Polish Sejm Passes Law Allowing Divorces at Registry Offices Starting 2027

The Polish Sejm passed legislation on March 13, 2026, that introduces the possibility of obtaining a divorce at the Registry Office instead of a courtroom. The new regulations were approved to simplify the legal process for couples who have reached a mutual agreement to end their marriage. This reform specifically targets marriages where there are no minor children involved, allowing for a faster administrative procedure. Lawmakers intend for this change to alleviate the significant backlog currently facing the Polish judicial system. The measure passed with the goal of making the dissolution of marriage less adversarial and more efficient for eligible citizens. Supporters of the bill have characterized the move as a long-awaited modernization of family law.

The new regulations are scheduled to officially come into effect in 2027, providing a transition period for administrative offices to prepare for the new responsibilities. Under the approved framework, both spouses must provide mutual consent to the divorce before a Registrar of Civil Status to finalize the separation. If the couple has children under the age of 18, the case must still be handled by a traditional court to ensure the welfare of the minors is protected. The administrative path will not be available in instances where there is a dispute over the division of assets or alimony that requires judicial intervention. Officials noted that the process at the Registry Office will be designed to be as straightforward as a civil wedding ceremony.

Legal experts and proponents of the reform have described the shift as a "real relief" for the judiciary and for couples seeking a dignified end to their relationship. By moving uncontested cases out of the courts, the government expects to reduce the average waiting time for divorce proceedings across the country. Historically, divorce in Poland has been a strictly judicial process requiring a court ruling on the breakdown of matrimonial life. This system often led to lengthy wait times in major metropolitan areas, even for uncontested cases where both parties were in agreement. Previous legislative efforts in the early 2000s focused on mandatory mediation, but the requirement for a court appearance remained a legal necessity for all couples until this 2026 reform. The reform is part of a broader effort to streamline civil procedures and reduce the administrative burden on the Polish court system.

The legislation received support in the Sejm as a pragmatic solution to the high volume of family law cases currently handled by regional courts. While the administrative divorce will be faster, it maintains the legal gravity of a court-issued decree, with the Registrar empowered to issue a certificate that carries full legal weight. The final adoption of the law marks a significant shift in how the state manages personal legal transitions for its citizens. 2027 (year) — scheduled implementation of the new divorce law Divorce Procedure Reform: Venue (before: Mandatory court hearing, after: Registry Office option); Eligibility (before: All married couples, after: Couples without minor children); Requirement (before: Judicial ruling, after: Mutual administrative consent) Path to Administrative Divorce: — ; —