Costs

Polen

This page provides you with Information about the costs of justice in Poland.

Innehåll inlagt av
Polen

Family law - Divorce

Family law – custody of the children

Family law – alimony

Commercial law – contract

Commercial law – responsibility

Regulatory framework governing the fees of legal professionals

Advocates

In Poland, remuneration in individual cases is determined by agreement between the advocate (adwokat) and the client, subject to the law. The following factors may be considered:

  • the complexity and scope of the legal issue;
  • the time required for proper performance of an assignment;
  • the experience and professional skills of the advocate;
  • time limits;
  • the level of urgency;
  • other factors.

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Justice on Fees for Advocates' Services of 28 September 2002 (Rozporządzenie w sprawie opłat za czynności adwokackie), remuneration must take into consideration:

  • the type and complexity of the case;
  • the work required by the case.

In particular cases, depending on the material and family situation of the client, the advocate can set the remuneration at a lower level than that required by the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases (Ustawa o kosztach sądowych w sprawach cywilnych).

In principle, the losing party pays the costs of the legal proceedings. However, the amount granted by the judge (for the representation provided by the advocate) must respect the limit set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Justice on Fees for Advocates' Services of 28 September 2002. Therefore (according to paragraph 2), the fee may not exceed the minimum rate multiplied by six, nor the value of the object of litigation. The amount of the fee also depends on the nature and objectives of the case and the stage of the proceedings. Chapters 2 to 5 of the Regulation define the minimum fees for various types of case.

Attorneys at law

Attorneys at law (radcy prawni) in Poland are governed by rules similar to those governing advocates.

Judicial Enforcement Officers (Bailiffs)

Polish law also sets out fees for judicial enforcement officers/bailiffs (komornicy) – in the Act on Judicial Enforcement Officers and Enforcement Proceedings (Ustawa o komornikach sądowych i egzekucji).

The general rules are:

In all financial cases, remuneration should be calculated as a percentage of the amount of the likely claim. When the judicial enforcement officer secures a pecuniary claim, the remuneration paid by the creditor may not exceed 2 per cent of the value of the claim, nor can it be less than 3 per cent of the average monthly wage or higher than this amount multiplied by 5.

In the execution of a claim, the judicial enforcement officer collects a fee from the debtor that is 15 per cent of the claim. This may not be lower than 10 per cent of the average monthly wage and may not exceed this value multiplied by 30.

In non-financial cases, when the judicial enforcement officer secures and executes a non-pecuniary claim, the remuneration is fixed.

Fixed costs

Fixed costs in civil proceedings

The Act governing judicial costs in civil cases covers fees and expenses.

The fee is the amount of money charged for every document presented to the court, where the law provides for such a fee. There are three different types of fees: variable, fixed and basic.

The amount of the fee varies depending on the nature of the case: civil law, family law, commercial law or other. The type of legal action is also considered when determining costs.

The expenses include charges linked to the participation of the parties, witnesses and experts in the proceedings. They depend on the time and effort involved. Expenses may include the remuneration of interpreters and translators, costs of travel and accommodation, and remuneration for income lost by witnesses because of time spent in court. Other expenses considered are: remuneration of other institutions and persons, the examination of evidence, transport and safekeeping of animals and objects, time spent under arrest, and making announcements.

Additionally, there are litigation costs. These consist of judicial costs, the costs of trial preparation and actions taken by the advocate or attorney at law to represent the client (including fees for representation and counsel).

The general rule is that the losing party must reimburse the successful party for costs that were reasonably incurred to safeguard the latter’s interests, unless provided otherwise. However, the winning party must wait until sentencing before these costs can be reimbursed. The question of costs is decided in the last phase of a judicial proceeding, just before final judgement.

Stage of the civil proceeding where fixed costs must be paid

Payment of the amount due should be made at the moment of lodging a document to the court – (Article 10 of the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases).

Fixed costs in criminal proceedings

Fixed costs for parties to criminal proceedings

In general, costs are not fixed but are calculated after judgement has been handed down. The amount depends on the length of the proceedings, the sentence and experts’ fees. Fixed costs can be predicted only in cases brought by private application, when the person introducing the application must pay a fixed initial fee.

