Living abroad and want a divorce? There are two possible paths.
If you're Brazilian and live outside the country, you can get divorced in two ways: directly in Brazil, through the Brazilian courts, with no involvement needed from abroad; or in the country where you live, with the foreign ruling later recognized in Brazil to be valid there. We handle both options, start to finish, 100% online.
*Uncontested direct divorce in Brazil: 1 to 2 months on average. Uncontested recognition at the STJ: up to 6 months. Recognition at a notary's office, when applicable, is faster.
Which situation applies to you?
These are two different paths to the same goal. The right choice comes down to one question: have you not yet gotten divorced, or has the divorce already been granted abroad?
Direct Divorce in Brazil
- A video call consultation with a specialist attorney
- A case filed with the Court of Justice (not a notary's office)
- Uncontested or contested — even without your ex-spouse's agreement
- International payment, with installment options
- A Brazilian ruling from the start, with no later recognition needed
Divorce Abroad + Recognition in Brazil
- A document review to determine the right procedure
- A certified translation of the foreign ruling
- Recognition at a notary's office (simple, uncontested cases) or at the STJ
- An uncontested or contested filing with the STJ, when required
- A marriage certificate with the divorce recorded on it, ready to use in Brazil
Not sure which situation applies to you? Request your quote and we'll point you to the right path.
Your ex-spouse doesn't agree to the divorce? You can still get divorced.
When there's no agreement, we file a contested court case requesting the divorce on a preliminary basis. The judge grants your divorce regardless of whether your ex-spouse agrees, with every step of the case handled remotely — including hearings, held by video call.
How it works, in both cases
Simple steps, all handled remotely.
Consultation or quote
Tell us about your case and get guidance on which option applies and what the service will cost.
Digital agreement
Service agreement and power of attorney signed online, with no need for notarization at a consulate.
Handled from Brasília
Our team files and follows up on your case with the Court of Justice or the STJ, depending on your situation.
You receive the outcome
The ruling or the updated certificate, scanned and sent by email and, when needed, mailed physically to your address.
*Timelines and steps vary depending on the option chosen and the complexity of the case.
What's the difference between the two options?
Each path has a different starting point and procedure — here's how each one works.
Direct Divorce in Brazil
- Used when the couple hasn't gotten divorced yet
- The case is filed directly with the Brazilian Court of Justice
- Doesn't depend on any proceedings abroad
- The outcome is already a Brazilian ruling, with no recognition step needed
Divorce Abroad + Recognition in Brazil
- Used when the divorce has already been granted outside Brazil
- The foreign ruling needs to be recognized in Brazil
- Recognition at a notary's office (simple cases) or at the STJ (every other case)
- Without that recognition, the foreign ruling has no legal effect in Brazil
What you receive at the end
- Marriage certificate with the divorce recorded on it, scanned and sent as soon as the process is complete
- A ruling or recognition decision valid in Brazil, ready to use at notary's offices and government agencies
- Full guidance on which option applies to your case, starting from the very first consultation
- Optional: an apostilled certificate, accepted in every Hague Convention country
Attorneys in Brasília, home to the STJ
A team made up entirely of licensed attorneys
Specialists in international family law handle your case from start to finish.
Physical office in Brasília, Brazil
We're based in the city that's home to Brazil's Superior Court of Justice, the only court authorized to recognize foreign rulings.
Serving Brazilians around the world
Video call consultations, digital agreements, and international payment, with no red tape.
Read more
Articles from our blog on divorce, for a deeper dive into the subject.
Got divorced abroad? Here's why getting your ruling recognized in Brazil matters
Getting a foreign divorce ruling recognized by the STJ is essential for your new marital status to be recognized in Brazil.
International Marriage and DivorceWhy do I need to record my divorce performed abroad?
Recording a foreign divorce in Brazil is necessary for it to have legal effect there.
International Marriage and DivorceDivorce in New Zealand: A Legal Guide for Brazilians Abroad
A guide to the main legal procedures for separation and divorce for Brazilians in New Zealand.
International Marriage and Divorce"I want a divorce": is it possible to get divorced without your ex-husband knowing?
To file for divorce in Brazilian court, you don't need a specific reason — simply wanting one is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really possible to get divorced in Brazil while living abroad?
Yes. Brazilian law allows Brazilians living abroad to get divorced through the Brazilian courts, regardless of whether they married in Brazil or abroad, and whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.
I already got divorced abroad. Do I need to do something in Brazil?
Yes. The foreign ruling needs to be recognized to be valid in Brazil. Without that recognition, you may run into obstacles with things like probate and inheritance, buying or selling property, dividing assets in Brazil, and registering a child from a new marriage.
Does every divorce granted abroad need to go through the STJ?
No. Simple, uncontested divorces with no division of assets, alimony, or child custody can be recognized directly at a notary's office. Every other case requires a recognition request filed with the STJ.
How long does the process take?
A direct divorce in Brazil, when uncontested and with no assets to divide, takes about 1 to 2 months on average. An uncontested recognition at the STJ is usually published within 6 months, depending on the documentation. Recognition at a notary's office, when applicable, is faster.
What if my ex-spouse doesn't agree to the divorce?
In that case, we file a contested court case requesting the divorce on a preliminary basis. The judge will grant your divorce regardless of whether your ex-spouse agrees, with every step handled remotely.
Is the Brazilian divorce (or recognition) valid in the country where I live?
Yes, as long as the ruling is apostilled. If you got married in Brazil, the ruling takes effect once it becomes final, which happens 15 business days after the decision.
Ready to settle your legal status in Brazil?
Request your online quote and get guidance on which option is right for your case, with no obligation.
This website is part of the services offered by Pimentel & Silva Advocacia e Consultoria (PSAC Law Firm), as is all of the content published on it.