äraarvamise

Eraarvamise is a concept in Estonian law that allows individuals to inherit property from their ancestors who have died without a will or without leaving any heirs. The term "eraarvamise" is derived from the Estonian words "era" meaning "ancestor" and "arvama" meaning "to calculate" or "to determine." This system is designed to ensure that the property of deceased individuals is distributed in a fair and orderly manner, even when there are no immediate heirs.

In Estonia, the eraarvamise process is governed by the Estonian Civil Code and is overseen by the Ministry of Justice. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Identification of the deceased individual and their property.

2. Determination of the deceased's closest living relatives, known as "eraarvamised."

3. Calculation of the share of the property that each eraarvamised is entitled to receive.

4. Distribution of the property according to the calculated shares.

The eraarvamise system is particularly relevant in Estonia due to the country's history of forced relocations and deportations during the Soviet era, which often resulted in the loss of family connections. This system helps to address the unique challenges posed by such historical circumstances, ensuring that the property of deceased individuals is distributed in a manner that respects their wishes and the legal rights of their relatives.