Stage of the criminal proceeding where fixed costs must be paid

Fixed costs for parties to criminal proceedings must be paid after a judgement (that is valid and binding on the parties).

Basic costs in constitutional proceedings

The Polish Code of Civil Procedure provides (in Article 424) for the possibility of filing a request for review, in response to a definitive judgement in the second instance. This may be done if a judgement causes harm to a party, and if changing and reversing the decision/judgement was or is not possible (a petition challenging the judgement’s compatibility with the law).

Such a request is also possible when the incompatibility with the law concerns the violation of the fundamental rules of the legal order, the violation of constitutional freedom or human and civil rights, and where the judgement was delivered in the first instance. In such a case, the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases sets an obligatory fee. This is a basic fee of PLN 30, unless the Act provides otherwise (Article 14).

There are also exceptions to this rule; the fee in the following procedures is:

  • PLN  40 if the petition based on incompatibility concerns a non-trial proceeding initiated ex officio.
  • PLN  1 000 zloty when the petition based on incompatibility concerns a decision of the President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.
  • PLN  3 000 when the petition based on incompatibility concerns a decision of the President of the National Broadcasting Council.

Basic cost of constitutional proceedings where fixed costs must be paid

Basic cost payments in constitutional proceedings should be paid when the chargeable document is submitted to the court (article 10 of Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases).

Prior information to be provided by legal representatives

Rights and obligations of the parties

Under statutory law, legal representatives are not responsible for the final result of a proceeding. They are obliged only to maintain a proper level of diligence and take all necessary measures to deal with the case properly. This also means that representatives have the discretion to select information that may be useful to their clients.

Some duties are provided for in the professional codes of conduct. However, these are issued by professional chambers and are purely declarative in nature. If breached, they result in disciplinary action only.

Costs involved

  • Borne by the winning party
  • Borne by the losing party.

Sources of costs

Where can I find information on sources of costs in Poland?

You can find information (including information on costs) on the official website of the Polish Ministry of Justice. The Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases is generally applicable. This means that anyone involved in legal proceedings or looking for information about costs can find the relevant rules easily.

People who have difficulty understanding the Act can ask for assistance from their legal representatives (advocate or attorney at law). Professional legal representatives may provide information and assistance with various procedures in other languages.

In what languages can I obtain information on cost sources in Poland?

Information is available in Polish only.

Where can I find information on mediation?

The Polish Code of Civil Procedure provides information on mediation in Articles 183¹ to 183¹5. The remuneration of mediators and their refundable expenses are set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Justice of 30 November 2003. However, the cost of mediation is not generally considered an expense for the purposes of proceedings before a court, unless the court ordered the mediation.

Where can I find additional information on costs?

Website on cost information

The website of the Polish Ministry of Justice is a section of the official website of the Polish Government. It describes the justice system and matters related to the Polish civil law, including judicial costs. There is a link on the website to an explanation of costs in civil cases (in Polish only).

Where can I find information on the average length of time that different procedures take?

It is extremely difficult to predict the average length of time of a legal procedure as this depends on the extent of the legal and factual complexity of the case.

Where can I find information on the average aggregate cost for a particular proceeding?

Despite the above proviso, it is possible to calculate the average costs of a proceeding. The cost of legal representation is defined at the beginning of the proceeding. The costs depend on an agreement between the client and the representative. As far as legal representation ex officio is concerned, the costs are provided for in the Regulation.

It is also possible to estimate the costs of the procedure in the court itself. The fees are defined in the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases and depend on the value of the object of litigation and the nature of the case (e.g. commercial or divorce). The parties may also take into account the cost of summoning experts.

Value Added Tax

How is this information provided?

The fees and expenses defined in the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases are tax-free and therefore not subject to VAT. Legal assistance is subject to a uniform VAT rate (23%).

What are the applicable rates?

The applicable rate of VAT is 23%. The services provided by attorneys at law and advocates are taxed like other services. The taxation is established by the law on value added tax.

