Vakuusmääräykset

Vakuusmääräykset, in Finnish law, refer to court orders or decisions that require a party in a legal dispute to provide a financial security, known as a vakuus, to cover potential costs or damages. These are typically issued in civil proceedings. The purpose of a vakuusmääräys is to ensure that the prevailing party can recover their legal expenses or any damages awarded to them, particularly if the opposing party might be unable to pay them later.

Vakuusmääräykset can be requested by either party in a lawsuit. For instance, a defendant might request security from a plaintiff who resides abroad or has limited assets in Finland, to ensure the plaintiff can cover the defendant's costs if the plaintiff loses the case. Conversely, in certain situations, a defendant might be ordered to provide security to guarantee the eventual satisfaction of a potential judgment against them, especially if they are suspected of trying to evade their obligations.

The amount and form of the security are determined by the court based on the circumstances of the case. The vakuus can take various forms, such as a cash deposit, a bank guarantee, or a pledge of assets. Failure to comply with a vakuusmääräys can have significant consequences, potentially leading to the dismissal of the case for the non-compliant party or the enforcement of the order through other means. These provisions are designed to uphold fairness and the enforceability of legal decisions.