Other Legal Assistance in Civil Matters

Information on foreign law

It is sometimes necessary to acquire information on the legislation of a foreign country in a matter pending in a court or before another judicial authority. In such a case, the authority may submit a request for information to a foreign country under the European Convention on Information on Foreign Law (Treaty Series 58/1990).

The Ministry of Justice functions as the Central Authority in Finland as defined in the Convention.

Furthermore, EU legal acts and international treaties in different special fields may contain provisions under which information on the legislation and judicial system of a foreign country may be requested.

Information on the national, international and EU legislation in civil and commercial fields, grouped according to topic, is also available on the website of the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters, accessible through the European e-Justice Portal . The Member States are responsible for providing the information contained on the website and keeping it up to date.

International access to justice

The Convention on International Access to Justice (Treaty Series 47/1988) of the Hague Conference on Private International Law includes provisions on legal aid, security for costs and enforceability of orders for costs, right to receive copies of entries and decisions, and physical detention and safe-conduct.