The Polish government has drafted a new law allowing divorces to be granted by civil registry office managers, shortening the procedure and easing court workloads.
New Approach to Divorce
The draft bill would let divorces be granted by the head of a civil registry office (USC) instead of a court. Only couples without minor children, married at least a year, and both agreeing to separation would qualify. The ministry says this will speed proceedings and relieve courts. Currently, every divorce requires court action, often lasting months or years.
Two-Stage Procedure
First, the couple files a written statement asserting they meet all conditions for an out-of-court divorce. That statement is valid for six months. After at least one month, the pair returns to a USC—any office—to file a joint declaration dissolving the marriage. Only then does the manager record the divorce in the civil register, formally ending the marriage.
Manager’s New Powers
The USC head will verify that all requirements are met and may refuse to accept the statements if conditions are not satisfied, e.g., the couple still has minor children or their marriage remains intact. The manager’s refusal is not an administrative decision and cannot be appealed; the couple must then bring the case to court.
Possibility of Annulment
An out-of-court divorce may be annulled if, at the time of filing, the parties had minor children or one acted under error, threat, or ignorance of consequences. Annulment must then be pursued in court.
Reduced Court Caseload
Business Insider cited 2020‑2023 data indicating 42 % of Polish divorces involved childless couples. The government expects the new procedure to cut wait times and free up court resources, many of which handle cases involving consenting couples. The bill also emphasizes couples’ autonomy and self‑determination. The new regulations will take effect 12 months after publication in the Journal of Laws.