Justice Ministry Unveils “Right to Childhood” Family Law Reform Package

During a Wednesday press conference on June 17, the Ministry of Justice introduced a new legislative package aimed at shielding children from the fallout of parental disputes in family court.

Shifting Focus to the Child

Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek stated that the “Right to Childhood” package aims to end the practice of treating children as objects in parental conflicts. The ministry emphasizes that the primary objective of these reforms is to ensure a secure upbringing and maintain the child’s well-being despite legal disputes between parents.

Defining Shared Custody

A core pillar of the reform is the introduction of “shared custody” into the family and guardianship code. Judge Dorota Łopalewska, head of the Department of Family and Juvenile Affairs, clarified that this does not mandate a rigid 50/50 split, but rather encourages parental cooperation and the active presence of both parents in the child’s life.

Fast-Track Alimony and Enforcement

The package introduces an electronic alimony order system, allowing judicial referendaries to issue quick decisions based on minimum wage and the number of children. This move is designed to relieve the burden on family judges and minimize evidentiary proceedings.

Strengthening Legal Accountability

The ministry is working on measures to ensure court decisions in family cases are respected, including accountability for non-compliance. Minister Żurek stated the project will undergo the standard legislative process, with the goal of fostering cooperation among adults to protect the daily lives of children.