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Where the case is heard and how it starts

A divorce in Poland is decided by the Regional Court (Sąd Okręgowy). Territorially, the competent court is generally the one for the district where the spouses last lived together, provided at least one of them still lives there; otherwise other rules point to the competent court. The case starts with a written petition setting out the request and the reasons, with the marriage certificate and, where relevant, the children’s birth certificates attached.

Court fees and other costs

The fixed court fee for a divorce petition is 600 PLN. If the divorce is granted without a ruling on fault at the joint request of the spouses, the court returns part of the fee – in practice half (300 PLN) – to the petitioner, and the spouses usually share the remainder. Further costs can arise: sworn translation of foreign documents, an expert opinion where parental matters are disputed, and lawyer’s fees. The court may also rule on which spouse bears the costs.

What determines the total cost

The statutory court fee is a fixed figure and, on its own, says little about what a case will cost. The final amount is driven by the scope of the dispute and the work it actually requires.

The factors that tend to increase cost are:

  • a request for a finding of fault;
  • numerous witnesses, or extensive electronic evidence;
  • disputes about parental authority, contact or maintenance;
  • sworn translations of documents;
  • service of documents abroad;
  • expert evidence;
  • interim applications for security;
  • an appeal;
  • a request to divide marital property within the divorce;
  • parallel proceedings in another country.

An uncontested divorce in which both spouses agree on the outcome requires a different scope of work from a contested international case involving children, allegations of fault and assets in several countries. Before a fee can be agreed, it helps to know what the other spouse is likely to dispute and what evidence already exists.

With or without a ruling on fault

The court can grant the divorce with or without deciding who is at fault. A no-fault divorce, where both spouses agree, is normally faster and simpler. A divorce with a ruling on fault requires evidence and usually takes considerably longer, but it can matter for maintenance between the former spouses, because the financial position of a spouse found solely at fault can be different.

How long it takes

An uncontested, no-fault divorce can sometimes be concluded in one or a few hearings over a number of months. A contested divorce – with disputes about fault, children or property – can take considerably longer, sometimes more than a year. Cross-border elements such as translations and service abroad can add time, which is a further reason to prepare the case carefully from the start.

Why no completion date can responsibly be promised

The duration of a Polish divorce depends heavily on matters outside a representative's control, including the court's caseload, service of the claim on the other spouse, the time needed to obtain documents from abroad, the number and availability of witnesses, disputes about children or maintenance, expert assessments, procedural applications, and any appeal.

A case can proceed more efficiently where the claim is complete, translations are prepared correctly and the parties already agree on the main issues. That still does not allow a fixed end date to be guaranteed, and a firm promise of one should be treated with caution.

The more productive question at the outset is which issues are genuinely disputed, and which can be documented or agreed before the first hearing.

Evidence and witnesses

In a contested case, especially on fault, the court hears evidence: the parties, witnesses and documents (messages, photographs, records). Where there are minor children, the court focuses on their welfare and may rely on expert opinions. Foreign-language evidence is submitted with sworn translations. Building the evidence properly at the outset avoids weak points later.

Procedure for foreign clients

If you live abroad or do not speak Polish, your lawyer conducts the case in Polish and keeps you informed in your language. You grant a power of attorney; foreign documents are translated by a sworn translator and, where required, apostilled or legalised. Personal attendance can often be limited and, in suitable cases, participation by video link may be possible, although the court may wish to hear the spouses at least once.

Property and maintenance – together or separately

Child maintenance is decided in the divorce; maintenance between spouses may also be claimed. The division of matrimonial property is usually dealt with in separate proceedings, particularly where there are assets in more than one country, although in limited situations it can be addressed within the divorce. Planning this split of issues in advance keeps the divorce itself efficient.

After the divorce: documents you will need

Once the judgment is final, you receive a copy and, for EU purposes, can obtain the standard certificate used to have the divorce recognised in other Member States. If you need the divorce reflected in another country’s records, that certificate or an apostilled, translated judgment is what you will present. Keeping these documents in order makes recognition abroad straightforward.

How to obtain a meaningful cost estimate

When asking for an estimate, it helps to state: the countries in which the spouses live; whether there are minor children; whether fault will be disputed; whether maintenance is sought; whether documents need translation; whether the other spouse is expected to cooperate; whether a property division is to be pursued; and whether any proceedings are already pending abroad.

A useful estimate distinguishes between:

  1. court fees and official expenses;
  2. translation, expert and service costs;
  3. the lawyer's fee for the agreed scope of work;
  4. work that cannot yet be predicted, and the circumstances in which it would arise.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a divorce in Poland cost?

The fixed court fee is 600 PLN. A no-fault divorce by joint request usually leads to a partial refund (half) of the fee. Additional costs may include sworn translations, possible expert opinions and lawyer’s fees.

How long does a divorce take in Poland?

A no-fault, uncontested divorce may take one or a few hearings over several months; a contested divorce can take over a year, and cross-border steps can add time.

Do I have to come to Poland for the hearing?

Often your attendance can be limited and, in suitable cases, video participation is possible, although the court may wish to hear the spouses at least once.

Can property be divided in the divorce?

Sometimes, but property division is usually handled in separate proceedings, especially where assets are in more than one country.