# Brazil family law and stable union legal developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-family-law-and-stable-union-legal-developments > Updated: 2026-08-27T19:04:03.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Brazil is experiencing legal developments regarding the definition and recognition of stable unions (união estável) versus other relationship types. In the Chamber of Deputies, the Constitution and Justice Committee approved a proposal to establish ‘convivente’ as a formal civil status to provide legal security for inheritance and property rights. Concurrently, the Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) has provided judicial clarity on the distinction between a stable union and ‘qualified dating’ (namoro qualificado). In a 3-2 decision, the court ruled that a relationship involving shared living arrangements, financial support, and a child does not automatically constitute a stable union if there is no proven present intention to constitute a family. The court noted that such arrangements may instead represent a project for a future family. This distinction is significant as a recognized stable union triggers specific patrimonial and inheritance rights, whereas qualified dating does not. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: STJ rules on distinction between stable union and long-term dating The Brazilian Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) ruled that a long-term relationship with shared financial ties did not qualify as a stable union, impacting inheritance and asset division rights. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stj-rules-on-distinction-between-stable-union-and-long-term-dating ### 2026-08-18: Brazil legal updates: New civil status for stable unions and STJ rulings on family law Brazil's CCJ approved a new 'convivente' civil status for stable unions, while the STJ ruled that engagement and children do not automatically transform 'qualified dating' into a legally recognized stable union 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-stj-classifies-relationship-as-qualified-dating-over-stable-union --- Cite as: Brazil family law and stable union legal developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-family-law-and-stable-union-legal-developments