Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support in Poland - commonly called "alimenty" - is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial support for their children. In Staszow the basic framework is the same as elsewhere in Poland because family law is governed by national legislation. Courts decide the amount of support when parents cannot agree, taking into account the child's needs and the paying parent's ability to pay. If a parent does not comply with a court order, enforcement procedures are available through court bailiffs and state support systems.
You may want legal help in child support cases for many reasons. Complex income situations, disputes over the amount or duration of support, paternity issues, enforcement against a non-paying parent, cross-border cases when a parent lives abroad, and applications to the Fundusz Alimentacyjny or other state support programs are all examples where a lawyer's experience is valuable. Lawyers provide help gathering evidence, preparing court filings, representing you at hearings, negotiating settlements, and advising on enforcement options.
Key legal points relevant in Staszow include:
- Governing law: Child support matters are decided under the Polish Family and Guardianship Code. National rules apply in Staszow as in the rest of the country.
- Who can claim support: A minor child, and in certain cases a child who is of legal age but still dependent due to education or incapacity.
- How courts set support: Courts consider the child's actual needs, standard of living before separation, and the paying parent's income and ability to pay. There is no fixed nationwide formula - judges use discretion based on evidence.
- Duration: Support usually continues until the child becomes independent - commonly until 18, and often longer if the child is in full-time education or is incapable of self-support.
- Enforcement: If a payer fails to pay, enforcement is carried out by a court bailiff (komornik sądowy) using tools such as wage garnishment, freezing bank accounts, seizure of assets, and sale of property. Repeated non-payment can lead to administrative consequences and in extreme cases may trigger criminal proceedings.
- State assistance: If a parent does not receive ordered support, they may be eligible for payments from the Maintenance Fund - Fundusz Alimentacyjny - which provides interim support in specified circumstances. Local municipal offices handle applications and administration.
- Cross-border cases: When a parent lives abroad, EU regulations and international agreements may allow recognition and enforcement of Polish decisions or direct use of foreign legal channels for maintenance recovery.
Begin by gathering key documents - the child's birth certificate, proof of parentage if disputed, identification for both parents, proof of your income and expenses, and any evidence of the other parent's income. File a petition with the Family and Juvenile Division of the District Court that has jurisdiction over your place of residence - typically the Sąd Rejonowy in Staszow. A lawyer or the free legal aid point can help you prepare the petition and the evidence.
There is no single statutory percentage. The court assesses the child's needs - food, housing, education, health care, extracurricular activities - and the payer's ability to meet those needs based on income, assets, number of dependents, and living standards. Courts may request payslips, tax documents, and other proof of income and expenses.
Yes. Marital status does not affect the child's right to support. The parent who has custody can file for child support even if the parents were never married. Paternity may need to be established if not already recognized.
If a court-ordered payer refuses to pay, you can enforce the decision through a court bailiff. If the payer genuinely lacks means, the court may modify the amount. If enforcement fails, you may apply for support from the Fundusz Alimentacyjny administered by your municipal office, subject to eligibility rules.
Yes. Either parent can ask the court to change or terminate support if there is a significant change in circumstances - for example a major change in income, a change in the child's needs, or the child becoming financially independent. The court will review current evidence before deciding.
Typical documents include the child’s birth certificate, parents' ID documents, proof of custody or residence, proof of income for both parents - such as payslips, tax returns or business records - documentation of monthly expenses, evidence of any existing court orders, and any communications about payments. If paternity is in question, DNA test results or related records may be needed.
Duration depends on complexity and court workload. Simple cases where parties agree can be resolved in a few weeks to months. Contested cases with full evidentiary hearings, income disputes, or paternity issues can take several months or longer. Enforcement actions and appeals extend timelines further.
Enforcement is typically done through a court bailiff who can garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, seize movable property, and arrange for sale of assets. Courts can also order registration of arrears in debt registers, which affects the payer’s credit. In serious and prolonged refusal cases, there may be criminal consequences under Polish law.
If the payer lives abroad, international rules apply. Within the EU there are regulations to facilitate recognition and enforcement of maintenance decisions and to transmit claims between authorities. Your case may involve cross-border court cooperation. A lawyer experienced in international family law or the court can advise on specific steps.
Yes. Many municipalities provide free legal aid points - punkt nieodpłatnej pomocy prawnej - for eligible persons. There are also non-profit organizations offering family law assistance and legal clinics. If you meet financial eligibility criteria you may receive free representation or advice. Otherwise, local attorneys - adwokat or radca prawny - can assist for a fee and often offer initial consultations.
For help in Staszow consider the following local and national resources - visit or contact them for current procedures and locations:
- Family and Juvenile Division of the District Court - Sąd Rejonowy in Staszow for filing petitions and hearings.
- Local municipal office or city hall in Staszow - for applications to the Fundusz Alimentacyjny and information about social assistance.
- Municipal or county social welfare center - Miejski Ośrodek Pomocy Społecznej or Powiatowe Centrum Pomocy Rodzinie - for support services and guidance.
- Court bailiff offices - for enforcement of court orders.
- Free legal aid points - punkt nieodpłatnej pomocy prawnej - typically organized by the municipality for eligible residents.
- The national Ministry of Family and Social Policy - for information about family law programs and national policies.
- Regional bar associations and legal directories - to find an experienced family law attorney, either an adwokat or radca prawny.
- Child advocacy bodies - such as the Commissioner for Children's Rights - for broader child protection issues.
1. Gather documents - collect the child’s birth certificate, IDs, proof of income and expenses, and any prior court or administrative decisions.
2. Seek initial advice - visit a free legal aid point if you are eligible, or arrange a consultation with a family law attorney in Staszow to review your case and options.
3. Consider negotiation or mediation - when safe and appropriate, you may reach an agreed support arrangement with the other parent. A formal court approval of an agreement provides enforceability.
4. File a court petition if needed - your lawyer or legal aid advisor can help prepare and submit the petition to the Family and Juvenile Division of the District Court.
5. Prepare for enforcement if payments stop - keep records of missed payments and communications. If enforcement is required, contact the court bailiff and check eligibility for Fundusz Alimentacyjny.
6. Keep records - maintain a clear paper trail of payments, receipts, messages, and bank statements. These records are essential for court proceedings and enforcement.
If you need immediate legal guidance, contact a local family law attorney or your municipal free legal aid point to discuss your situation and next steps tailored to your circumstances.
