Ulosottaminen

Ulosottaminen, in Finnish law commonly referred to as enforcement, is the process by which a creditor’s legally due claim is collected by public enforcement authorities. It applies to monetary obligations arising from court decisions, notarially certified debt acknowledgments, or other enforceable instruments. The procedure is governed primarily by the Ulosottolaki (Enforcement Act) and carried out by the Ulosottovirasto (enforcement office).

The creditor must obtain an enforceable decision or document and submit an application to the enforcement office. The office then decides which coercive measures, if any, to apply to collect the debt. Common measures include wage garnishment (palkan ulosmittaus), attachment of bank accounts, seizure of other movable property, and, in some cases, forced sale of real estate or other assets. In certain circumstances, enforcement may also involve intercepting benefits or other income.

Certain protections apply to debtors. A portion of earnings or other income is protected to cover essential living costs, housing, and dependents, ensuring a minimum subsistence level. Exemptions and allowances vary by income and family situation, and there are procedures for adjusting or suspending enforcement in hardship or by reaching payment arrangements.

Debtors have rights within the process, including timely notification, access to information, and avenues to appeal or challenge decisions. They can propose payment plans or seek modification of enforcement terms, and, if payment is made in full or an installment agreement is reached, enforcement measures may be terminated.

Overall, ulosottaminen is the legally sanctioned mechanism for converting a creditor’s claim into actual payment through targeted enforcement actions, balanced by protections for the debtor’s basic financial needs.