Disputes Over Inheritance: Must You Travel to Brazil?

Inheritance disputes can be challenging, especially when relatives live abroad and wonder if they need to fly back for Brazilian court hearings. This concern is common among heirs who hold foreign citizenship or permanent residency outside Brazil. Under local rules, courts have grown more flexible and now allow remote participation through virtual platforms such as Google Meets and MS Teams. This approach saves time and helps families avoid costly trips, giving them the chance to stay involved in the legal process from wherever they live.

Court Hearings in the Post-Covid Era

Brazilian courts are aware that many heirs cannot easily appear in person, so judges will often conduct online hearings, even in complex inheritance dispute cases. This format took hold after COVID-19, but it remains an option for many civil suits today. Courts may schedule video conferences for witness testimony, statements, and other procedural steps. Participants receive a secure link to join the meeting at the appointed time. This setup is convenient for non-resident heirs who need legal representation in Brazil but prefer to handle formalities without international travel.

Submitting Evidence from Abroad

Building a solid case in a probate or family court dispute requires proper evidence. You can submit documents, recordings, and affidavits from another country. Many courts accept notarized statements and official records that have been legalized or apostilled, in line with the Hague Convention rules. If your evidence is in English, you may need a certified translation into Portuguese. Courts typically want clear, reliable documents that prove each party’s claim, so it helps to gather birth certificates, wills, or bank statements early in the process. Recordings of conversations can be used as well, provided they were lawfully obtained and introduced by your Brazilian attorney.

100% Remote Representation

With the right planning, it is possible to conduct your entire inheritance dispute from abroad. You can retain an attorney in Brazil by signing a power of attorney and sending it electronically, once it is notarized and apostilled on your end. After that, your lawyer can file suit, attend hearings, and manage court deadlines on your behalf. You stay updated through phone calls, email, and video chats, which eliminates the need for in-person meetings.

Handling the process remotely also extends to concluding any sale of inherited assets. Once a court confirms the rightful owners, property can be appraised and sold with the support of a local representative. You can then have the proceeds transferred to your bank account in the United States. This arrangement is a relief for non-resident heirs who worry about traveling long distances or taking time off work to finalize an estate matter. Local attorneys, notaries, and realtors work together to ensure each step follows Brazilian law, allowing you to focus on other obligations.

Many prospective clients search for “inheritance dispute attorney in Brazil” or “lawyer for Brazilian probate” in the hope of finding someone who can handle these tasks. With today’s technology, it is fully feasible to manage your lawsuit and protect your rights without booking an international flight. Courts have embraced virtual tools that keep cases moving forward, and attorneys have adopted procedures that uphold the same legal rigor as in-person proceedings.

All steps, from initial consultations to gathering proof and presenting arguments, can be carried out at a distance. The key is to hire an attorney with proven experience in remote representation. When your lawyer is comfortable with online filings, video hearings, and international communication, you stay informed about each development and maintain full involvement in the dispute. This approach streamlines the experience, minimizes stress, and helps you receive any funds owed to you in the United States without disruption.

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