Chile implements mandatory retirement age for notaries and conservators

A total of 35 notaries, conservators, and archivists in Chile have ceased their functions following the implementation of Law 21.772. The new legislation establishes a mandatory retirement age of 75 for these judicial auxiliary roles, effectively ending the practice of life-tenured positions.

The departing officials have an average age of 81. In the Biobío Region, four officials—Ramón García Carrasco, Omar Retamal Becerra, David Garretón Rodríguez, and Juan Antonio Puga Lozano—have left their posts. In the Chillán area, the Court of Appeals has requested the Ministry of Justice to open public competitions for vacancies left by César Fuentes, Marcelo Riesco, and Raúl Leiva. Until new appointments are confirmed by the National Civil Service, these offices will be managed by interim lawyers.

The reform also introduces several structural changes, including the requirement for advanced electronic signatures, the creation of free digital repositories for public consultation, and the establishment of price ceilings for services. Future appointments will be conducted through public competitions overseen by the High Public Management System (SADP) to prevent nepotism.