Ulositus

Ulositus is a Finnish legal term that refers to the enforcement of a judgment or a debt. It is a process by which a creditor can compel a debtor to fulfill their obligations, typically through the seizure and sale of the debtor's assets. This process is governed by Finnish law, primarily the Enforcement Code (ulosottolaki).

The ulosottovirasto, or Enforcement Office, is the state authority responsible for carrying out ulositus. A creditor initiates the process by applying to the Enforcement Office for a writ of execution, which is then served on the debtor. If the debt is not paid voluntarily, the Enforcement Office can take measures to seize the debtor's property, including bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other valuables.

These seized assets can then be sold at auction, with the proceeds used to satisfy the creditor's claim. There are legal limitations on what assets can be seized to ensure the debtor has a basic standard of living. For example, essential household goods and a certain amount of income may be protected from seizure. Ulositus can also involve wage garnishment. The process aims to provide a legal framework for resolving unpaid debts and enforcing court decisions.