How is an application for a summons checked?
If you are unable to pay a debt, the creditor can file an application for a summons with the district court. A process server will serve you with the application for a summons. It is important to read the summons because you have the opportunity to challenge the issues in it before the court hearing.
You must give a response to the application for a summons by the deadline set. If necessary, you may request an extension to the deadline from the district court.
In the application for a summons, the creditor will present claims and information about your debt, such as the basis for it, its amount, interest rate and collection costs. Compare this information with the promissory note. If you do not have a promissory note, you can ask the creditor for one.
You should also pay attention to matters such as:
- Are the debts mentioned in the application for a summons justified and all the collection costs reasonable?
Further information about complaining about an invoice or debt collection on the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s website - Are the terms of the credit clear and the interest rate unreasonable? In certain circumstances, you can ask for the interest and credit costs to be reduced or cancelled.
Further information about moderating instant loans on the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s website - Is the debt time-barred? If the general limitation period has not been properly interrupted or the final limitation period has expired, the debt may be time-barred. Time-barred debts cannot be collected.
Further information about time-barred debts on our website - Has there been a previous judgement on the debt? If it is an older debt, check whether there is a previous district court judgement on it. A debt judgement is only issued once for a debt. Check whether the debt is being collected through enforcement in the National Enforcement Authority of Finland’s electronic services, or check with the district court for any previous judgement. Please note that the district court will keep judgements by default for 10 years.
If you feel you need legal assistance with your case, a legal adviser can help you to draft a response and raise objections. Public legal aid is provided by the National Legal Services Authority. If you are not entitled to public legal aid, you can turn to a private law firm.