Polish government to speed up alimony claims with new fast‑track law

Poland's Ministry of Justice is preparing a comprehensive reform of family law that would introduce a fast‑track procedure for alimony claims. Parents could file an application electronically, and a court referee would issue a payment order within seven days of a complete filing, with the obligor having 14 days to lodge an objection. The draft also creates a category of “basic alimony” and ties the amount to the national minimum wage, adding automatic indexation and provisions for adjustment if parents' financial situations change. The reform clarifies that the duty to pay alimony generally ends when the child turns 25, unless the child has a severe disability. The changes are part of a broader effort to reduce conflict between parents, ensure stable conditions for children and improve the efficiency of the courts.

The proposal draws on input from judges, psychologists, family court curators and social organisations and is expected to be presented later this year.