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Inheritance Disputes Take New Turns in Brazil: Heirs Can Use Adverse Possession to Try to Keep the Family Property Solely, Opening Space for Complex Judicial Conflicts, According to Marcello Benevides Attorneys
The question is controversial and increasingly common in courts: Can an heir take the family property alone using adverse possession? The answer, according to experts, is yes, as long as the requirements set forth by law are met. This scenario has transformed succession disputes into legal battles capable of dividing siblings and destabilizing entire families.
The topic draws attention because, in many situations, inherited properties remain without probate for years or end up being occupied by only one of the heirs. When this happens, continuous possession can pave the way for the recognition of adverse possession, a mechanism that guarantees the occupant full ownership rights.
When Adverse Possession Can Be Applied in Inheritance
According to specialized attorneys, extraordinary adverse possession is the most common in these cases.
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It requires that the heir occupies the property continuously, peacefully, and with the intent of ownership for 15 years.
This period can be reduced to 10 years if there is habitual residence in the property.
The detail is that it is not enough to live in the place. It must be proven that possession was exercised as if the occupant were the sole owner, without acknowledging the division among the other heirs.
Numerous precedents from the STJ confirm that adverse possession can be declared even in inherited properties, as long as the law is strictly followed.
How Other Heirs Can Defend Themselves
If one of the heirs occupies the property alone, the others do not stand idly by. There are effective legal measures to prevent possession from turning into adverse possession.
One of them is to <strong formalize a loan agreement, leaving it recorded that the occupant is in the property with the permission of the others and not as the exclusive owner.
Another way is to open and advance the probate process.
When the probate is active, there is no reason for the request for adverse possession to prosper, as the division of the asset is underway in judicial proceedings.
Omission, on the other hand, favors whoever occupies the property alone, allowing the possession period to be used as an argument in any future action.
Practical Cases That Show the Risks
The examples are numerous. Families that allowed one heir to live in the property “for free” for years, believing in bonds of trust, now face actions for adverse possession.
There are even episodes involving well-known personalities, such as the case of former player Vampeta’s family, who lent property to relatives and was surprised by a request for definitive possession.
According to Marcello Benevides Attorneys, the lack of organization in the probate and the absence of formal records are the greatest facilitators for this type of dispute.
When there are no contracts, notifications, or active probate, the court may understand that the occupant has met the necessary requirements to take the property for themselves.
Justice Tends to Be Strict on Requirements
Even though it is possible, adverse possession in inheritance is not automatic.
The heir occupying the property needs to prove, with documents and witnesses, that their possession was continuous and exclusive, without opposition from the others.
It is precisely for this reason that the judicial route is usually the most advisable, as notaries can stall the process when there is doubt about the legitimacy of the possession.
To avoid surprises, experts recommend that families do not leave properties without probate and always document any agreements regarding the use of the asset.
This makes it difficult to characterize exclusive possession and protects the collective property.
Adverse possession, when applied in inheritance, can turn a family issue into a painful judicial dispute.
Allowing one heir to occupy a property alone without formalization opens the door for them to claim full ownership, something that may surprise siblings and relatives years later.
In your opinion, is it fair for one heir to be able to take the family property solely through adverse possession? Do you believe this tool protects rights or creates even more conflicts? Leave your comment and share your view on this topic that divides Brazilian families.
Eu vivo uma situação assim. Meu irmão é manipulador e premeditado. Brigou, arrumou distanciamento e ficou usufruindo a casa desde 2011 até hoje. Cortou relações. Tive chance de falar com ele e pedir para documentar a situação da permanência dele na casa e ele se negou. Então, sabendo dessa possibilidade, do usucapião, uma vez que não existe mais nenhum tipo de aproximação, até porque a relação é tóxica, em 2022, procurei um advogado para uma notificação extrajudicial manifestando meu interesse na venda e enquanto isso não acontecesse, uma vez que ele estivesse usando o imóvel, de posse, (aí acho que foi cagada, não devia ter isso no doc, acho), ele ficaria responsável integralmente por tudo incluindo despesas. O fato é que ele pode sair do imóvel premeditando alguma coisa, que minha imaginação não alcança. Sei lá. Ele é bem “****”. Porém, esse imóvel ficou com minha mãe na separação dos meus pais e ela imediatamente deixou como usufruto para mim e para o vampiro, é outro documento que, pela matéria exposta, parece, que no caso dele, será um pouco mais difícil. Hoje, em função da minha situação financeira, estou a mercê da sorte, sem dinheiro não se faz nada. Pedi ajuda na OAB, mas tive a assistência negada. Eles esperam a gente perder tudo para ter critério no atendimento. Sistema brasileiro. “Venda a alma que a gente te atende.!”
Não dá para editar. Retificando: Usufruto dela, transferindo a propriedade para mim e para meu irmão.
A legislação brasileira é um eterno conflito. Seja Civil ou Trabalhista, transforma em direito o que não deveria ser.