Vakuusmääräys

Vakuusmääräys is a Finnish legal term that translates to "security order" or "bailiff's order for security." It is a legal instrument used in enforcement proceedings in Finland. When a creditor has a valid claim against a debtor, and there is a risk that the debtor might attempt to dissipate or hide their assets, the creditor can seek a vakuusmääräys from the enforcement authority (ulosottomies).

The purpose of a vakuusmääräys is to secure the creditor's claim by preventing the debtor from disposing of certain assets. It essentially freezes or places a lien on specific property, such as real estate, vehicles, or bank accounts, until the debt is settled or further court decisions are made. The enforcement authority will issue the vakuusmääräys after reviewing the creditor's application and verifying the existence of the claim and the risk of asset dissipation.

The vakuusmääräys does not immediately transfer ownership of the assets to the creditor, but it restricts the debtor's ability to sell, mortgage, or otherwise transfer them. If the debtor fails to pay the debt, the enforcement authority can then proceed with the forced sale of the secured assets to satisfy the creditor's claim. The process is governed by Finnish enforcement law.