Polish family law: Regulations on divorce and inheritance

Legal frameworks in Poland govern complex family matters regarding divorce and inheritance. In divorce cases involving minor children, courts do not simply ‘assign’ a child to a parent. Instead, they must regulate parental authority, contact arrangements, and maintenance costs based on the best interests of the child. A divorce may be denied if the court determines the dissolution of the marriage would harm the well-being of the children.

Regarding inheritance, simply omitting a child from a will does not automatically prevent them from receiving assets. Under the Civil Code, children may still be entitled to a statutory share (zachowek). To effectively disinherit a child and remove this claim, specific legal prerequisites must be met and clearly stated within the will. Without meeting these strict criteria, the descendant retains the right to claim their portion of the estate.