Certifiable service of a debt judgement 

In debt cases, the district court will issue a judgement by default if you do not contest the case after you have received the application for a summons. It is the creditor’s responsibility to certifiably serve you with the judgement. Certifiable service can take place, for example, via the electronic services of a debt collection agency, by email, registered letter or process server.

There is no statutory time-limit for certifiable service. Service may take place immediately or even years after the actual judgement has been handed down.

Once certifiable service has taken place, you have 30 days to appeal against the judgement by default. An appeal against a judgement by default can be used to seek the annulment or modification of the judgement. Such an appeal must state the claim and the grounds for modifying the judgement. 

Carefully check the judgement that you have been served. You should pay attention to matters such as:

• Is the debt mentioned in the judgement true and fair or are the collection costs unreasonable?
  Further information about complaining about an invoice or debt collection on the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s website
• Is the interest rate on the debt on which the judgement is based unreasonable or are the terms of the credit unclear? 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

A legal adviser will help you draft an appeal against the judgement by default and raise objections. Legal aid services are available from the National Legal Services Authority, if you are entitled to public legal aid. You can also turn to a private law firm.

The legal expenses insurance in your home insurance may cover the costs. Find out the terms and conditions of your insurance policy and how it covers you.

An appeal against a judgement by default costs EUR 610. As a rule, the costs of the proceedings are borne by the losing party.