The question of the cost of church marriage annulment proceedings involves two distinct matters: court fees and the lawyer’s professional fee. These are not the same thing. Court fees are associated with the proceedings before the tribunal itself, while the professional fee relates to the work of the canonical advocate: analysing the case, developing the strategy, preparing submissions and guiding the party through each stage of the process.
What determines a canonical advocate’s fee?
A canonical advocate’s fee is not a single fixed amount for every case. It depends on the scope of work and the complexity of the proceedings. In cases concerning church marriage annulment, each matter requires individual analysis. That is precisely why fees are quoted as “from…” rather than as a single fixed price for all cases.
What are the basic rates?
Petition (libellus) from 800 PLN
Preparation of the petition includes:
- analysis of the grounds for nullity,
- selection of the appropriate grounds,
- presentation of the essential facts,
- preparation of a timeline and the basic evidentiary material,
- identification of witnesses.
Full representation from 3,500 PLN
Full representation covers comprehensive conduct of the case, including:
- preparation of procedural submissions at every stage of the proceedings,
- ongoing representation before the tribunal,
- analysis of the case file during publication, including assessment of expert opinions and preparation of observations,
- preparation of the closing statement following the conclusion of the evidentiary phase,
- preparation of a response to the Defender of the Bond’s animadversions.
What does the fee cover in practice?
The fee does not cover mere “participation in the case” but specific procedural work. It includes the initial consultation, analysis of the history of the relationship, a preliminary assessment of the grounds for nullity, discussion of strategy and preparation of the petition. The client does not pay for the advocate’s presence alone, but for genuine work on the case.
Why is there no single “price list”?
There is no single price list because no two cases are identical. A rigid price “for a church divorce” would therefore be either dishonest or disconnected from reality.
Can the cost be determined in advance?
Not fully. A starting amount can be indicated for a defined scope of cooperation, but a reliable estimate requires prior analysis of the case. Only after a consultation is it possible to assess whether preparing the petition alone will suffice or whether full representation will be required.
FAQ
How much does a canonical advocate charge?
It depends on the scope of cooperation. Preparation of the petition starts from 800 PLN, while full representation starts from 3,500 PLN.
Are court fees included in the professional fee?
No. Court fees and the law firm’s professional fee are two separate matters.
Can the full cost be established before a consultation?
Not fully. A reliable estimate requires prior analysis of the case.