Brazil Senate Approves 'Pix Pensão' Law to Automate Child Support Payments

The Brazilian Senate approved Project Law No. 4.978/2023, known as “Pix Pensão,” which now proceeds to presidential sanction. The measure, authored by Deputy Tabata Amaral, requires judges to specify in their rulings the amount, frequency, and account details for child‑support payments, which financial institutions must then transfer automatically via the Pix system.

If the obligor’s account lacks sufficient funds, the law authorises automatic blocking of assets up to the overdue amount, with the possibility of conversion into a garnishment. Officials and legal scholars say the automation should speed payments, lower delinquency, and give families more predictable cash flow for essential expenses such as food, housing, education, and health.