What are the rules of inheritance in Poland?
Inheritance in Poland – Key Rules and How Our Law Firm Can Help
Are you dealing with an inheritance in Poland? Whether you’re a direct heir, a distant relative, or someone facing inheritance complications, it’s essential to understand how the Polish legal process works — especially if you live abroad.
🏛 Step One: Obtain a Court Decision in Poland
Before any property or assets can be transferred to heirs, you must obtain a court decision confirming the acquisition of inheritance (postanowienie o stwierdzeniu nabycia spadku) from a Polish probate court. This is a mandatory first step.
✅ Good news: These court proceedings can now be handled remotely and online, without the need to travel to Poland.
During this process, the court will examine:
- who is entitled to the inheritance,
- whether a will exists,
- and how the estate should be divided.
⚖️ Order of Inheritance in Poland (When There Is No Will)
If there is no testament (will), Polish law applies statutory succession, which proceeds as follows:
1. Children and Spouse of the Deceased
They inherit in equal shares, but the spouse cannot receive less than 1/4 of the estate.
2. Spouse and Parents
If there are no children, the spouse receives 1/2, and each parent gets 1/4.
3. Parents and Siblings
If the spouse and children are deceased, the estate goes to the parents. If one of them is no longer alive, their share is passed to the siblings or their children.
4. Grandparents
If none of the above exist, the estate is inherited by the grandparents. If a grandparent has passed away, their share goes to their descendants (e.g., uncles, aunts).
5. Stepchildren of the Deceased’s Spouse
Only when no blood relatives are eligible, stepchildren of the deceased’s spouse may inherit.
✍️ What If There Is a Will?
If the deceased left a valid will, the statutory order of inheritance can be overridden. However, even with a will in place, some close relatives (e.g., children or spouse) may still be entitled to a reserved portion of the inheritance (zachowek).
Our law firm can verify the validity of the testament, calculate the reserved portion, and help protect your rights.
❓Other Important Inheritance Questions You May Have
Inheritance can be complex — especially when multiple heirs, international elements, or disputes are involved. We assist clients in cases such as:
🔹 What to do if someone else received the inheritance – can it be contested?
🔹 Can a mother-in-law or other extended family member be sued for inheritance in Poland?
🔹 Can a grandchild inherit directly from a grandparent under Polish law?
🔹 Can a parent legally disinherit a child in Poland – and under what conditions?
🔹 How to settle an estate with assets in both Poland and another country?
👩⚖️ Why Choose Our Law Firm?
We specialize in Polish inheritance law, especially for foreign residents. Our services include:
✅ Representation in Polish probate courts
✅ Communication with notaries, bailiffs, and interpreters
✅ Advice on cross-border inheritance taxes
✅ Quick and effective remote legal assistance
✅ Service in English, French, and Polish
💼 Initial consultation: 100 EUR – includes case review and legal opinion.
📞 Contact Us Today
Don’t navigate the Polish legal system alone.
Let our experienced inheritance lawyers help you save time, protect your rights, and resolve your case efficiently.
InheritSafe Poland
Dr. Joanna Susło, Ph.D., Attorney-at-Law
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile / WhatsApp: +48 668 841 990
What to do when the inheritance was received by someone else?
Can a mother-in-law be sued for an inheritance in Poland?
Grandparent’s Inheritance – can a grandchild inherit his or her grandparents’ property?
Can a father or mother disinherit their child in Poland?
How many years after death can an inheritance be claimed in Poland?
Inheritance from a Brother or Sister in Poland: A Guide for Foreigners