Inheritance in Poland: What to Do When You Receive Polish Court Documents and Don’t Speak Polish

Inheritance in Poland: What to Do When You Receive Polish Court Documents and Don’t Speak Polish

Inheritance in Poland: What to Do When You Receive Polish Court Documents and Don’t Speak Polish

Inheritance in Poland – Legal Help When Polish Court Documents Arrive Unexpectedly

Have you suddenly received official documents from a Polish court, written entirely in Polish, concerning an inheritance in Poland?
Do you have Polish roots, relatives in Poland, or family members who passed away there — and now you are unsure what these documents mean, what deadlines apply, or what your rights and obligations are?

You are not alone. Every year, many individuals living in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries unexpectedly become involved in Polish inheritance proceedings. These situations are often stressful, confusing, and time-sensitive — especially when you do not speak Polish or are unfamiliar with Polish inheritance law.

Why You Should Never Ignore Polish Inheritance Documents

Polish inheritance proceedings are conducted before Polish probate courts, and official correspondence often includes:

  • summonses from a Polish inheritance court,
  • notices of heirs,
  • information about inheritance shares,
  • deadlines to accept or reject an inheritance,
  • documents concerning property, debts, or succession rights in Poland.

⚠️ Ignoring these documents can have serious legal consequences, including:

  • automatic acceptance of inheritance (including debts),
  • loss of inheritance rights,
  • court decisions issued without your participation.

This is why immediate consultation with an inheritance lawyer in Poland is crucial.

Do You Need a Polish Inheritance Lawyer? Yes — and Here’s Why

Polish inheritance law differs significantly from common law systems used in the US, Canada, or Australia. Key issues include:

  • forced heirship rules under Polish law,
  • statutory inheritance vs. inheritance by will,
  • inheritance of real estate in Poland,
  • liability for the deceased’s debts,
  • strict procedural deadlines under Polish law.

A Polish inheritance lawyer will:

  • explain what the Polish court documents actually mean,
  • advise you on your legal position and risks,
  • represent you before Polish probate courts,
  • protect you from unintended legal consequences.

Inheritance in Poland – Legal Representation Without Traveling to Poland

Many clients worry that handling inheritance in Poland requires traveling there.
It does not.

✔All legal steps can be handled 100% remotely
✔Court representation by a Polish lawyer is fully permitted
✔Powers of attorney can be signed abroad
✔Court hearings can often be conducted remotely or without your presence

You can resolve your inheritance matter in Poland while staying in your home country.

Dr. Joanna Suslo – Your Inheritance Lawyer in Poland

Dr. Joanna Suslo, Attorney-at-Law (Adwokat), has been specializing for many years in Polish inheritance law with a strong focus on international inheritance cases.

She regularly represents clients who:

  • live in the USA, Canada, Australia, or the UK,
  • do not speak Polish,
  • receive unexpected Polish inheritance documents,
  • need clear explanations and professional representation in Poland.

What Dr. Joanna Suslo Can Help You With:

  • explanation of Polish inheritance court documents in English,
  • legal analysis of your inheritance rights in Poland,
  • acceptance or rejection of inheritance under Polish law,
  • representation before Polish probate courts,
  • handling inheritance of property and assets in Poland,
  • full legal support without traveling to Poland.

Inheritance Lawyer in Poland – Clear Advice, Remote Service, Real Protection

If you are searching online for:

  • “inheritance in Poland”
  • “inheritance lawyer in Poland”
  • “Polish inheritance lawyer”
  • “Polish probate lawyer”

you likely need clear answers, fast action, and trusted legal representation.

Dr. Joanna Suslo offers:

  • transparent communication in English,
  • extensive experience in cross-border inheritance cases,
  • practical solutions tailored to international clients.

Received Polish Inheritance Documents? Act Now

Polish inheritance matters are often time-sensitive.
The sooner you consult an experienced inheritance lawyer in Poland, the better protected your rights will be.

📩 Contact Dr. Joanna Suslo to receive:

  • a clear explanation of your Polish inheritance documents,
  • professional legal guidance,
  • effective representation before Polish courts — entirely remotely.

FAQ – Inheritance Case in Poland: How to Prepare

What is inheritance (probate) proceedings in Poland?

