Melhores Advogados de Direito Colaborativo em Brasil

About Direito Colaborativo Law in Brazil

Direito Colaborativo, or collaborative law, is a dispute resolution approach used primarily in family law to reach agreements without going to court. In Brazil, it involves both parties and their lawyers committing to resolve matters through structured, cooperative meetings and transparent information exchange. The process focuses on preserving relationships, especially where children are involved, and seeks to avoid adversarial litigation.

In a Brazilian collaborative matter, the parties sign an agreement to cooperate, share relevant information openly, and work with specially trained attorneys who practice collaboration. If the collaborative process fails, the involved lawyers typically withdraw from the case and the parties may pursue traditional litigation with different counsel. The approach is supported by public policy efforts that encourage mediation, conciliation and cooperative dispute resolution in the judiciary system.

“Mediation and conciliation are encouraged as means to resolve conflicts with confidentiality and good faith.”

Source: Lei nº 13.140/2015 - Lei de Mediação and related Brazilian judiciary guidance, official texts available at planalto.gov.br

Legal practitioners often frame Direito Colaborativo within the broader Brazilian framework for alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and conciliation governed by state and federal guidelines. The approach is increasingly recognized by courts and professional associations as a practical alternative to prolonged litigation in family matters. For reliable, official information see the resources listed in the Local Laws Overview section.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Collaborative law in Brazil is a lawyer-driven process. You will benefit from counsel who can explain your rights, prepare documentation, and guide you through collaborative meetings. A lawyer trained in collaboration helps keep discussions focused, reduces the risk of coercive tactics, and coordinates expert input when asset valuation or child welfare issues arise.

• Divorce with shared custody where both spouses want to protect the child’s stability. Example: a couple with two kids agrees on joint custody and a stable routine, but needs help structuring a parenting plan and financial support without a court battle.
• Division of complex assets such as a family business or real estate portfolio. Example: a couple owns a small business and multiple properties; they require a clear asset split and ongoing business cooperation without public litigation.
• Modifications to alimony or child support based on changing incomes. Example: one party experiences a pay cut; collaborative counsel helps adjust formulas amicably by sharing verifiable income data.
• Cross-border or international elements in a Brazilian dispute. Example: a Brazilian resident with assets in another country seeks a coordinated agreement that respects tax and jurisdiction considerations.
• Protecting confidentiality and family harmony in high-conflict separations. Example: parties want to keep sensitive financial information and family plans private while resolving disputes.
• Preserving business relationships after separation. Example: spouses co-own a small company and need a governance plan that allows continued collaboration while separating personal finances.

Local Laws Overview

Brazilian law supports mediation and collaborative approaches through several statutes and regulatory guidelines. The following laws and rules govern how collaborative processes operate in Brazil and how they are integrated with the judiciary system.

• Lei n. 13.140, de 26 de junho de 2015 - institui a mediação como meio de solução de conflitos e estabelece normas para a prática, confidencialidade e participação das partes. Planato oficial
• Código de Processo Civil (Lei n. 13.105, de 16 de março de 2015) - atualiza regras processuais para incentivar a mediação, conciliação e solução consensual de conflitos. Planato oficial
• Resolução CNJ n. 125/2010 - estabelece políticas judiciárias de incentivo à conciliação, mediação e transação, incluindo diretrizes para serviços de atendimento especializado. CNJ - Conciliação e Mediação

Esses instrumentos promovem a participação de advogados que adotam práticas colaborativas, a confidencialidade entre as partes e o objetivo de chegar a acordo consensual sem litígio prolongado. O Ministério da Justiça e o Judiciário brasileiro enfatizam que a mediação e a conciliação devem ocorrer de forma voluntária, com boa-fé e transparência.

“A mediação deve ser voluntária, confidencial e conduzida com boa-fé de ambas as partes.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Direito Colaborativo and how does it work in Brazil?

Direito Colaborativo is a dispute resolution method where parties and their lawyers work together to reach a settlement. It emphasizes open information exchange and structured meetings, usually outside of court. If the process fails, the involved lawyers withdraw and the parties may pursue litigation with new counsel.

