õiguskehandiga

õiguskehandiga is an Estonian legal term that translates to "with legal capacity" or "having legal standing." It refers to an individual or entity that possesses the ability to perform legally binding actions, such as entering into contracts, owning property, suing, or being sued. In essence, it signifies that a party is recognized by the law as capable of participating in legal proceedings and holding rights and obligations.

Generally, natural persons acquire legal capacity upon reaching the age of majority, which in Estonia is 18 years old. Minors, however, may have limited legal capacity or require representation by a legal guardian for certain actions. Legal entities, such as companies or organizations, also possess legal capacity, which is granted to them upon their establishment and registration according to the relevant laws.

The concept of õiguskehandiga is fundamental to the functioning of any legal system. Without it, individuals and entities would be unable to engage in the activities that form the basis of commerce, personal rights, and societal order. A party lacking legal capacity cannot be held accountable for their actions in the same way as a legally capable party, nor can they effectively assert their own rights. Therefore, determining whether a party has õiguskehandiga is a crucial first step in many legal matters.