Marcello Benevides Advogados Associados is an English-speaking law firm in Rio de Janeiro included in the U.S. Mission Brazil attorney lists for the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo consular districts. We help U.S. citizens with divorce, child custody, international child abduction, estates, business and civil matters in Brazil, in person or fully online.
A legal matter in Brazil? Talk to us in English
We explain your options under Brazilian law, the documents you need and a written fee proposal. Payment via Wise or to a U.S.-based bank account.
Is your firm on the U.S. Consulate attorney list?
Yes. Our firm appears in the legal assistance lists published by the U.S. Mission in Brazil for the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo consular districts, with our attorneys, languages and areas of practice. You can check the U.S. Mission list directly.
As the U.S. Mission explains on the list, inclusion is not an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. government. We encourage you to ask about our experience and to request a written fee schedule before hiring us, as the Mission recommends.
How do you help U.S. citizens in Brazil?
We handle the legal matters that most often bring Americans to a Brazilian lawyer. The table shows each area and what we do.
For family cases in detail, see our page for foreigners with family matters in Brazil. For estates and assets, see inheritance and asset protection in Brazil.
Are you a U.S. attorney with a client matter in Brazil? See how we work as Brazilian co-counsel: Brazilian law firm for U.S. attorneys.
Is my U.S. divorce valid in Brazil?
It depends on the type of divorce. A foreign consensual divorce takes effect in Brazil without recognition by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). Other foreign decisions, such as contested divorces and custody rulings, need STJ recognition before they take effect (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 961 and § 5).
In practice, many clients only need to register the U.S. divorce in Brazil to update their marital status, sell property or remarry. We check which path applies to your case.
Do I need to travel to Brazil?
In most cases, no. You can sign a power of attorney in the United States, have it apostilled, and we act for you in Brazil. Both countries are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, which Brazil adopted through Decree 8.660/2016, so no consular legalization is needed.
Even an uncontested divorce at a Brazilian notary can be signed by an attorney-in-fact with specific powers (CNJ Resolution 35/2007, art. 36).
Not sure which path applies to you? Send us a message in English.
What if my child was taken to Brazil?
Brazil applies the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Decree 3.413/2000). Its goal is the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in a member country, and respect for custody and visitation rights (art. 1).
Time is critical in these cases. Contact the U.S. Department of State and us as soon as possible, so we can review the documents and coordinate the steps in Brazil.
For a detailed guide, see Hague Convention child abduction cases in Brazil.
How do fees and payments work?
Before any payment, you receive a written fee proposal for your case. Fees can be paid in U.S. dollars through Wise or to our U.S.-based bank account. We follow the ethics rules of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) on fees and advertising.
Free document checklist
What documents do you need for your case in Brazil?
Choose your matter and get your document checklist right away. Then send it to us to review your next steps.
General guidance. Requirements may vary according to the case.
Our firm has contributed to and been interviewed by
Credentials
Member of the Brazilian Institute of Family Law
The Brazilian Institute of Family Law (IBDFAM) certifies that our firm is one of its members. It is the leading family law institute in Brazil.
Frequently asked questions
Is your firm recommended by the U.S. Consulate?
Our firm is included in the attorney lists published by the U.S. Mission in Brazil for the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo consular districts. As the list itself explains, inclusion is not an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State, so we encourage you to ask us about qualifications and fees before hiring.
Do you speak English?
Yes. Our bilingual case coordinator assists you in English at every step: meetings, video calls, email and WhatsApp.
Can I pay in U.S. dollars?
Yes. Fees can be paid through Wise or to a U.S.-based bank account. You receive a written fee proposal before any payment or document is sent.
Do I need to travel to Brazil?
Usually not. Most cases can be handled through a power of attorney signed abroad. Brazil and the United States are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so U.S. documents only need an apostille (Decree 8.660/2016).
Is my U.S. divorce valid in Brazil?
A foreign consensual divorce takes effect in Brazil without recognition by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). Other foreign decisions, such as contested divorces or custody rulings, must be recognized by the STJ before they take effect (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 961, § 5).
My child was taken to or kept in Brazil without my consent. What can I do?
Brazil applies the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Decree 3.413/2000), which aims at the prompt return of children wrongfully removed or retained. Acting quickly matters: contact us and the U.S. Department of State as soon as possible.
Can you handle an inheritance in Brazil if I live in the U.S.?
Yes. Heirs living abroad can take part in a Brazilian probate (inventário) through an attorney-in-fact, without traveling. We explain each step in English.
How do I start?
Send a short description of your case by WhatsApp or email. We reply in English with the next steps, the documents needed and a written fee proposal.
What our clients say
Verified Google reviews
Translated from Portuguese. Original reviews are on our Google profile.
“I want to thank the whole team, especially Dr. Maria Helena. I was able to be with my daughter again after so many months. Thank you for every step and every fight.”
Claudio Júnior
“Highly qualified professionals who handled my case with excellence. Special thanks to Dr. Maria Helena, who masterfully gave me all the support I needed.”
Priscila Barbieri
“Excellent family law service. The lawyer is extremely competent, attentive and transparent at every stage. I felt completely secure with the work.”
Nathalia Nogueira
“An exceptional experience. I was welcomed from the first contact with professionalism and humanity. They handled everything with care and empathy at a delicate time.”
Daniel Sabino
“I was extremely well looked after. All my questions were answered with patience and clarity. I felt respected, heard and safe.”
Laise Aires
“Excellent service. I felt secure and well advised at every stage of the process. I recommend them without hesitation.”
Andrey Guerra
Your Brazilian lawyer, in English
Tell us about your case. We reply with the next steps and a written fee proposal.
About the author
Maria Helena Seabra, Esq.
Attorney · OAB/RJ 210.129 · Family Law, Estates and International Family Law
Graduate studies in Family and Estate Law (PUC-Rio), International Law (EBPÓS) and Civil Law and Civil Procedure (Cândido Mendes). Member of IBDFAM. Works with Marcello Benevides (OAB/RJ 143.711), founding partner of the firm.
