pesänselvittäjän

Pesänselvittäjä is a Finnish legal term referring to a person appointed to manage and settle an estate after a death. This role is typically undertaken when there are disputes among heirs, when the deceased has left a will that requires specific execution, or when heirs cannot agree on the division of assets. The primary responsibility of a pesänselvittäjä is to identify all assets and debts of the deceased, settle outstanding financial obligations, and then distribute the remaining estate to the rightful heirs according to law or the will.

The appointment of a pesänselvittäjä is usually made by a district court (käräjäoikeus) upon request from one or more of the heirs or creditors. The pesänselvittäjä must act impartially and in the best interests of all parties involved. Their duties can include valuing property, selling assets if necessary to cover debts, and preparing an estate inventory (perukirja) and a final distribution plan (jakoluettelo). The process aims to ensure a fair and orderly resolution of the deceased's financial affairs, preventing prolonged conflicts and legal complications. Once the estate is settled and distributed, the pesänselvittäjä's mandate ends.