Stages of historical development of notariat in the era of digitalization

Notaries have existed since prehistoric culture, when there were links between individuals and communities. As a result of inequalities, there was a need to establish standards of behaviour, which led to the creation of law-related institutions. Notaries were established to publicly certify private deeds, create trust verify the legality of transactions, and protect the rights and interests of citizens. The rise and decline of Kyivan Rus are associated with the development of notaries. The development of notaries under the Magdeburg Law can be seen in the Lithuanian Statutes, the Rights of the Little Russian People of 1750, the Rights of the Little Russian People of 1807, the Judicial Statutes of 1864, and other documents. The state is developing the notary system. In 1993, Ukraine adopted a law on notaries. The concept of notary reform was approved in 2010. Ukrainian notaries adhere to European standards and use the latest technology. This improves citizens’ notarial services and access to them; in 2023, a decision was made on some Unified State Electronic Notary System issues, which consists of several interconnected information systems that automate notarial processes. The collection, processing, storage, protection, search, accounting and use of notarial information are part of these processes. The future of Ukrainian notaries depends on modern technologies to improve notarial services. This will improve the notary’s performance and increase its credibility. In addition, at this stage, it is necessary to improve the civil service and fight corruption in the notary. Notaries work in difficult conditions during the war. Notaries have played an important role in society since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Notaries worked in dangerous situations, protected archives, and provided notarial services. In the first months of the war, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine resumed registration of forms of documents, including inheritance, powers of attorney, real estate, business, and letterheads. The second phase of the land market reform has begun. Ukrainian legal entities can now participate in it. The government is giving notaries priority in formalising transactions. New procedures for registering primary construction have also protected investors’ rights. The state has granted notaries the right to register damages caused by the Russian Federation. According to the state act, a notary can help clients receive compensation for destroyed housing and purchase their own housing. Official financial supervision and fines are expected for notaries. Ukrainian notaries are performing well and retaining public trust, contributing to civilian change and economic stability and creating an even greater need for reform in wartime. The powers of notaries are expanding, and electronic notaries are gradually replacing paper notaries. Ukrainian society entered a new era after the adoption of the 1996 Constitution. Currently, the legal system and institutions of Ukraine require significant improvement. The Ukrainian Chamber of Notaries was established to adapt notarial practice to the ever-changing legal system of Ukraine. As the country becomes more law-abiding and democratic, the notary profession must change to maintain fairness and transparency while protecting the public interest. For the future development of Ukrainian society, it is necessary to reform legal institutions, especially notaries. To protect data, electronic signatures and personal identification are the next steps in the digitalisation of notaries. This will facilitate online transactions and reduce the number of legal procedures that require physical presence. The Ukrainian notary profession has a long history of verifying the authenticity of documents. Digital notaries improve the security and quality of services in the country. This reform demonstrates the modernity of the legal system in Ukraine.