perinnönjaosta

Perinnönjako is the legal process in Finland for dividing the estate of a deceased person among their heirs. This process typically begins after the funeral and involves several key steps. Initially, a preliminary inventory of the deceased's assets and liabilities is conducted. This includes all property, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings, as well as any outstanding debts.

Following the inventory, a formal inventory document is prepared, which is then filed with the relevant court or authority. The next crucial stage is the actual distribution of the estate. This can occur in two primary ways: either through an agreement reached by all the heirs, known as a "perinnönjako sopimuksella," or through a court-appointed administrator if the heirs cannot agree, leading to a court-ordered distribution, or "perinnönjako toimitusjakona."

If the heirs agree, they can draft a distribution agreement outlining how the assets will be divided, respecting the legal inheritance shares defined by Finnish law. This agreement must be signed by all adult heirs and witnessed. If an agreement cannot be reached, one or more heirs can petition the district court to appoint an administrator. The administrator's role is to conduct the distribution impartially, often involving the valuation and sale of assets to ensure a fair division according to legal entitlements. Once the division is finalized, either by agreement or by court order, it becomes legally binding, and the heirs officially inherit their respective portions of the estate.