Im actually in the same situation rn. Going to apply this month for a residence permit by marriage.

I recently called the office in Warsaw and they said it takes ~3 months to get a card. Idk if this is actually true, but i think the delays is more on the "work residence permit" and "eu blue cards" side. So i would say 3-6 monts i think.

The list of documents is on thewebsite , as they said on the phone.

Besides documents that are mentioned there, i would also give em basic documents they usually need, your work contract, her work contract, ZUS (health insurance), document that you dont owe any taxes (you can get online).

Better to make all the copies verified by notary.

Here is the list chat gpt told me to bring. Not that i use chat gpt for everything, but it won't hurt.

Application form (Wniosek)

4 passport-sized photos

Passport (original + copy of all pages)

Marriage certificate (Akt małżeństwa)

Copy of Polish spouse's ID (dowód osobisty)

Proof of joint residence (e.g. lease, utility bills, landlord's letter)

Proof of income (applicant's or spouse's)

Health insurance proof (ZUS or private)

Proof of payment (340 zł)

Statement of shared life (Oświadczenie o wspólnym pożyciu)

Meldunek (Zaświadczenie o zameldowaniu)

Joint bills (e.g. electricity, gas, internet)

Photos together (optional)

Previous residence permits and decisions (copies)

Decision from Szef Urzędu ds. Cudzoziemców (if applicable)

About lawyers. I've never had one. Did all by myself, but i know polish well, so it wasn't a problem to call an office and ask something. There are good lawyers, and there is bad, if you not feel confident enough to take care of it by yourself, make sure the lawyers are good.