Inheritance proceedings in Poland are a legal process in which the court determines who inherits from the deceased and in what shares.

Under Polish law, inheritance can occur in two ways:

  • statutory inheritance (according to the order set out in the Polish Civil Code), or
  • inheritance by will (if a valid will exists).

The purpose of the proceedings is to formally confirm the heirs’ rights to the estate.

What does the Polish probate court decide in an inheritance case?

During inheritance proceedings, the Polish probate court:

  • determines who the legal heirs are,
  • verifies whether a valid will exists,
  • establishes the inheritance shares of each heir.

At the end of the proceedings, the court issues a court decision confirming acquisition of inheritance (“confirmation of inheritance rights”), which is essential to:

  • transfer ownership of real estate in Poland,
  • access bank accounts and financial assets,
  • sell inherited property,
  • complete further legal or tax formalities.

What documents are needed to start an inheritance case in Poland?

Before filing an application with the Polish probate court, it is important to prepare the necessary documents, including:

  • the death certificate of the deceased,
  • birth or marriage certificates of the heirs,
  • a will, if one exists,
  • personal details of all potential heirs, even those who may not wish to participate in the proceedings.

A Polish inheritance lawyer will advise which documents are required in your specific case.

What happens during a court hearing in a Polish inheritance case?

At the hearing, the court typically:

  • establishes family relationships between the heirs and the deceased,
  • examines whether a valid will exists,
  • confirms the composition of the estate left by the deceased.

The court may question the participants about family ties, inheritance circumstances, and assets of the deceased. In many cases, the proceedings are completed at the first hearing, especially if there is no dispute between heirs.

What happens if there is no will in Poland?

If no valid will exists, inheritance takes place according to statutory rules set out in the Polish Civil Code. The court then determines heirs based on family relationships, such as spouses, children, parents, or other relatives.

Can inheritance proceedings in Poland take longer?

Yes. An inheritance case may take longer if:

  • there are doubts about the validity of a will,
  • family relationships are disputed,
  • heirs disagree on inheritance shares,
  • heirs entitled by law reject the inheritance,
  • additional evidence is required, such as expert opinions or witness testimony.

In such cases, the court may schedule additional hearings.

Do all heirs have to participate in the inheritance proceedings?

The court must be informed about all potential heirs, even if some of them do not wish to actively participate.
Failure to disclose all heirs may lead to serious legal consequences and reopening of the proceedings.

Can a Polish inheritance case be handled remotely?

Yes. Inheritance proceedings in Poland can be handled entirely remotely.
A Polish inheritance lawyer can represent you before the court, and you do not need to travel to Poland. In many cases, court hearings may be held without your presence or in a remote format.

Why is legal assistance important in Polish inheritance proceedings?

Polish inheritance law is formal and procedural. Professional legal assistance ensures that:

  • all required documents are properly prepared,
  • deadlines are met,
  • your inheritance rights are fully protected,

What should I do if I have received documents about inheritance in Poland?

  • If you have received documents concerning inheritance in Poland, the safest step is to contact an experienced inheritance lawyer in Poland immediately.
    Early legal advice allows you to understand your rights, obligations, and available options before any deadlines expire.
  • 📩 Contact Dr. Joanna Suslo for professional guidance and representation in Polish inheritance cases — without traveling to Poland.

How long do inheritance proceedings in Poland take?

The duration of inheritance proceedings in Poland depends on the complexity of the case.

In straightforward cases, where all heirs agree and there are no disputes, the Polish probate court may issue a decision after a single hearing, usually within 2 to 4 months from filing the application.

However, if disputes arise, inheritance proceedings in Poland may last several months or even a year or longer.

What factors affect the length of an inheritance case in Poland?

The time needed to complete inheritance in Poland may be affected by:

  • the number of participants in the proceedings,
  • the existence or absence of a will,
  • disputes over the validity of a will or other documents,
  • rejection of inheritance by heirs entitled by law, which may result in further relatives entering the proceedings,
  • the need to obtain family court approval for a minor to reject inheritance,
  • the current workload of the Polish court.

An experienced inheritance lawyer in Poland can help minimize delays and ensure the proceedings run efficiently.

What happens after receiving a court decision confirming inheritance rights in Poland?

