International Expertise. Personal Approach
Legal procedures and administrative formalities can be complex, but they do not have to be overwhelming. I offer comprehensive legal services for individuals, guiding clients every step of the way – from the first consultation and legal analysis to complete representation in their case.
My areas of practice include:
Legalisation of your stay in Poland
Residence permits, work permits and legal assistance with all immigration and administrative formalities for foreigners in Poland.
Family, Succession & Private Disputes
Matters relating to divorce and separation, child custody and maintenance, division of assets, private disputes, as well as inheritance and succession proceedings.
Legal assistance in Poland
Preparation of procedural documents, legal representation, ongoing communication, and clear explanations of legal procedures.
Criminal Law and Assistance to Detained Persons
Criminal defence, representation of victims, and support at every stage of the proceedings.
Administrative Assistance in Poland
Communication with public authorities, filing applications, and managing administrative procedures.
Polish Law,
Explained in English
Dealing with Polish administrative authorities and courts, as well as resolving legal issues in a foreign country, can often be a source of concern. Complex administrative language and a lack of clear information about the progress of your case frequently increase this sense of uncertainty.
I explain the complexities of Polish law in a clear and accessible way – in English. I assess your situation, monitor the progress of your case, and provide you with practical and effective legal solutions.
How can I assist you with your legal matter?
Family, Succession & Private Disputes
I provide discreet and empathetic support in divorce proceedings, including cases involving a Polish spouse, as well as in family conflicts, inheritance matters, private disputes, and negotiations. I focus on protecting your interests without unnecessary emotional escalation.
Criminal Law and Assistance to Detained Persons
I assist families of individuals detained in Poland. I help locate the place of detention of your relative, explain the nature of the charges, and provide comprehensive support throughout the criminal proceedings as well as in all related legal matters. In addition, due to the language barrier, I ensure that the detained person is fully informed of their rights and obligations and that these are properly safeguarded.
Legalisation of your stay in Poland
I support you throughout the entire residence permit application process. I also assist in cases of refusal decisions or excessive delays in responses from the administration.
I can accompany you personally during administrative procedures, providing both legal and language support.
Representation before Polish Courts and Administrative Authorities
Have you received an official letter that you do not understand? Are you involved in a dispute with a Polish citizen? I will assess the status of your case, respond to formal notices, conduct settlement negotiations, and represent you before Polish courts and administrative authorities.
English-Speaking Legal Counsel in Poland
Maria
Czechowska-Kowalczyk
I am an attorney-at-law at the Bar Association of Attorneys-at-law in Cracow and listed among French-speaking legal advisers at the Embassy of France in Poland. I hold degrees in Law and Administration from the Jagiellonian University, as well as a diploma from the French Law School and a Master’s degree (Master 2) obtained through a joint program between the Jagiellonian University and the University of Orléans. I regularly participate in meetings of the French-Polish Chamber of Commerce and I am a member of the International Association of Lawyers (UIA).
In my practice, I focus on combining efficiency with a careful understanding of my clients’ needs. For several years, in cooperation with the Warsaw-based law firm Milewska Legal, I have been assisting private clients in Polish, French, and English.
How does the cooperation process work?
Initial contact (phone or email)
Please feel free to contact me and briefly describe your situation. If you have any official documents, I kindly ask you to send them as well – this allows for an initial assessment of your case and helps determine the possible next steps.
Case analysis and proposed strategy (within 24 hours)
In the next step, I analyse the information provided and prepare an individual proposal for further action. Depending on the nature of the case, I either present a consultation fee or directly propose a tailored legal assistance package.
All fees are determined individually and communicated transparently in advance to the client.
Consultation
Consultations can be held online, regardless of whether the client is based in Poland or abroad. In cases requiring direct contact, and upon request, an in-person meeting in Kraków is also possible.
Case handling and representation
I analyse the relevant documents, prepare procedural submissions, and communicate with the competent authorities and institutions. I keep clients regularly informed about the progress of their case, ensuring full transparency and continuous contact at every stage of the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make the most of your consultation, it is helpful to organise the key facts of your case in advance and, if possible, write them down so that nothing is overlooked. It is also advisable to gather all documents related to your situation.
Please keep in mind that even details that may seem insignificant at first glance can be of legal importance. I therefore encourage you to share all available materials, including those that may appear secondary – it is my role to assess and select what is truly relevant to your case.
The consultation usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. This time is fully dedicated to analysing your situation and discussing possible legal solutions.
During the meeting, I focus exclusively on your case, which allows for an individual and precise approach to each situation.
There is no reason to worry. My role is precisely to simplify the law and present it in a clear and understandable way. I explain every aspect of the case in straightforward language, without unnecessary legal jargon.
I also encourage questions – if anything is unclear, I will explain it fully and transparently so that all doubts are resolved. Mutual trust and transparency are essential not only for our cooperation, but also for the effective handling of your case.
Of course. All information and documents provided are subject to strict confidentiality and protected by professional legal privilege.
This is a question most frequently asked by international clients. In most cases, it is not necessary to come to Poland. The case can be handled remotely, and I can represent the client locally, which saves time and significantly simplifies formalities.
In some situations, however, personal presence may be required (for example, for fingerprinting at an administrative office or mandatory attendance at a court hearing). In such cases, I provide full support – both legal and linguistic.
Polish law
Polish law