Possibility of Foreclosure of Spouse’s Assets

The 3rd Panel of the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (STJ) decided, in the judgment of Resp 1.830.735, that it is possible to judicially constrict the assets of the spouse married under the community property system, even if such spouse is not a party to the lawsuit, as long as the moiety (marriage portion) is safeguarded.
In the case, STJ rejected the argument that the wife is not the original debtor, nor a party to the lawsuit. The STJ stated that, as per art. 1,667 of the Brazilian Civil Code, the community property system establishes a single patrimony between the couple, with communication of all present and future assets, credits and financial assets, as well as liabilities and debts.