Recognition and registration
Assessment of recognition of a foreign divorce judgment by Brazil's Superior Court of Justice, where applicable, and the steps to update the civil register.
International divorce
Recognition of a foreign divorce in Brazil
Your divorce was granted abroad. Understand how to update your records in Brazil, with recognition or registration as appropriate for your case.
Let's discuss your case
With Priscila Laurent Pereira · Brazilian lawyerOAB/RS 110.977
Recognise your situation
The divorce happened abroad. What about your records?
General information. Each case requires an individual legal assessment.
Before deciding on the next steps
What may still need attention in Brazil
Recognising a decision and updating a civil record are different steps. The assessment starts with the terms of the divorce and your current documents.
- Civil registration
- Your marriage record may need an annotation to reflect the divorce granted abroad.
- A new marriage
- The necessary documents and formalities should be checked before starting a new marriage registration.
- Assets and inheritance
- Property, asset division and estates may require an assessment of the foreign decision's effects in Brazil.
- Children and support
- Custody and maintenance provisions may need a separate assessment for recognition and enforcement.
Between the decision and the record
Your life has changed. Your records can follow.
The divorce took place in another country. The next step is to understand which effects need to be recognised and recorded in Brazil.
- You divorced abroad, but your Brazilian marriage record has not been updated.
- You plan to marry again and have questions about your documents.
- There are assets in Brazil or another country and you need to understand the effects of property division.
- You live abroad and want to understand which steps can be handled remotely.
International divorce
A legal path for your circumstances
Property across countries
Guidance on the financial effects of divorce and assets located in Brazil or other jurisdictions.
Jurisdiction and applicable law
For those who have not yet divorced: assessment of the countries involved and the law applicable to the case.
Divorce while living abroad
Assessment of the possibility of conducting a divorce in Brazil and which steps may be handled remotely.
The consultation journey
One step at a time. With clarity.
From the first conversation to keeping in touch: understand the way forward, at your own pace.
Understand
Your situation
An online conversation about your questions, the countries involved and what has already happened.
Organise
Documents & options
A review of the available documents and the procedures that may apply to your circumstances.
Keep in touch
Keeping in touch
If engaged, the firm handles the agreed steps and keeps you informed as the matter progresses.
Questions, without the jargon
Let's make things clearer.
General guidance, before we look at your individual circumstances.
Do I need to travel to Brazil?
The consultation and initial assessment can take place online. Representation is possible for many steps, but any attendance requirements and the rules of the relevant authorities must be checked for your case.
Does a foreign divorce automatically update my Brazilian record?
The Brazilian civil record needs to be considered separately. Depending on the decision and documents, direct registration may be possible, or recognition proceedings may be required first.
What is the difference between recognition and registration?
Recognition concerns the legal effect of a foreign decision in Brazil, where required. Registration is the annotation in the civil register. The assessment identifies which steps apply to your circumstances.
Does every foreign divorce need recognition by the Superior Court of Justice?
No. Direct registration may be available in some situations. The terms of the decision, its effects and the documents need to be reviewed, including any provisions about assets or children.
Which documents may be required?
The divorce decision, certificates and identity documents may be reviewed. Certified translations, apostilles, legalisation and additional evidence depend on the country of origin and the applicable procedure. The list is defined after the initial assessment.
How does the first consultation work?
An online conversation identifies the countries involved, the status of the marriage and divorce, and the available documents. Possible steps and the terms of any further engagement are then explained.
The person behind the guidance
Priscila. Lawyer. Immigrant.
Brazilian, with academic and professional experience in different legal systems, including Common Law. Priscila founded Laurent Pereira Advocacia to work with the legal questions of families whose lives cross borders.
The firm works with international family and succession matters, and advises foreign nationals in Brazil. Consultations in English or Portuguese.
“Distance does not have to mean being without legal support.”
Priscila Laurent PereiraOAB/RS 110.977
Let's talk
Your story starts with a conversation.
Tell us where the divorce took place and what you need to organise in Brazil: records, assets or the next steps.
General information. Each case requires an individual legal assessment.
Your next chapter
The next step starts with clarity.
Understand what may still need attention in Brazil and which options should be assessed for your divorce.
Let's discuss your caseYou initiate the contact. Each case is assessed individually.