Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek announced the forthcoming “Parental Package” aiming to establish shared custody as the standard in Poland, prioritizing the child’s well-being.
Child’s Welfare Above Parental Conflict
Minister Żurek emphasized that a child is not the property of either parent, but an individual whose well-being must supersede any parental conflict. The Ministry of Justice is preparing the “Parental Package” to introduce shared custody as the standard practice.
Shared Custody as a Legal Tool
Żurek highlighted the importance of remembering that a child is a person whose welfare must come before parental disputes. The “Parental Package” aims to end the “painful division” of difficult court proceedings into “winners” and “losers.”
Addressing Parental Alienation
The Minister’s post on X (formerly Twitter) coincided with the observance of April 25th as Parental Alienation Awareness Day. Parental alienation is defined as conscious or unconscious actions by one parent that lead to the child’s isolation and aversion towards the other parent, often occurring in the context of divorce or separation.
Three Pillars of the Justice Ministry’s Reform
Minister Żurek had previously announced work on the “Parental Package” earlier this year. The package will encompass three key legislative acts.
Legislative Timeline
The first draft, concerning shared custody, was entered into the legislative work schedule on December 16, 2025. The government is expected to adopt the draft in the third quarter of this year.