A couple of Polish citizens living in the USA typically has a choice of court, which significantly impacts the outcome; this article addresses jurisdiction, recognition of divorce judgments, implications for conditional Green Cards and naturalization paths, and enforcement of alimony between Poland and the USA.
Taking a child without the consent of the other parent can be unlawful even in the absence of a custody ruling; this article explains when a departure constitutes kidnapping under the Hague Convention, the implications of the one-year mark, which of the eleven district courts will hear the case, how the suspension of a valid return order works, and the difference between civil unlawfulness and criminal liability.
A complete template for an inheritance claim to fill out yourself (version after a will and after a gift), current court fees with the new limit of 100,000 PLN, the proper court, demand for payment and interest, installments under Article 997(1) of the Civil Code, and 7 mistakes from old templates circulating online. Legal status: July 2026, verified against the consolidated texts of the Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and the Law on Court Costs.
How much can be donated without tax and formalities, why the donor must transfer money to an account (NSA resolution on cash), SD-Z2 online within 6 months, punitive 20%, donations from both parents, and transfers to and from the USA. Legal status: July 2026, verified against legislative texts, case law, and irs.gov.
This article explains why only half of the joint property plus the deceased's personal assets are included in the estate, what flows aside from the estate (policies, ZUS/OFE, PPK, bank instructions), the shares of the spouse and children, and how to combine the division of property with the estate division.
Who is entitled to an inheritance right, how much it amounts to, how to account for gifts (even from decades ago), from whom to demand money and in what order, deadlines, court costs, and taxes – plus defense against inheritance rights and 30 proven tips.
A practical step-by-step guide through the first hours, days, and weeks after the death of a loved one: from the declaration of death and death certificate, through registration at USC and death record, funeral and funeral benefit (7,000 PLN from 2026), to notifications to ZUS, banks, and inheritance matters, including deadlines for 2026, a table of whom to notify, a comprehensive checklist, and a separate section for the Polish diaspora.
A guide for Poles living abroad who need to handle formalities in Poland after the death of a loved one, explaining how to remotely obtain a Polish death certificate, when a transcription of a foreign certificate is needed, how apostille and sworn translation work, how the consulate can assist, and how to establish a power of attorney for inheritance, ZUS, and banking matters from abroad, along with a table of issues, where and how from abroad, and inheritance and tax deadlines.
Inheritance involves not only assets but also debts; this article explains who inherits by law, why an unmarried partner receives nothing, how to accept or reject an inheritance within 6 months (and why to consider children), how to confirm inheritance rights with a notary or in court, what legitimacy and division of inheritance entail, how to settle taxes (SD-Z2), and how to secure oneself during life, with references to regulations and considerations for the Polish diaspora.
A will allows you to independently decide the fate of your assets and secure your loved ones; we explain the types of wills (holographic, notarial, allographic), three conditions for the validity of a holographic will, the difference between a regular bequest and a testamentary bequest, disinheritance and forced heirship, where to store a will, and considerations when drafting it, along with a list of common mistakes and tips for the Polish diaspora.
After the death of a loved one, the account may be blocked, powers of attorney cease to function, and some benefits from ZUS must be returned, leading to panic; this guide explains what happens to individual and joint accounts, what a death benefit disposition is, what needs to be returned to ZUS, how the family can find all accounts of the deceased, and how to secure loved ones during their lifetime, all referencing the regulations.
Inheritance from a relative in PL/USA – which law applies, taxes, court procedures, how to accept/reject.
A complete list of offices, documents, and deadlines: ZUS, consulate, death certificate, asset division – step by step.