How long does the divorce case take in Poland?

How long does the divorce case take in Poland?

Divorce proceedings in Poland depend on numerous factors. Factors determining the length of the proceedings include whether the spouses want to end their marriage with or without demonstrating the guilt of one of the spouses.

As a rule, from the submission of the divorce petition to the day of the first hearing elapses a period of 2 to 4 months. During this time, the petition is sent by the Divorce Court to the other spouse who can file a response to the divorce petition and state his position there.

A well-written divorce petition may speed up a trial and a Divorce Court in Poland may issue a divorce verdict at the first hearing. This will happen in most cases in which the spouses will not seek to determine which of the spouses is to blame for the breakdown of the marriage.

In some cases, when the parties have minor children, the Divorce Court case may extend the proceedings to obtain an expert opinion to determine which parent should be entrusted with full parental authority over the children.

If there is a dispute between the spouses about who is to blame for the breakdown of the marriage, the divorce case can last a long time.

Obtaining a divorce verdict issued by a Divorce Court of first instance does not always mean the end of the proceedings. It is possible to appeal to the Court of Second Instance in Poland, which extends the proceedings for another 4 months.