união estável

substantivo

partial

common-law marriage

noun

Comparative law notes

Brazil

Pursuant to Law No. 9,278/1996 and section 1,723 of the Brazilian Civil Code, "união estável" is the long-term, public and continuous relationship between a man and a woman with the purpose of forming a family. Living together under the same roof is not a legal requirement in Brazil.

Definitions of common-law marriage

English

a marriage which is not the result of a formal legal ceremony, but is considered to exist after a couple have lived together for several years

Although in Spain a married couple can separate or divorce, there are no specific procedures for the break-up of a common-law marriage.