The workload in the notary profession appears to be stabilising

The ever-increasing workload in the notarial profession over the past two years appears to be stabilizing. A total of 138,608 deeds were registered in the Central Digital Register (CDR) in February, 4,782 more than a year earlier (3.5 percent). However, compared to the previous month, over 11 percent fewer deeds were registered. In 2020, the decrease between January and February was 8 percent.

The downturn in the real estate market is particularly striking. In December, it resulted in a record number of deeds. In January, the figures for transfer and mortgage deeds were also considerably higher than in the same month last year. However, last month showed a decrease of just over 2 percent in the number of registered transfer deeds compared to February 2020. The number of mortgage deeds executed was 8.4 percent higher than in February 2020. The increase in January compared to a year earlier was much higher: 23.5 percent.

Family practice is gaining some traction
The significant decline in the number of family law deeds in January did not continue in February. While the number of wills fell by over 2.5 percent that month compared to January 2020, in February that number was virtually the same as last year. The number of living wills was again lower than last year, but the " Sign Today for Tomorrow " campaign launched in early March may change that. The downward trend in the number of prenuptial agreements following the legislative changes a few years ago does not seem to have bottomed out yet. A significant decline of almost 17 percent can be seen here again. The number of cohabitation agreements and declarations of inheritance, however, is (once again) rising sharply: by 20 and over 21 percent, respectively, compared to February 2020.

Corporate law practice is doing well
The number of private limited companies established in February rose by 16 percent compared to a year earlier. However, the establishment of foundations decreased by over 7 percent. The increase in the number of amendments to the articles of association of foundations is striking. This number rose by a whopping 38 percent, likely due to the amendment to the Corporate Governance and Supervision Act on July 1st.

Number of new cases
The trend shown by the CDR registrations over the past two months appears set to continue in the coming period. Nearly half of the respondents who participated in the KNB monthly survey indicate a decrease in new cases in real estate law. For almost 33 percent, the number remained the same, and 20 percent indicated an increase. In family law, 30 percent indicated an increase. Over 12 percent noted a decrease, and for almost 60 percent, the number of new cases remained the same. The number of new cases in corporate law is relatively stable. For over 60 percent of respondents, the number of new cases remained the same, 24 percent saw an increase, and 14 percent a decrease.