komornika

Komornik, commonly referred to as komornik sądowy, is a public official in Poland authorized to enforce court judgments and other enforceable titles. The person is appointed by a regional court judge to act within enforcement proceedings. A komornik operates on behalf of the court and is responsible for locating debtors' assets, seizing property, and ensuring collection of sums awarded by a court or specified in enforceable titles.

Their powers include seizing movable property, immobilizing bank accounts, garnishing wages, and conducting public auctions of seized assets to satisfy creditors. They may compel information from debtors and third parties to determine assets and liabilities, and can issue enforcement orders. Real estate may be sold at auction, and money may be transferred to creditors; temporary measures may be taken to prevent dissipation of assets.

The enforcement process is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure and related legislation; the komornik is independent in decision-making within the law but remains under judicial oversight. They typically belong to a professional self-government body that regulates conduct, ethics, and professional standards and provides supervision and disciplinary mechanisms.

Debtors retain certain rights, such as the right to appeal, to request information, to propose a repayment plan, or to challenge specific actions. Creditors are required to obtain an enforceable title before enforcement can begin, and the fees charged by a komornik are regulated.

As a core component of civil procedure in Poland, the komornik helps convert court judgments into enforceable outcomes, balancing creditor interests with debtor protections and contributing to the efficiency of civil justice.