How do I start a collaborative law process in Brazil?

You begin by selecting a lawyer trained in collaborative practice and signing a participation agreement. Both parties commit to the process and to disclose relevant information truthfully before the first four-way meeting with all counsel present.

What is the typical cost range for collaborative law in Brazil?

Costs depend on complexity and the number of meetings. Fees generally cover attorney time, facilitation and any necessary financial experts. Compared to litigation, collaborative processes can reduce long-term legal expenses if a settlement is reached early.

How long can a Brazilian collaborative divorce take from start to finish?

Timeline varies with complexity, asset size and custody issues. Many cases resolve within several months, but serious disputes may extend longer. Courts can still be involved if the collaborative process ends without an agreement.

Do I need a lawyer specialized in collaborative practice?

Yes. A lawyer trained in collaboration helps structure the process, ensures adherence to ethical guidelines, and coordinates experts as needed. If your lawyer is not trained in collaboration, consider consulting a specialist or seeking a second opinion.

How is asset division handled in a collaborative process?

Assets are disclosed openly and valued by professionals when needed. The aim is a fair, negotiated division that supports both parties and any dependent children, avoiding court-imposed outcomes.

What is the difference between collaborative law and mediation in Brazil?

Mediation involves a neutral third party guiding discussion, while collaborative law uses counsel for each party and a structured, contract-based approach. In collaboration, lawyers commit to assisting only through the process and not to litigate.

Can a collaborative case be converted to litigation later?

Yes, if the parties decide to abandon the collaborative path or if essential cooperation breaks down. In that scenario, the lawyers typically withdraw and the parties may hire new counsel to proceed in court.

Where can I find a Brazilian lawyer trained in collaborative practice?

Look for lawyers certified by Brazilian professional associations that emphasize collaborative practice, or ask the state bar association for referrals. Some city-specific directories list trained practitioners and their profiles.

Is collaborative law applicable to child custody matters in Brazil?

Yes, it is commonly used to create parenting plans and custody arrangements that prioritize the child’s best interests. Decisions are made by consensus, with a focus on routines, education, and welfare.

When should I avoid collaborative law and pursue litigation instead?

If there is a risk of coercion, violence, or significant power imbalances, litigation or court intervention may be more appropriate. Collaborative practice requires voluntary participation and good faith from both parties.

Do I need to prepare specific documents for a collaborative process?

Prepare identification documents, proof of income, asset statements, debt records, and a list of current obligations. Accurate disclosure helps avoid later disputes and supports a smoother negotiation.

Additional Resources

• Lei n 13.140/2015 - Lei de Mediação, que estabelece as regras para mediação e conciliação no Brasil. Planalto - Lei 13.140/2015
• Código de Processo Civil (Lei n 13.105/2015) - regulamenta procedimentos processuais, incluindo incentivo à mediação e conciliação. Planalto - Lei 13.105/2015
• Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) - Programas de Conciliação e Mediação - orientações e políticas públicas para prática de mediação no sistema judiciário. CNJ - Conciliação e Mediação

Next Steps

1. Faça uma avaliação inicial de elegibilidade veja se o seu caso envolve interesses que ganham com acordo amigável, especialmente em família. Considere se há condições de confidencialidade e cooperação entre as partes.
2. Reúna documentação essencial prepare documentos de identificação, comprovantes de renda e ativos, dívidas, e informações sobre filhos, se houver.
3. Converse com advogados treinados em prática colaborativa pesquise no CNJ e em associações profissionais um(a) advogado(a) com experiência em Direito Colaborativo e prática ética.
4. Solicite uma consulta inicial com o objetivo de acordo confirme que ambas as partes concordam em seguir o modelo colaborativo e assine o acordo de participação.
5. Desenvolva um plano de caso com prazos defina etapas, quem fornece que informações, e como serão avaliados ativos e passivos.
6. Inicie as reuniões colaborativas formais participe de reuniões com as respectivas partes, advogados e, se necessário, especialistas (economistas, avaliadores), mantendo a confidencialidade.
7. Documente tudo e revise o acordo registre compromissos por escrito e peça revisões por eventuais inconsistências antes de formalizar o acordo final.