On March 13, 2023, Polish lawmakers approved a significant change to the Family and Guardianship Code, which allows couples seeking a divorce to bypass court proceedings by applying directly to the Civil Registry Office. This reform is designed for couples who meet specific criteria and choose to officially end their marriage without the drawn-out judicial process that often takes months. The proposed changes could be implemented starting January 1, 2027, provided they get through the Senate and aren't blocked by the President, Karol Nawrocki.

Responses to this legislative move have been polarized. Supporters argue that it offers a faster, more cost-effective way for couples to separate, reducing stress and emotional turmoil typically associated with lengthy divorce proceedings. However, critics, including legal professionals and certain political figures, warn that this could lead to complications in cases of property disputes or parental disagreements, potentially spawning lengthy litigations post-divorce. The Centre for Women's Rights has expressed concerns about the risks involved, highlighting that while expedited divorces might seem beneficial at first glance, there are significant unresolved issues that could arise from such a system.

The debate surrounding this reform reflects broader ideological divides within Poland, particularly concerning family values and legal frameworks surrounding marriage dissolution. Political factions on the right have characterized the change as an attack on the institution of marriage, while advocates maintain it is a necessary step towards unblocking a strained judicial system. As the conversation continues, the implications of this policy could reshape how divorces are perceived and handled in Polish society for years to come.