I want a divorce – what needs to be done?
5 tasks in suggested order
1. Prepare the divorce petition, specify your stance on the issue of fault, and attach the required documents and proof of payment.
Once the decision to divorce has been made and you have the information needed for the petition.
The regional court (sąd okręgowy) with jurisdiction under procedural rules—not just any court in a chosen city.
Marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, petition, evidence, and the parties' details.
Court jurisdiction depends on statutory rules regarding the spouses' place of residence.
Official source: gov.pl
2. If you have minor children, prepare proposals regarding parental authority, place of residence, contact arrangements, and child support, as well as documents concerning the children's needs.
Before the hearing and during the proceedings.
The court and, if necessary, a court-appointed guardian or appropriate family support services.
Information regarding the children, living expenses, care arrangements, housing, and parental income.
The court assesses the dissolution through the prism of the child's best interests; a parental agreement does not always end judicial oversight.
Official source: gov.pl
3. Make separate arrangements regarding joint assets, loans, the lease, and the use of the apartment; update the relevant registers and banks regarding real estate or contracts.
By means of an agreement concluded before or after the divorce, or in separate proceedings.
Notary/court, bank, apartment owner, and land and mortgage register—depending on the specific asset.
List of assets and debts, contracts, valuations, and real estate documents.
A divorce decree does not automatically release a spouse from a loan or transfer property ownership.
Official source: gov.pl
4. If you want to return to the surname you used before marriage after divorce, submit a declaration at a Civil Registry Office or before a consul.
You have a strict deadline of 3 months from the date the divorce judgment becomes final. After that, returning to the previous surname requires a separate administrative name-change procedure.
At any Civil Registry Office; abroad, before a Polish consul.
Final divorce judgment and current identity documents.
A name change does not automatically update all documents, bank records, and contracts.
Official source: gov.pl
5. After divorce, check where a change of surname, address, or household composition affects benefits, taxes, insurance, tenancy, or joint contracts.
After the actual or legal change, according to the rules for the specific matter or contract.
ZUS (Social Insurance Institution), municipality/Social Welfare Centre (OPS), employer, tax office, and specific service providers. (official Polish name: urząd skarbowy)
Court judgment or agreements, new address, children's details, and case or contract numbers.
Each benefit and contract requires a separate assessment.
