Polish divorces face prolonged court battles and upcoming civil‑registry reform

Michał Wiśniewski and his wife Pola appeared before the Warsaw District Court for their first divorce hearing. The court did not issue a judgment, and the couple was told that the proceeding could last several years, with no new hearing date set.

Separately, the Polish government is preparing a bill that would allow uncontested divorces to be finalized at civil‑registry offices rather than in court. If enacted, the rule would take effect on 1 January 2027 and apply only to marriages lasting at least one year, where both spouses agree to the divorce, there are no claims of fault, and no related separation or annulment proceedings are pending. The reform aims to reduce court workloads and accelerate simple divorces.