Lawyers in Poland allege systemic gender bias in family courts, granting mothers preferential treatment over fathers in custody cases.
Legal Standards Questioned
Lawyer Joanna Parafianowicz highlights unequal burdens: Mothers must prove “exceptional circumstances” to lose custody, while fathers must actively demonstrate fitness. She notes no presumption of proper fatherly conduct exists.
Perceived Judicial Bias
Eliza Kuna claims judges inherently view mothers as primary parents. She argues fathers only gain equal consideration if mothers exhibit severe dysfunction, like substance abuse or abandonment.
Testimony and Credibility
Jolanta Molska-Jerin observes women are immediately perceived as victims. She asserts courts often grant credence to emotional declarations without rigorous scrutiny, though practices vary across jurisdictions.