Legal aid

Applicable income threshold in the area of civil justice

People seeking exemption from litigation costs must present an official application. An exemption may be granted if they can prove that they are unable to cover the costs without hardship to themselves or their families.

Also, applicants must present a written statement providing the following data: marital status, income, sources of revenue and assets. If the above conditions are fulfilled, the court will grant the exemption and, in addition, will assign free professional legal aid (a legal representative is paid by the State Treasury at the beginning of the trial; at the end of proceedings, the losing party is obliged, at the request of the winning party, to refund the expenses).

Applicable income threshold in the area of criminal justice

There is no fixed income threshold. A general rule is that an applicant must duly prove that – taking into account his or her family’s financial situation – paying the costs would be burdensome.

Applicable income threshold in the area of criminal justice for victims

There is no fixed income threshold. Legal aid is granted if the victim – as a party to the proceedings – is unable to pay the costs without prejudice to his and his family's financial situation.

Other conditions attached to the granting of legal aid for victims

As mentioned above, the victim must be a party to the proceedings. During the inquiry, the victim is the party ex officio. At the court stage of the proceedings, he or she must obtain the status of a so-called ‘subsidiary prosecutor’ (partie civile in French).

Other conditions attached to the granting of legal aid for defendants

There are no other conditions governing legal aid for defendants. There are, however, additional grounds for granting legal aid to defendants. Legal aid is obligatory where:

  • the defendant is a minor;
  • the defendant is deaf, dumb, or blind;
  • there is good reason to doubt the defendant’s sanity;
  • the court deems it necessary because of circumstances impeding the defence;
  • the proceedings take place before a district court as a court of first instance, where a person is accused of a felony or deprived of his/her liberty;
  • the procedure takes place in the Supreme Court.

Cost-free court proceedings

In cases of public prosecutions in criminal cases, the costs are covered by the State Treasury.

Juvenile cases are free of charge.

Claimants in certain cases (e.g. maintenance obligations and abusive contractual clauses) are exempted from judicial expenses (Article 96 of the Act on Costs in Civil Cases).

When does the losing party have to pay the winning party's costs?

The general rule is that the losing party is required to cover the essential costs of the procedure and refund the winning party’s costs for legal representation. The refundable costs are specified in the Polish Code of Civil Procedure (Articles 98-110). In particular, recoverable costs include: costs of trial, transport, equivalent loss of earnings and the costs of a legal representative.

Experts’ fees

The court decides on the remuneration of experts – depending on the objectives of the case, qualifications, time duration and the extent of the workload.

Translators’ and interpreters’ fees

The fees depend on whether the translation/interpreting is ordered by the State or requested by private entities.

The Regulation on the Remuneration of Sworn Translators (adopted by the Ministry of Justice on 25 January 2005 – Journal of Laws 2007/41, item 265) lays down the fees payable by public institutions. According to the Act, the costs are determined by the following factors: source and target language (based on the general idea that it is usually easier and therefore cheaper to translate from a foreign language into the home language). Other factors are terminology and level of specialisation.

In the non-public sector, the costs are regulated by contract between the translator/interpreter and his or her client.

The sources are:

  • the Regulation of the Minister of Justice of 28 September 2002 on Fees for Advocates' Services – Journal of Laws 2002/163, item 1348;
  • the Act on Costs in Civil Cases – Journal of Laws 2005/167, item 1398;
  • the Regulation of the Minister of Justice of 25 January 2005 on the Remuneration of Sworn Translators — Journal of Laws 2007/41, item 265.

Related Attachments

Poland’s report of the Study on Transparency of costs PDF (396 Kb) en

Last update: 04/03/2024

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Case study 1 - family law - divorce - Poland

In this case study on family law – divorce, Member States were asked to advise the party that files for divorce on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:

Case A – National situation: a couple gets married. Later they separate and agree to a divorce.

