In Guayaquil, Ecuador, the municipal government has taken steps to simplify the process of extinguishing family patrimony for legal properties. Previously, the sheer volume of between 150 and 200 requests per month led to extensive delays, often extending the process to up to five months before a property owner could lift the burdens associated with their family patrimony. This cumbersome procedure involved multiple stages, including a review of requirements, reports from the municipal attorney’s office, and approvals from the Municipal Council before any cancellation could be submitted to the Property Registry.

In response to the backlog and inefficiencies of the process, the Municipality has enacted a new ordinance aimed at streamlining these procedures. Officially published in Special Edition No. 1092 of the Official Register on February 18, this ordinance is set to take effect on February 27. Jaime Tejada Franco, the secretary of the Municipal Council, highlighted the need for reform in light of the overwhelming number of applications that burdened local notaries and the municipal office, making it nearly impossible for property owners to efficiently manage their family patrimony.

The implications of this ordinance are significant for residents of Guayaquil who have faced prolonged waiting times and bureaucratic hurdles. By expediting the process, the municipality hopes to provide relief to property owners and foster a more efficient handling of patrimonial issues, encouraging compliance and easing the burden on local government services. This change reflects a growing trend in local governance where administrative efficiencies are prioritized to better serve the community's needs.