Finland is contemplating a significant reform involving the potential introduction of electronic wills and a centralized national will registry. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice, aims to improve the security and accessibility of wills, ensuring they are preserved and can be easily located when needed. Currently, the ministry has sent an evaluation memorandum on the project out for public consultation to gather feedback from interested stakeholders.

The proposed electronic will system is intended to facilitate smoother inheritance processes, benefiting both the testators (those who create wills) and their beneficiaries. By centralizing the registration and storage of these important legal documents, the reform hopes to make the execution of estates less cumbersome and reduce the potential for disputes or lost documents. Although the move towards digitization is a key aspect of the reform, individuals will still retain the option to create traditional paper wills, addressing concerns about accessibility for those less comfortable with technology.

This initiative reflects a broader trend towards modernization within the legal frameworks of Finland, aligning with advancements in technology while maintaining traditional options. By increasing the efficiency of will administration and inheritance procedures, the reform could significantly impact Finnish society, especially as the population ages and the need for clear testamentary arrangements becomes more prominent.