Case B – Transnational situation: Two nationals from a same Member State (Member State A) get married. The marriage is celebrated in Member State A. After the wedding, the couple moves to live and work in another Member State (Member State B) where they establish their residence. Shortly thereafter the couple separates with the wife returning to Member State A and the husband remaining in Member State B. The couple agrees to a divorce. Upon her return to Member State A, the wife immediately files for a divorce before the courts of Member State B.

Costs in Poland

Case n° 1 ( in B- the country when the wife files for divorce is Poland – in that case, the fees, expenses and conditions are the same as in case A.


Costs for court, appeals and alternative dispute resolution


Case Study

Court

Appeals

ADR

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Is this option open for this type of case?

Costs

Case A

Fixed cost 600 PLN

For each page of copies, copies of judgements with enforcement, copies of judgement with legal validity - 6 PLN. If those documents are in a foreign language -12 PLN for each page.

-

Fixed cost 600 PLN

,Parties are free to opt for ADR

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN


Costs for lawyer, bailiff and expert


Case Study

Lawyer

Bailiff

Expert

Is representation compulsory?

Average costs

Is representation compulsory?

Pre-judgement costs

Post-judgement costs

Is use compulsory?

Cost

Case A

No

Minimum 360 PLN

No

-

-

No

According to the calculations of the expert.



Costs for witness compensation, pledge or security and other relevant fees


Case

Study

Witness compensation

Pledge or security

Other fees

Are witnesses compensated?

Cost

Does this exist and when and how is it used?

Cost

Description

Cost

Case A

Yes

Costs of transport, lost earnings, accommodation, according to Articles 85 to 88 of the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases

--

--

--


Costs for legal aid and other reimbursement



Case

study

Legal Aid

Reimbursement

When and under what conditions is it applicable?

When is support total?

Conditions?

Can the winning party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs?

If reimbursement is not total, what is the percentage in general?

What costs are never reimbursed?

Are there instances when legal aid should be reimbursed to the legal aid organisation?

Case A

A party exempted from legal costs can apply for legal aid. The court decides if the participation of a professional attorney is needed

Depends on court decision

If the costs are excessive or will cause financial hardship to the party

General rules apply, depending on the circumstances. If the court finds the defendant guilty, the losing party pays the costs; if the court finds the defendant not guilty, - each party pays half of the costs of the proceedings.

Balance of costs higher than what was essential and appropriate to the case



Costs for translation and interpretation


Case

study

Translation

Interpretation

Other costs specific to cross-border disputes?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

Description

Approximate cost?

Case A

If documents are submitted to the court in another language

According to the Minister of Justice’s Regulations of 24 January 2005  


Last update: 04/03/2024

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Case study 2 - family law - custody of the children - Poland

In this case study on family law – custody of the children, Member States were asked to advise the suing party on litigation costs on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:

Case A – National situation: Two persons have lived together unmarried for a number of years. They have a three year old child when they separate. A court decision grants custody of the child to the mother and a right of access to the father. The mother sues to limit the father’s right of access.

Case B – Transnational situation where you are a lawyer in Member State A: Two persons have lived together unmarried in a Member State (Member State B) for a number of years. They have a child together but separate immediately after the child’s birth. A court decision in Member State B gives the child’s custody to the mother with a right of access to the father. The mother and the child move to live in another Member State (Member State A) as authorized to do so by the Court decision and the father remains in Member State B. A few years later, the mother sues in Member State A to change the father’s right of access.


Costs in Poland

Case n° 2 In B (where the country where the wife sues is Poland) the fees, expenses and conditions are the same as for case A.

Costs of court, appeals and alternative dispute resolution


Case Study

Court

Appeals

ADR

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Is this option open for this type of case?

Costs

Case A

Fixed cost 40 PLN

For each page of copies, copies of judgements with enforcement, copies of judgements with legal force – 6 PLN. If those documents are in a foreign language or contain tables –12 PLN per page.

--

General rules apply – the fee is fixed at 40 PLN

--

--

Parties are free to opt for ADR.

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN



Costs for lawyer, bailiff and expert


Case Study

Lawyer

Bailiff

Expert

Is representation compulsory?

Average costs

Is representation compulsory?

Pre-judgement costs

Post-judgement costs

Is use compulsory?

