Family Law · Poland
Experienced Family Law lawyers in Poland for your personal matters
Our network connects you with specialist advocates and legal advisers who handle Polish family law matters. From divorce and child arrangements to matrimonial property and inheritance, we help you find the right support. Tell us your situation and receive a shortlist within 24–48 hours.
- Matched with an adwokat or radca prawny
- Family law as practised in Poland
- Free, confidential and no obligation
No legal advice – we introduce you to a lawyer.
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Overview
Family law in Poland at a glance
Family law in Poland is governed by the Family and Guardianship Code of 1964 and handled by the ordinary courts, from district courts at first instance to regional and appellate courts. Whether you are facing a divorce, negotiating child contact, dividing the statutory community of property or defending a zachowek claim, local procedure and deadlines matter. Our platform matches you with Family Law lawyers in Poland who understand these rules and can represent you before Polish courts. Both adwokaci and radcowie prawni have equal rights of audience in family matters, and fees are agreed directly with the lawyer. We do not provide legal advice; we simply connect you with a suitable specialist for your case.
Local specifics
How family law works in Poland
Polish family proceedings follow the civil-law tradition: codified statutes rather than case law. The Family and Guardianship Code governs marriage, divorce, separation, parent-child relations and guardianship. Below are key points that often affect family law cases in Poland.
Ordinary courts and family matters
Family cases are heard by the ordinary courts: district courts as first instance, regional courts for some appellate and more serious matters, and appellate courts as second instance. The Supreme Court exercises cassation jurisdiction and unifies case law. Proceedings are conducted in Polish, and the Family and Guardianship Code provides the substantive framework.
Two legal professions with equal audience
Since 1 July 2015, both an adwokat (advocate) and a radca prawny (attorney-at-law/legal adviser) may appear in all courts, including family, appellate and Supreme Court proceedings. Both require a Polish Master’s degree in law, three-year professional training, a state examination and membership of their professional self-government.
Statutory community of property by default
Upon marriage, a statutory community of property (wspólność ustawowa) arises by operation of law between the spouses, covering assets acquired during the marriage, including earned income. Spouses may instead choose separation of property or a limited community in a notarial marriage property agreement, which is important in cross-border divorce and asset division.
Forced heirship and family claims
Polish succession law restricts testamentary freedom through the zachowek: descendants, the spouse and parents who would inherit on intestacy are entitled to a reserved portion of the estate. The reserved portion is half the intestate share, or two-thirds if the entitled person is a minor or permanently incapable of work.
Notarial form for real property and marriage agreements
A contract obliging a party to transfer ownership of real property must be concluded as a notarial deed. The same form applies to marriage property agreements where spouses wish to depart from the statutory regime. Notaries verify identity, capacity and legality; failure to observe the notarial form renders the act null.
Key time limit — Family Law
Periodic payments (rent, maintenance, interest) — 3 years. Claims for periodical benefits, such as rent, maintenance or interest, prescribe after three years (Article 118 of the Civil Code).
The data on this page is drawn from official Polish public sources and the European e-Justice Portal (verified 2025).
- European e-Justice Portal – National justice systems: Poland
- Naczelna Rada Adwokacka (Polish Bar Council)
- Krajowa Izba Radców Prawnych (National Chamber of Legal Advisers)
- Act on Advocates (Prawo o adwokaturze) of 1982
- Civil Code (Kodeks cywilny) of 1964
- Family and Guardianship Code (Kodeks rodzinny i opiekuńczy) of 1964
- Act on Court Costs in Civil Cases of 2005
- Labour Code (Kodeks pracy) of 1974
- Code of Administrative Procedure of 1960
- Act on Land and Mortgage Registers and Mortgage of 1982
Common concerns
Family law disputes can be overwhelming
We help you find a Polish lawyer who can explain your position and represent you.
Divorce and asset division
Untangling the statutory community of property, business assets or cross-border property requires a clear understanding of Polish law and the right notarial or court steps.
Child contact and maintenance
Disagreements over parental responsibility, contact schedules or maintenance payments need careful handling before Polish family courts, where procedural deadlines and local practice matter.
Inheritance and forced heirship
Zachowek claims and the six-month declaration period create pressure. Without local guidance, heirs can miss deadlines or accept liability for estate debts unintentionally.
Why use our matching
A calmer way to find the right family law specialist
We focus on your needs and the specifics of Polish procedure.
Verified specialists
We match you with advocates and legal advisers who practise Polish family law and are listed with the NRA or KIRP.
Clear next steps
You receive a shortlist and can compare how each lawyer would approach your matter, without any obligation to instruct.
Free and confidential
Our matching service is free. Your request is handled discreetly and you choose whether to proceed with a lawyer.
Local procedural knowledge
The lawyers in our network understand Polish court tiers, deadlines and notarial requirements for family and property matters.
Find lawyers in other countries
Family law across Europe
If your family matter involves another jurisdiction, we can also help you connect with specialists in neighbouring and other European countries.
Questions and answers
Family law in Poland – FAQs
What can Family Law lawyers in Poland help me with?
Family Law lawyers in Poland provide representation and advice on divorce, child contact, maintenance, matrimonial property division and inheritance claims. They prepare documents, negotiate settlements and appear before Polish district, regional and appellate courts. They never guarantee outcomes, but they explain the applicable Polish rules and risk.
How are matrimonial assets divided in Poland?
Upon marriage, a statutory community of property normally covers assets acquired during the marriage. On divorce or separation, spouses may agree on division or ask the court to decide. A notarial marriage property agreement can replace the statutory regime, which is especially relevant in cross-border cases.
What is zachowek and who can claim it?
Zachowek is the forced heirship claim under Polish succession law. Descendants, the spouse and parents who would inherit on intestacy are entitled to a reserved portion: half the intestate share, or two-thirds for a minor or permanently incapable of work.
How long do I have to accept or reject an inheritance?
You have six months from learning about your inheritance to make a declaration. If you do nothing, you are treated as accepting with the benefit of inventory, which limits your liability for estate debts to the value of the inherited estate.
Can a radca prawny represent me in family court?
Yes. Since 1 July 2015, both adwokaci and radcowie prawni have equal rights of audience before all Polish courts, including family and appellate courts. Both professions require a Polish Master’s degree in law, professional training and examination.
What are the main deadlines in Polish family and related cases?
Time limits vary: employment dismissal claims 21 days, inheritance declaration 6 months, administrative appeal 14 days, general contractual claims 6 years, and tort or periodic payment claims 3 years. A lawyer can confirm which deadline applies to your situation.
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Tell us briefly about your matter. We will match you with a Polish family law lawyer within 24–48 hours, free of charge and without obligation.