
Home / Practice areas / Civil Law
For individuals
Civil Law
Contracts, real estate, civil liability, debt collection, family and succession: practice across all areas of civil law, in negotiation and in court.
The problem
Disputes between private parties also require strategy
A breached contract, damage caused by a third party or an unpaid debt can be resolved by negotiation, formal notice or lawsuit. The right approach depends on the evidence, the amount in dispute and the other party’s financial situation.
The firm practices in all areas of civil law. We review the documents, assess the risks and pursue the most efficient solution, acting at every level of jurisdiction when litigation is necessary.
Scope of our work
Areas of civil law in which we practice
The firm practices in all areas of civil law. The topics below organize the most common matters; if your situation is not listed, it can be presented in the initial assessment.
01
Contracts and obligations
Review, negotiation and resolution of disputes over contracts between private parties.
- Contract review and drafting
- Termination and settlement agreements (distrato)
- Review of contract terms
- Breach of contract and damages
02
Real estate
Transactions and disputes involving real property, from negotiation to litigation.
- Leases, eviction and rent adjustment
- Purchase and sale, promises to sell and property exchanges (permuta)
- Real estate development and construction contracts
- Rescission of real estate contracts
03
Property rights and neighbor disputes
Possession, ownership and relations between neighbors and co-owners.
- Adverse possession (usucapião)
- Protection of possession
- Neighbor and boundary disputes
- Condominium and division of common property
04
Civil liability
Compensation for harm caused by wrongful acts, accidents and third-party failures.
- Property damage and lost profits
- Non-pecuniary damages (danos morais)
- Damage to goods and equipment
- Defense in damages actions
05
Debt collection and enforcement
Recovery of amounts owed and enforcement of court decisions.
- Collection actions and summary payment proceedings (ação monitória)
- Enforcement of debt instruments
- Defense in enforcement proceedings
- Enforcement of judgments and attachment of assets
06
Family and succession
Personal and financial matters involving the family.
- Divorce and dissolution of stable unions
- Custody, visitation and child support
- Probate and division of estates
- Wills and succession planning
In all areas
Appeals and higher courts
Assessment of the prospects of appeal before recourse is taken, and representation in later stages, including before the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and the Federal Supreme Court (STF), where applicable.
- Appeals and interlocutory appeals
- Special appeal (STJ)
- Extraordinary appeal (STF), where a constitutional question is involved
How we work
Stages of our work
Step 1
Analysis
Review of the documents and identification of the rights involved.
Step 2
Strategy
Negotiation, notice or lawsuit, depending on the case.
Step 3
Case management
Handling of the case at every level of jurisdiction.
Step 4
Enforcement
Measures to enforce what was obtained.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Is it worth filing a lawsuit?
It depends on the available evidence, the amount at stake and the other party’s ability to pay. The initial analysis assesses these points before any action is taken.
Is there a deadline to claim payment or seek damages?
Yes. Limitation periods vary by type of claim and are set out mainly in the Civil Code, which is why it is important to seek advice early.
What is the difference between civil law and consumer law?
When the relationship is one of consumption, such as buying a product or service from a supplier, bank or carrier, the Consumer Protection Code applies and the analysis is different. Between private parties, the Civil Code applies. If there is doubt, the initial assessment identifies the correct framework.
Can a matter be resolved without going to court?
Often. Negotiation, extrajudicial notice, mediation and settlement can resolve the matter with less time and cost. In some cases, such as uncontested probate and divorce, an out-of-court route may be available when the legal requirements are met.
Which documents should I gather for the initial assessment?
Contracts, proof of payment, messages and emails exchanged, notices sent or received, documents for the properties or assets involved and any summons or decision already issued. You do not need everything to get started.
Does the firm handle matters outside Curitiba?
Yes. The firm is based in Curitiba, Brazil, and handles matters throughout the country.
For general information only. Each case depends on a review of the documents and the stage of the proceeding.
Related areas
Individuals
Litigation
Contracts
Contact
Discuss your case with the firm
Send a brief description of the matter and, if applicable, the case or proceeding number.