1. General information and individual advice
This website provides general information about Brazilian law, international family law and related subjects. Its articles, case summaries and explanatory materials are educational publications. They do not constitute an assessment of your documents, the merits of your case or the measures available in the jurisdiction concerned.
Before acting on a legal matter, obtain advice addressing its particular facts, applicable law and procedural position. A statement about one legal system may have a different meaning or effect elsewhere. Reading a publication does not establish that a particular court has jurisdiction or that a foreign judgment, agreement or remedy will be recognised.
2. Initial enquiries and professional engagement
Accessing the website or sending an unsolicited enquiry does not, by itself, mean that MF Ejchel International Family Law has accepted responsibility for your matter. Before relying on the firm to advise, represent you, monitor proceedings or protect a deadline, obtain express confirmation of the work it has agreed to undertake. The scope of an engagement, fees and responsibility for expenses should be clearly established.
A written agreement is preferable for clarity, but its absence does not automatically exclude a professional relationship or the duties arising from legal services actually undertaken. Brazilian law permits legal consultation and advice to be provided orally or in writing without a power of attorney or a formal fee agreement: see Law No. 8,906/1994, Article 5, paragraph 4. Article 48 of the OAB Code of Ethics and Discipline addresses written engagements and clarity concerning their terms.
3. Confidentiality and electronic communications
When making an initial enquiry, provide only the information necessary to explain its general subject and arrange appropriate further communication. Before sending court files, medical records, children’s documents or other sensitive material, ask how it should be transmitted and whether the firm can receive it in connection with the proposed engagement. Ordinary website and email communications should not be assumed to provide absolute technical security.
This precaution does not waive or displace professional secrecy. Articles 35–38 of the OAB Code of Ethics and Discipline govern confidentiality arising from professional practice; that protection is not reduced to the presence of a signed retainer. Whether an evidentiary privilege applies in foreign proceedings is a separate question governed by the relevant legal system. No assurance is given that every unsolicited communication will attract an identical privilege in every jurisdiction.
4. Jurisdiction and authority to practise
Dr. Mauricio Ejchel is a Brazilian lawyer, OAB/SP 135.158. The designation “international family law” describes the subject matter of the practice. It does not represent admission to the legal profession in every country mentioned on this website.
Advice on foreign domestic law and representation before foreign authorities must comply with the admission requirements and professional rules of the jurisdiction concerned. Where a matter requires locally authorised counsel, the scope of that lawyer’s participation and the allocation of responsibilities must be established. References to foreign proceedings or cross-border cooperation do not imply unrestricted authority to practise abroad.
5. Publications, legal developments and outcomes
Legislation, procedural requirements and judicial interpretation can change. Publications should be read in their stated context and by reference to their publication or review date. A review date does not certify that every later development has been incorporated. Summaries may omit qualifications that are material to a particular case; consult the underlying source and obtain current individual advice when necessary.
A report of a court decision describes that decision within its factual and procedural setting. It does not guarantee a similar result in another dispute, and a quotation or summary does not necessarily express the firm’s endorsement of every proposition reported. Professional experience, media appearances and third-party references likewise provide no assurance of success.
6. External links and third-party material
Links to legislation, courts, public authorities and other resources are provided for reference. External operators control their own websites, which may change, become unavailable or apply different privacy practices. A link does not, by itself, establish affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement. A third party linking to this website does not thereby become associated with the firm.
Check the identity and currency of an external source before relying on it. This notice does not certify the content or security of a linked service, nor does it authorise a third party to act on behalf of MF Ejchel International Family Law.
7. Responsibility and urgent matters
General website information cannot replace a professional assessment or an agreed engagement. That limitation does not exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, excuse breach of professional duties or require a visitor to surrender legal rights. Article 32 of Law No. 8,906/1994 addresses a lawyer’s responsibility for professional acts involving intent or negligence.
Do not treat an unanswered enquiry as acceptance of a case or confirmation that a deadline has been protected. Where proceedings, a threatened removal of a child or another urgent event require action, seek timely assistance from an appropriately authorised lawyer and, where warranted, the competent public authority. Sending a website message does not itself suspend a time limit or commence a judicial or administrative procedure.