Cost

Case A

No

Minimum 120 PLN

No

--

--

No

According to the calculations of the expert



Costs for witness compensation, pledge or security and other relevant fees


Case

Study

Witness compensation

Pledge or security

Other fees

Are witnesses compensated?

Cost

Does this exist and when and how is it used?

Cost

Description

Cost

Case A

Yes

Costs of transport, lost earnings, accommodation, according to Articles 85 to 88 of the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases.

--

--

--

--



Costs for legal aid and other reimbursement



Case

study

Legal Aid

Reimbursement

When and under what conditions is it applicable?

When is support total?

Conditions?

Can the winning party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs?

If reimbursement is not total, what is the percentage in general?

What costs are never reimbursed?

Are there instances when legal aid should be reimbursed to the legal aid organisation?

Case A

A party exempted from legal costs can apply for legal aid. The court decides if the participation of a professional attorney is needed

Depends on the court’s decision

If the costs are excessive or will cause financial hardship to the party

General rules apply, depending on the circumstances.

--

Balance of costs higher than what was essential and appropriate to the case

--



Costs for translation and interpretation


Case

study

Translation

Interpretation

Other costs specific to cross-border disputes?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

Description

Approximate cost?

Case A

If documents are submitted to the court in another language

According to the Minister of Justice’s Regulations of 24 January 2005   

--

--

--

--


Last update: 04/03/2024

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Case study 3 - family law - alimony - Poland

In this case study on family law – maintenance, Member States were asked to advise the suing party on litigation costs on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:

Case A – National situation: Two persons have lived together unmarried for a number of years. They have a three year old child when they separate. A court decision grants custody of the child to the mother. The only outstanding dispute relates to the amount of the maintenance owed to the mother by the father for the support and education of the child. The mother sues on this.

Case B – Transnational situation where you are a lawyer in Member State A: Two persons have lived together unmarried in a Member State (State B). They have a three year old child. They separate. A court decision in Member State B gives the child’s custody to the mother. With the agreement of the father, the mother and the child move to live in another Member State (Member State A) where they establish their residence.

An outstanding dispute remains. This relates to the amount of the maintenance owed to the mother by the father for the support and education of the child. The mother sues on this in Member State A.


Costs in Poland

Case n° 3 (in 3 B- the country when the mother sues the father is Poland – in that case, the fees, expenses and conditions are the same than in case A. According to that, there is no need to fill in the table).

Costs for Court, Appeals and Alternative Dispute Resolution


Case Study

Court

Appeals

ADR

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Is this option open for this type of case?

Costs

Case A

In the case of maintenance, the action at law is free of all costs

For each copy, copies of judgements with enforcement, copies of judgement with legal force – 6 PLN. If those documents are in a foreign language – 12 PLN per page.

--

In the case of maintenance, the action at law is free of all costs

--

--

Parties are free to opt for ADR.

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN



Costs for lawyer, bailiff and expert


Case Study

Lawyer

Bailiff

Expert

Is representation compulsory?

Average costs

Is representation compulsory?

Pre-judgement costs

Post-judgement costs

Is use compulsory?

Cost

Case A

No

Minimum 60 PLN

no

--

--

No

According to the calculations of the expert



Costs for witness compensation, pledge or security and other relevant fees


Case

Study

Witness compensation

Pledge or security

Are witnesses compensated?

Cost

Does this exist and when and how is it used?

Cost

Case A

Yes

Costs of transport, lost earnings, accommodation, according to Articles 85 to 88 of the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases

Yes. The value of the object of the litigation is calculated so that, if payment is made in instalments, the value is the total of the year.

 Polish law (Code of Civil Procedure) considers that maintenance is a pecuniary, periodically repeated claim:

1. if the sum of maintenance is equal to one year of payment, the whole sum is the object of litigation.

2. if the maintenance payment continues for less than one year, the whole sum is considered the object of litigation.

Depends on the value of the object of the litigation



Costs for legal aid and other reimbursement



Case

study

Legal Aid

Reimbursement

When and under what conditions is it applicable?

