Heirs
Heirs (perilliset) are persons who have a statutory or will-based right to the deceased's property. The Finnish Code of Inheritance defines the precise order of succession that governs the distribution of property after death. Determining the heirs is an essential part of the estate inventory.
Order of Succession
The Finnish Code of Inheritance divides heirs into three parentelas. In the first parentela are the forced heirs, i.e. the deceased's children and their descendants. In the second parentela are the deceased's parents and siblings (and siblings' descendants). In the third parentela are grandparents and their children, i.e. uncles, aunts, and similar. Cousins do not inherit by statute.
Position of the Spouse
The spouse has a special position in inheritance. If the deceased leaves no forced heirs, the spouse inherits everything. If there are forced heirs, the spouse does not have a statutory right to inherit, but the surviving spouse has the right to retain possession of the shared home and ordinary household goods. The position of the surviving spouse can also be secured through a mutual will.
Estate Shareholder Status
All heirs are shareholders of the estate and participate in estate administration. Shareholders jointly decide on estate matters, and significant decisions require the consent of all shareholders. An estate administrator may be appointed to handle practical administration. An heir may also renounce the inheritance in writing. Read more about inheritance timelines in our article on estate inventory deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of succession in Finland?
The order of succession proceeds by parentela: 1) forced heirs, i.e. children and their descendants, 2) parents and siblings (and siblings' descendants), 3) grandparents and their children (uncles, aunts). The spouse inherits if there are no forced heirs. Cousins do not inherit by statute.
Are all heirs shareholders of the estate?
Yes. All heirs, the surviving spouse, and beneficiaries under a general will are shareholders of the estate, with the right to participate in estate administration and decision-making. Shareholder status begins at the deceased's death and ends at the distribution of inheritance.
Can an heir renounce the inheritance?
Yes, an heir can renounce the inheritance either in advance (during the decedent's lifetime) or after the fact (after death). The renunciation must be in writing and is usually done at the estate inventory proceedings. The renouncing heir's share passes to their substitute heirs.
Related terms
A legal entity formed by the deceased's assets and liabilities at the time of death.
A legal document by which a person determines how their property is to be distributed after their death.
A forced heir's legally protected minimum share of the inheritance that cannot be overridden by a will.
A statutory procedure to determine the assets and liabilities of the deceased's estate. Must be held within 3 months of death.
Read also
The estate inventory must be conducted within three months of the deceased's death. Learn about calculating the deadline, consequences, and requesting an extension.
A clear guide to estate banking matters: the deceased's account, paying bills, bank-specific instructions and required documents.
Guide to estate taxation: the deceased's final tax return, estate income tax, deadlines, deductions and practical guidance for the Tax Administration.