office (ulosottovirasto), and details the various enforcement measures that can be taken.

The Act covers a wide range of enforcement scenarios, including the seizure of assets, the garnishment of wages, and the sale of movable and immovable property. It also addresses specific situations like enforcing maintenance obligations and international enforcement. A key principle enshrined in the Täytäntöönpanolaki is the protection of the debtor's essential livelihood, meaning that certain assets or income portions are exempt from enforcement to ensure basic living standards.

The process typically begins with a creditor obtaining an enforceable title, which is a document confirming a debt or obligation, such as a court judgment or a payment order. The creditor then applies to the Enforcement Office for enforcement. The Enforcement Office then serves the debtor with a notice and, if no voluntary payment or other resolution is reached, proceeds with the enforcement measures as prescribed by the law. The Täytäntöönpanolaki aims to strike a balance between the creditor's right to have their claims satisfied and the debtor's right to a minimum standard of living.