When is support total?

Conditions?

Can the winning party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs?

If reimbursement is not total, what is percentage in general?

What costs are never reimbursed?

Are there instances when legal aid should be reimbursed to the legal aid organisation?

Case A

A party exempted from legal costs can apply for legal aid. The court decides if the participation of a professional attorney is needed

Depends on court decision

If the costs are excessive or will cause financial hardship to the party

General rules apply, depending on the circumstances.

--

Balance of costs higher than what was essential and appropriate to the case

--



Costs for translation and interpretation


Case

study

Translation 

Interpretation

Other costs specific to cross-border disputes?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

Description

Approximate cost?

Case A

If documents are submitted to the court in another language

According to the Minister of Justice’s  Regulations of 24 January 2005  

--

--

--

--


Last update: 04/03/2024

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Case study 4 - commercial law - contract - Poland

In this case study on commercial law – contract, Member States were asked to advise the seller on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:

Case A – National situation: A company delivered goods worth 20.000 euros. The seller has not been paid because the buyer considers that the goods do not conform to what was agreed.

The seller decides to sue to obtain the full payment of the price.

Case B – Transnational situation: A company whose head office is located in Member State B delivers goods worth 20.000 euros to buyer in Member State A. The contract is subject to Member State B’s law and written in Member State B’s language. This seller has not been paid because the buyer located in Member State A considers that the goods do not conform to what was agreed. The seller decides to sue in Member State A to obtain full payment of the price as provided under the contract with the buyer.


Costs in Poland

Case n° 4 (in 4 B- the country when the seller sues the buyer is Poland – in that case, the fees, expenses and conditions are the same than in case A. According to that, there is no need to fill in the table).

Costs for court, appeals and alternative dispute resolution


Case Study

Court

Appeals

ADR

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Initial court fees

Is this option open for this type of case?

Costs

Case A

Depends on the value of the object of litigation According to the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases  – the fee is 5% of the value, but not less than 30 and not more than 100,000 PLN.

For each page, copies of judgements with enforcement, copies of judgement with legal force – 6 PLN. If those documents are in a foreign language or contains tables – 12 PLN for each page.

--

Depends on the value of the object of litigation. According to the Act on costs in civil cases – the fee is 5% of the value, but not less than 30 and not more than 100,000 PLN. If the value of the object of litigation changes during the procedure, the fee is calculated in the same way – the percentage is still the same but the final sum changes, as another calculation base is used.

Parties are free to opt for ADR

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN



Costs for lawyer, bailiff and expert


Case Study

Lawyer

Bailiff

Expert

Is representation compulsory?

Average costs

Is representation compulsory?

Pre-judgement costs

Post-judgement costs

Is use compulsory?

Cost

Case A

No

Depends on the value of the object of litigation. If the value is approximately 90 000 PLN, the fees will be not less than 3.600 PLN

No

--

--

No

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN



Costs for witness compensation, pledge or security and other relevant fees


Case

Study

Witness compensation

Pledge or security

Other fees

Are witnesses compensated?

Cost

Does this exist and when and how is it used?

Cost

Description

Cost

Case A

Yes

Costs of transport, lost earnings, accommodation, according to Articles 85 to 88 of the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases

Yes. The value of the object of litigation is taken into consideration.

Depends on the value of the object of litigation

--

--



Costs for legal aid and other reimbursement



Case

study

Legal Aid

Reimbursement

When and under what conditions is it applicable?

When is support total?

Conditions?

Can the winning party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs?

If reimbursement is not total what is percentage in general?

What costs are never reimbursed?

Are there instances when legal aid should be reimbursed to the legal aid organisation?

Case A

A party exempted from legal costs can apply for legal aid. The court decides if the participation of a professional attorney is needed

Depends on court decision

If the costs are excessive or will cause financial hardship to the party

General rules apply, depending on the circumstances

--

Balance of costs higher than what was essential and appropriate to the case

--



Costs for translation and interpretation


Case

study

Translation

Interpretation

Other costs specific to cross-border disputes?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

Description

Approximate cost?

