According to the Latvian Council of Notaries, the number of divorce certificates issued by certified notaries in Latvia experienced a slight decrease last year, with 4,239 certificates issued in 2023, down from 4,298 in 2022. This trend of issuing divorce certificates through notaries has remained relatively stable over the past few years, with numbers fluctuating but staying close to the average, peaking in 2024 with 4,284 certificates. The steady use of notaries for divorce proceedings suggests a specific legal framework in Latvia that makes such a process accessible for couples without disputes over joint property.

Divorces in Latvia can be processed through notaries when there is an agreement in place regarding the division of property, child custody, visitation, and child support. The practice of notary-mediated divorces has been in place for 15 years in Latvia, yet it is not a widespread method used across the entire European Union. According to the "European e-Justice" portal, notaries in a limited number of EU countries, including Spain, Romania, Greece, Estonia, France, Slovenia, and Lithuania, are authorized to officiate divorces. This adds a layer of complexity for those interested in understanding marital dissolution practices throughout Europe.

The legal role of notaries in Latvia has expanded since 2003, as they also handle inheritance cases, and since 2013, they have issued notarial enforceable acts. This development reflects the evolving legal landscape in Latvia, adapting to the needs of its citizens, though challenges remain for those wanting a more conventional divorce process. In the context of the larger EU legal framework, it raises questions about the standardization of divorce processes and the accessibility of notarial services across member states.