The Ministry of Justice is working on introducing so-called basic alimony, a new benefit linked to the minimum wage. The procedure is set to be simplified to the maximum – parents will be able to file claims online, and courts will have to issue payment orders within seven days, with immediate enforceability.
The proposed regulations aim to provide swift financial support for children when the other parent fails to meet their alimony obligations. The key innovation is the automation of the process: the system will be integrated with public registers like PESEL, automatically verifying family ties, eliminating the need for submitting birth certificates.
Under the plan, a court referendary (not a judge) will issue an alimony payment order within a week of receiving a complete and correctly filled application. The order will be immediately enforceable, and if the debtor fails to pay, the case will be forwarded to a bailiff.
Alimony amounts tied to minimum wage
The basic alimony amount will be a percentage of the minimum wage and will vary depending on the number of children. According to information from the Ministry of Justice, the current proposed figures are: 1009 PLN for one child, 913 PLN for two children, and 817 PLN for three or more children. The amounts will be automatically adjusted annually from March 1, in line with minimum wage increases.
If the child’s needs increase or the financial situation of either parent changes, either party can request a court to modify the alimony amount.
Fast track and right to appeal
The parent against whom the order is issued will have 14 days from receipt to file an objection. If an objection is submitted, the order loses its validity and the case goes to regular court proceedings. However, to ensure uninterrupted support for the child, the court will simultaneously secure the alimony for the duration of the trial.
The entire process is designed to be digital and extremely simple. The petitioner will only need to submit a statement confirming that the other parent is not providing financial support. The system will automatically retrieve the necessary data from official registers.
– The new system is a breakthrough in enforcing alimony obligations – it significantly speeds up the process and reduces the burden on parents and courts – explained a representative of the Ministry of Justice.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. KPRM / Flickr.com / CC 4.0 BY-NC-ND