Case A

If documents are submitted to the court in another language

According to the Minister of Justice’s Regulations of 24 January 2005  

--

--

--

--


Last update: 04/03/2024

The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.

Case study 5 - commercial law - responsibility - Poland

In this case study on commercial law – responsibility, Member States were asked to advise the customer on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:

Case A – National situation: A heating equipment manufacturer delivers a heater to an installer. The installer on-sells (and installs) the heater to a customer to equip his/her house. The house catches fire shortly thereafter. Every participant (heating equipment manufacturer, installer, end-customer) is insured. The origin of the fire is contested. Nobody wants to compensate the customer.

The customer decides to sue for full compensation the heating equipment manufacturer, the heating equipment installer and the insurance companies.

Case B – Transnational situation: A heating equipment manufacturer in a Member State B delivers heater to an installer in a Member State C. The installer on-sells the heater (and installs) the heater to a customer in Member State A to equip his/her house. The house catches fire shortly thereafter. Each participant (heating equipment manufacturer, installer, end-customer) is insured by an insurance company in its own Member State. The origin of the fire is contested. Nobody wants to compensate the customer.

The customer decides to sue in Member State A for full compensation the heating equipment manufacturer, the heating equipment installer and the insurance companies in Member State A.


Costs in Poland

Case n° 5 (in 5 B- the country when the consumer sues the installer and the equipment company is Poland – in that case, the fees, expenses and conditions are the same as in case A.

Costs for Court, Appeals and Alternative Dispute Resolution


Case Study

Court

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Case A

Depends on the value of the object of litigation. According to the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases the fee is 5% of the value, but not less than 30 and not more than 100,000 PLN

For each copy, judgements with enforcement, copies of judgement with legal force – 6 PLN. If those documents are in a foreign language or contain tables – 12 PLN for each page.

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Case Study

Appeals

Initial court fees

Transcription fees

Other fees

Case A

Depends on the value of the object of litigation. According to the Act on costs in civil cases – the fee is 5% of the value, but not less than 30 and not more than 100,000 PLN. But the value of the object of litigation can change during the procedure. Where this is the case, the fee is calculated in the same way – the percentage is still the same but the final sum is not as another calculation base is used.

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Case Study

ADR

Is this option open for this type of case?

Costs

Case A

Parties are free to opt for ADR

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN



Costs for lawyer, bailiff and expert


Case Study

Lawyer

Bailiff

Expert

Is representation compulsory?

Average costs

Is representation compulsory?

Pre-judgement costs

Post-judgement costs

Is use compulsory?

Cost

Case A

No

Depends on the value of the object of litigation.

No

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No

If the court accepts the enforceability clause, 50 PLN



Costs for witness compensation, pledge or security and other relevant fees


Case

Study

Witness compensation

Pledge or security

Other fees

Are witnesses compensated?

Cost

Does this exist and when and how is it used?

Cost

Description

Cost

Case A

Yes

Costs of transport, lost earnings, accommodation, according to article 85 to 88 of the Act on Judicial Costs in Civil Cases

Yes. The value of the object of litigation is taken into consideration.

Depends on the value of the object of the litigation

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Costs for legal aid and other reimbursement



Case

study

Legal Aid

Reimbursement

When and under what conditions is it applicable?

When is support total?

Conditions?

Can the winning party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs?

If reimbursement is not total, what is percentage in general?

What costs are never reimbursed?

Are there instances when legal aid should be reimbursed to the legal aid organisation?

Case A

A party exempted from legal costs can apply for legal aid. The court decides if the participation of a professional attorney is needed

Depends on court decision

If the costs are excessive or will cause financial hardship to the party

General rules apply, depending on the circumstances.

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Balance of costs higher than what was essential and appropriate to the case

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Costs for translation and interpretation


Case

study

Translation

Interpretation

Other costs specific to cross-border disputes?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

When and under what conditions is it necessary?

Approximate cost?

Description

Approximate cost?

Case A

If documents are submitted to the court in another language

According to the Minister of Justice’s Regulations of 24 January 2005  

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Last update: 04/03/2024

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