International law · SPD Advocacia
Living abroad or have a case involving another country? We handle the Brazilian side
Foreign divorces and judgments, child support and custody across borders, probate, documents and international contracts. For Brazilians abroad, foreigners in Brazil and companies.
Direct answer
I divorced abroad. Is the divorce valid in Brazil?
It becomes valid once recognized in Brazil. A simple uncontested divorce, with no decisions on custody, support or division of assets, can be registered directly at the registry office, without going through the STJ (art. 961, § 5, Code of Civil Procedure, and CNJ rules). In other cases, the foreign judgment must be recognized by the Superior Court of Justice (art. 105, I, i, Brazilian Constitution). Foreign public documents usually require a Hague apostille and a sworn translation.
What the law says
Rules that come up most in international cases
To take effect in Brazil, they must be recognized by the STJ, except for a simple uncontested divorce.
Replaces consular legalization of documents between member countries.
Collection of support abroad follows the 2007 Hague Convention, with the help of central authorities.
The 1980 Hague Convention provides for the return of a child wrongfully removed or retained.
Source: Brazilian Constitution, art. 105, I, i; Code of Civil Procedure, arts. 960 to 965; Decree 8,660/2016 (Hague Apostille); Decree 9,176/2017 (child support); Decree 3,413/2000 (international child abduction); Law 13,445/2017 (Migration Law).
Your situation
Situations the firm handles
Foreign divorces and judgments
Recognition by the STJ or direct registration at the registry office.
CPC, arts. 960 to 965Cross-border child support
Collecting or reviewing support when one party lives abroad.
Decree 9,176/2017Custody and child taken abroad
Return requests, visitation and international custody.
Decree 3,413/2000Probate with heirs or assets abroad
Probate in Brazil for heirs living abroad and assets left in Brazil.
CPC, art. 23Certificates, apostille and registrations
Registering births and marriages that took place abroad and documents for use in Brazil.
Decree 8,660/2016Residence, naturalization and status
Applications by foreigners who live or want to live in Brazil.
Law 13,445/2017International contracts and collections
Contracts with foreign parties, collections and enforcement of decisions.
Case reviewCases in Brazil without traveling
Power of attorney, video consultations and online follow-up.
Online serviceStep by step
How the firm works
- Video consultation. From any country, at an agreed time.
- Documents. We guide you on apostille, translation and power of attorney to avoid back-and-forth.
- Filing. Recognition at the STJ, registration at the registry office, a case in Brazil or a central authority request.
- Follow-up. Updates via WhatsApp until the end.
Who handles it
Lawyers in charge of international cases
International cases are led by Sidnei Pedro Dias (OAB/GO 48.603, OAB/DF 68.207 and OAB/SP 501.693) and Adrielle Oliveira (OAB/GO 76.298), a family law specialist who handles cross-border family cases. Meet the team.
Case review
Let's review your case
Answer the questions, one at a time. At the end you can attach documents, which go straight to a folder in the firm's Drive, and send the summary via WhatsApp. Everything is protected by attorney-client confidentiality.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to travel to Brazil?
In most cases, no. The consultation is by video, and the power of attorney and documents can be signed abroad with the formalities we indicate.
How long does recognition at the STJ take?
It depends on the case, the documents and whether the other party agrees. With the right documents from the start, the request moves without extra requirements.
The other parent took my child to another country. What should I do?
Seek help as soon as possible. The 1980 Hague Convention provides for the child’s return, and the request goes through the Central Authority. After one year, whether the child has settled in the new country may be discussed (art. 12 of the Convention).
I live abroad and a relative died in Brazil. Can I take part in the probate?
Yes. You can be represented by power of attorney, without traveling.
Do you practice the other country’s law?
No. The firm practices Brazilian law. When needed, we refer and work with a lawyer in the other country.
How much does it cost?
After the analysis, the firm sends a written fee proposal before any engagement.
Brazilian lawyer for international cases
SPD Advocacia assists Brazilians living abroad, foreigners with matters in Brazil and companies doing business across borders, based in Anápolis, Goiás, with online service. The practice is led by Sidnei Pedro Dias and Adrielle Oliveira.
Cross-border family matters
Recognition of foreign divorces and judgments by the Superior Court of Justice (arts. 960 to 965, Code of Civil Procedure), direct registration of simple uncontested divorces, child support under the 2007 Hague Convention and return of children under the 1980 Hague Convention.
Documents, inheritance and migration
Hague Apostille (Decree 8,660/2016), registration of civil acts that took place abroad, probate with heirs living abroad, and residence and naturalization applications under the Migration Law (Law 13,445/2017).