This article provides guidance on marriage and divorce processes in Brazil for those planning to wed a Brazilian individual. It explains that marriage in Brazil requires certain documentation for foreign nationals, such as a valid passport, a certificate of civil status from the home country, and various other documents translated into Portuguese. The legalization of these documents can be achieved via the Hague Apostille. A significant aspect of the marriage process is the selection of a marital regime, either the “Comunhão de Bens” (Communion of assets) or “Separação de Bens” (Separation of Assets). For those opting for Separation of Assets, a Prenuptial Agreement (Pacto Antenupcial) is essential. The concept of “Stable Union” (União Estável) is also introduced as an alternative to formalized marriages. Divorce in Brazil has been streamlined after the 2002 amendment to the Brazilian Civil Code. It can be processed through either the judicial or extrajudicial method. Lastly, the article touches upon child custody and visitation rights, emphasizing the importance of the child’s best interests and ensuring regular interactions between the child and both parents.