After the probate court issues a decision confirming acquisition of inheritance, each heir may apply for the division of the inheritance estate.

At this stage, it is determined who receives specific assets, such as:

  • real estate (apartment, house, land),
  • a car,
  • bank funds or other assets.

It is important to note that the court’s inheritance decision does not yet transfer ownership of specific assets.
Ownership is transferred only through inheritance division proceedings, which may be conducted:

  • by agreement between heirs, or
  • through a separate court proceeding.

Is a separate procedure required to divide inherited property in Poland?

Yes. In Polish inheritance law, inheritance confirmation and inheritance division are two separate legal stages.
Even after inheritance is confirmed, an additional procedure is required to formally divide and assign the assets among heirs.

Can inheritance in Poland be handled by a notary instead of a court?

Yes, inheritance in Poland may be handled by a notary if all heirs fully agree and there are no disputes.

In such cases, a Polish notary prepares a certificate of inheritance, which has the same legal effect as a court decision.

However, this option requires:

  • the personal presence of all heirs in Poland,
  • full agreement between all participants.

While this solution is faster, it is not always less expensive, especially when high-value assets are involved.

Is the notary option suitable for clients living abroad?

For clients living in the USA, Canada, Australia, or other countries, court proceedings are often more practical, as they:

  • allow full legal representation by a Polish inheritance lawyer,
  • do not require traveling to Poland,
  • can often be conducted remotely.

Your lawyer will advise which option is best in your specific inheritance case in Poland.

Why should I consult an inheritance lawyer in Poland about timing and procedure?

Polish inheritance procedures involve multiple stages and formal requirements.
A qualified inheritance lawyer in Poland ensures:

  • correct choice between court and notarial procedures,
  • proper preparation of documents,
  • efficient handling of proceedings,
  • protection of your rights at every stage.

I received inheritance documents from Poland. What should I do first?

Do not ignore the documents. Polish inheritance proceedings involve strict deadlines. Your first step should be to consult a Polish inheritance lawyer who can review the documents, explain their meaning in English, and advise you on your legal position and next steps.

The documents are in Polish and I don’t understand them. Is this normal?

Yes. All official inheritance proceedings in Poland are conducted in Polish. Courts do not provide translations. This is why it is essential to work with an inheritance lawyer in Poland who can accurately explain the content and legal consequences of the documents you received.

Do I have to travel to Poland to handle an inheritance case?

No. In most inheritance cases in Poland, you do not need to travel to Poland at any stage.
A Polish lawyer can represent you fully before the probate court, and powers of attorney can be signed abroad. In many cases, hearings can be conducted remotely or without your physical presence.

 

What happens if I miss a deadline in a Polish inheritance case?

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences, such as:

  • automatic acceptance of inheritance (including debts),
  • loss of inheritance rights,
  • court decisions issued without your participation.

This is why early legal advice is crucial in Polish inheritance matters.

Can I refuse an inheritance in Poland?

Yes. Under Polish law, you can:

  • accept the inheritance in full,
  • accept it with limitation of liability for debts, or
  • reject the inheritance entirely.

Each option has different legal consequences and strict deadlines. A Polish inheritance lawyer will help you choose the safest solution.

What if the inheritance includes property or real estate in Poland?

Inheritance of real estate in Poland involves additional legal steps, including:

  • probate court proceedings,
  • land and mortgage register updates,
  • possible tax issues.

These matters can be handled entirely through a Polish lawyer without your presence in Poland.

I live in the USA / Canada / Australia. Can a Polish lawyer represent me?

Yes. Polish law fully allows representation by a lawyer.
International clients are regularly represented remotely in Polish inheritance cases through properly executed powers of attorney.

Why should I hire a lawyer specializing in inheritance law in Poland?

Polish inheritance law is highly formal and differs significantly from common law systems. A specialized inheritance lawyer in Poland ensures:

  • protection of your rights,
  • compliance with deadlines,
  • avoidance of unnecessary risks,
  • clear communication in English.

 

Need Legal Assistance?

Navigating the sale of inherited property in Poland can be complex, especially for foreign heirs. For personalized guidance:

InheritSafe Poland
Dr. Joanna Susło, Ph.D., Attorney-at-Law
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile / WhatsApp: +48 668 841 990