Divorce statistics in Poland – who divorces, where, and why?

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The statistical data cited in this article is drawn from publications of the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) and may not reflect the current position at the date of publication.

Although our office is based in central Poznań, clients reach us from across Poland. Divorce cases take many forms – they look different in large cities than in rural areas, different among people in their thirties than among couples who have been married for twenty years. Data from the Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny, GUS) allows a certain picture of the phenomenon to be drawn – and it is more complex than one might expect.

Table of contents

1. Are Poles divorcing more often?
2. Education and divorce
3. The age of divorcing spouses
4. Where in Poland do the most divorces occur?
5. What are the most common causes of divorce?
6. Who files the petition and who is found at fault?
7. FAQ

Are Poles divorcing more often?

GUS data shows that the number of divorces in Poland is rising. Interestingly – despite marriages breaking down more frequently, they are also lasting longer before they do. The proportion of births outside marriage is also increasing, which points to the growing popularity of starting a family without prior marriage.

It is difficult to identify a single cause for these changes. Some observers link them to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on family relationships. Others point to a deeper shift in the values of younger generations – more and more people are prioritising education and financial stability, deferring the decision to marry until later in life.

Education and divorce

GUS data indicates a clear shift in the profile of people who divorce – those divorcing are increasingly better educated. Among men, vocational secondary education still predominates, while among women secondary and higher education are becoming increasingly prominent.

The age of divorcing spouses

The average age of people going through divorce has been rising steadily. According to GUS data from 2018 – the most recent detailed data available in the source material – the average divorcing man was 42 years old and the average divorcing woman was 38. By comparison, in 2016 those figures stood at 41 and 39 respectively.

The direction is clear – Poles are choosing to end their marriages at an increasingly older age. This may reflect both the longer duration of marriages before they break down and a growing willingness to make such decisions in later life.

Where in Poland do the most divorces occur?

Among the cities with the highest divorce rates during the period analysed were Żory, Chełm, Skierniewice, and Leszno. Relatively high divorce rates were also recorded in Poznań and Wrocław.

A clear difference is also visible between urban and rural areas. Estimates suggest that city dwellers divorce as much as twice as often as people living in rural areas. This is not a surprising pattern – it is likely connected both to stronger attachment to tradition and family values among rural populations and to less accessible court infrastructure.

What are the most common causes of divorce?

Three causes of the breakdown of the marital union dominate the statistics: incompatibility of character, infidelity (both physical and emotional), and alcoholism. These three categories have been appearing most frequently in judgment reasons and divorce petitions for many years.

In our experience, incompatibility of character is a broad concept – it encompasses both fundamental differences in values and lifestyle and a gradual growing apart over the years without any single clear triggering event.

Who files the petition and who is found at fault?

GUS data indicates that the majority of divorce petitions are filed by women. As regards fault findings – in approximately 14% of cases the court finds the husband solely at fault, while sole fault is attributed to the wife in approximately 3% of cases.

The overwhelming majority of proceedings – around 77% – conclude without any fault finding, on the joint application of both parties. This confirms that most couples choose to end their marriage more quickly and with less conflict, forgoing any determination of responsibility for the breakdown.

Read more about how divorce proceedings work in Poland and what to expect at each stage → [link to relevant page]

Considering divorce and want to know what to expect? Call: +48 531 335 713 or email: kancelaria@prawnikodrozwodu.pl

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family law case is individual and requires analysis of the specific facts and documents involved. The law firm accepts no liability for actions taken on the basis of the information contained in this article. For advice tailored to your situation, please contact our office.

Kancelaria Prawa Rodzinnego (Family Law Office): Adwokat Michalina Koligot, Adwokat Marta Krzyżanowicz, Adwokat Anna Konrady, Radca prawny Joanna Jędrzejewska ul. Mickiewicza 18a/3, 60-834 Poznań | tel. +48 531 335 713 | kancelaria@prawnikodrozwodu.pl | www.prawnikodrozwodu.pl