A significant increase in notarial wills is being observed in Poland, with citizens proactively safeguarding their estates and minimizing potential family disputes.
Notarial Wills See Rapid Growth in Poland
Poles are increasingly turning to notaries to draft their wills, reversing a previous trend of procrastination. Notarial offices are experiencing a noticeable rise in activity as individuals seek to ensure their affairs are in order and their loved ones are protected.
Data from the National Council of Notaries reveals a clear upward trend. In 2019, 143,870 notarial wills were executed, rising to 207,293 in 2025 – a 43% increase.
Notarial Register of Wills Shows Even Greater Increase
The Notarial Register of Wills demonstrates even more substantial growth, with entries increasing from 42,369 to 118,146, representing a 179% surge.
Why Choose a Notarial Will?
Notarial wills offer clarity and prevent conflicts, particularly in blended families where partners have children from previous relationships and separate assets. Precise stipulations in a notarial will clearly identify heirs, divide assets according to the deceased’s wishes, and protect both partners and children, reducing the risk of legal disputes.
Notarial vs. Handwritten Wills: Key Differences
The primary advantage of a notarial will is legal certainty. A notary ensures the document’s validity, explains the implications of each provision, and verifies compliance with regulations, minimizing documentation errors.
This is especially crucial for complex provisions, such as a direct assignment (zapis windykacyjny), where a specific asset—like a property—transfers immediately to a designated person upon the testator’s death. In contrast, beneficiaries under a handwritten will only receive a share of the estate, requiring a separate process to divide assets, often leading to family conflicts.
Cost of a Notarial Will in 2026
A basic notarial will costs 50 zł net, plus 23% VAT and a fee for each page of the notarial deed (6 zł per page). The total cost of a simple will typically ranges from 100-150 zł gross.
More complex documents, including those with direct assignments or disinheritance clauses, may cost around 200 zł net.
Disinheritance: A Complex Process
Disinheritance requires specific legal grounds, such as persistent neglect of family obligations or a crime against the testator. Without proper justification, a disinheritance clause can be challenged. A notary’s assistance is vital to avoid errors that could invalidate the testator’s wishes.
Accessing a Testament
Access to information in the register is only granted after the testator’s death. No one, not even family members, can access the information beforehand. To obtain information, one must visit any notary in Poland with the death certificate and identification.
