The divorce petition in Poland – what it must contain
The petition (pozew) sets the boundaries of the entire case: a Polish court rules only on what you actually ask for. Formal gaps trigger a request to supplement and cost you weeks. This guide shows what the petition must include and where self-filers most often slip.
Mandatory elements
Every divorce petition must state: the court (for the Poznań region this is the Regional Court in Poznań, or its divisions in Leszno or Piła), the parties with addresses and PESEL numbers, clearly worded claims, a statement of reasons, the signature and a list of attachments. A fixed court fee of 600 PLN is payable on filing.
The claims are the core
This is the most important part, because the court rules within the limits of your claims. You must specify whether you seek divorce with a ruling on fault (of one spouse or both) or without a ruling on fault; how parental authority, the child’s place of residence, contact and child maintenance should be arranged where there are minor children; and, optionally, spousal maintenance, use of the shared home or interim security for the duration of the case. A claim you omit is a claim the court will not address.
Grounds: show the breakdown
In the reasons you describe when and why the three marital bonds (emotional, physical and economic) ended, and you present evidence: documents, witnesses, correspondence. If you seek a ruling on fault, this is where you show the events and their link to the breakdown. It is about verifiable facts, not venting.
Attachments and fee
You typically attach the marriage certificate, birth certificates of minor children, income documents where maintenance is claimed, and a copy of the petition for the other party. The 600 PLN fee is fixed; if a no-fault divorce is granted on the spouses’ joint request, the court refunds half of it after the judgment becomes final. Those unable to pay may apply for exemption from court costs.
Common mistakes
Three recur: vague claims (asking “for a divorce” without settling the children’s situation), grounds without evidence, and a wrong address for the respondent that blocks service. Each adds weeks. A Polish attorney-at-law can draft the petition so the case starts cleanly the first time.
FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Poland?
No, Polish law does not require it, but a well-drafted petition avoids formal defects and delays. For contested cases or where children are involved, representation is usually worthwhile.
Can the petition be in English?
Documents filed with a Polish court must be in Polish; foreign-language evidence generally needs a sworn translation. Your lawyer prepares the petition in Polish on your behalf.
How much is the court fee?
A fixed 600 PLN, regardless of the spouses’ wealth. In a no-fault divorce granted on a joint request, the court refunds 300 PLN after the judgment is final.