Initiation of a civil case

A civil case becomes pending when the written claims of a plaintiff arrive at a district court.

Plaintiff is the person who brings a case to a district court. The plaintiff submits their written claims which the court then process. Defendant is the person against whom the plaintiff makes their claims. The defendant is always reserved the right to submit a response to the plaintiff’s written claims. Both the plaintiff and the defendant can be private persons, corporations or organisations.

Written claims

The plaintiff must state each of their claims and the grounds to each claim in writing. The format of the written claims is not regulated, but there are provisions on the content of the written claims. The claims can be delivered to the relevant district court through an electronic service or by regular mail.

When the written claims arrive at the district court, the judge responsible for the case reviews the plaintiff’s claims and requests additional information if necessary. More information on processing of a civil case.

If the case pertains to a simple and undisputed matter, meaning it is a summary case, the written claims can be more limited than usually required. More information on summary civil cases (tuomioistuimet.fi).

Legal counsel

It is advisable to have legal counsel assist you in judicial proceedings. However, it is not required in Finland to have legal counsel. More information on attorneys (oikeuspalveluvirasto.fi).

Usually, the parties of civil cases pay for the legal assistance they need themselves. Legal assistance can be paid party or entirely with public funds, if a party of a civil case cannot afford to acquire the assistance they need and they do not have legal expenses insurance. More information on legal aid (oikeuspalveluvirasto.fi).

Some home insurance, real estate insurance, travel insurance, car insurance, corporate insurance or trade union member insurance policies include legal expenses insurance.