Adverse possession lawyer in São Paulo
We assess acquisition through possession and pursue its formal recognition — adverse possession (usucapião), judicial or at the Land Registry, from gathering evidence to registration. In person on Av. Paulista or remotely, anywhere in Brazil.
5,0 · 18 Google reviewsAdverse possession (usucapião) lets you acquire ownership of a property through prolonged, continuous and unopposed possession. Where there is no dispute, it can be recognised directly at the Land Registry (art. 216-A, Law 6.015/1973), with no lawsuit. We handle both routes — and the paperwork that usually stalls the request.
When to assess adverse possession.
- Property without a deedYou bought via a "gaveta" contract, the seller vanished and the property was never put in your name.
- Long possession, no titleYou have used the property for years, pay property tax and made improvements, but are not the registered owner.
- Stuck inheritanceYou received the property from the family, but the title is still in a long-deceased owner’s name.
- Extrajudicial routeThere is consensus and documentation — it can be recognised at the Land Registry, without a lawsuit.
- Judicial routeWhere a dispute requires court proceedings, we handle the claim. First, we check whether missing signatures or evidence can be addressed through the extrajudicial procedure.
- Specific typesExtraordinary, ordinary, special urban, rural and family — we identify the one that fits your case.
Assess the requirements for your case.
Adverse Possession Check
In 2 minutes our check indicates whether you may be entitled to adverse possession and which type applies — no obligation.
Check my rightHow it works.
- Possession analysisWe assess the time, nature and evidence of possession and define the type and route (Land Registry or court).
- Documents and notarial recordWe gather certificates, survey and the notarial record documenting possession-related facts, assessed with the other evidence.
- Neighbours and filingWe arrange the legally required consents or notices and file at the Land Registry or in court.
- RegistrationWe follow the decision and, if acquisition is recognised, registration in your name.
What clients say on Google.
“From the very start I was looked after exceptionally. The team is attentive and explains every step.”
Amanda M. · Google“Excellent, highly qualified professionals. I highlight the professionalism, the service and the honesty.”
Rita G. · Google“Very polite, patient, always with precise, accurate answers. I recommend them with no reservations!”
Thais T. · GoogleTranslations of client reviews published on Google.
Who leads this area.
Partner in charge of real estate and probate matters (OAB/SP 428.777). Postgraduate in Real Estate Law (PUC/SP) and Succession Law (PUC-Campinas). Notário Luiz Gama Medal (Santo André City Council). Fluent in English.
Meet Letícia MarquesCommon questions.
How long must I have possessed to qualify?
The period depends on the category and its other requirements. Extraordinary adverse possession takes 15 years, reduced to 10 for habitual residence or qualifying productive works/services. Ordinary adverse possession takes 10 years with just title and good faith; its five-year reduction has specific conditions, including a paid acquisition based on a registration later cancelled. Special urban and rural forms take five years and have their own requirements. The two-year family form requires an urban property of up to 250 m², co-ownership with a former spouse or partner who abandoned the home, residence and no other property, plus the other requirements of article 1,240-A. Time alone is insufficient; public property cannot be acquired by adverse possession.
Can it be done at the Land Registry, without a lawsuit?
Yes, if article 216-A of Law 6,015/1973 is satisfied. Introduced by the 2015 Code of Civil Procedure, the rule took effect in 2016. A lawyer submits the application to the Land Registry with a notarial record and other evidence. Missing signatures may be addressed through statutory notices and the legal effects of silence; they do not automatically require litigation. A justified objection goes to the competent court. Neither timing nor approval is guaranteed.
I bought via a "gaveta" contract. Does this help?
It may be an option if all requirements are met. For a sale between living parties, ownership transfers through registration (article 1,245 of the Civil Code). Compulsory conveyance, a deed and registration, or probate should also be considered, depending on the source of the right. An unregistered private contract and payment of IPTU alone do not establish entitlement to adverse possession.
Do you serve clients outside São Paulo?
Yes — remotely, across Brazil. The proceeding runs where the property is located, and we handle it at a distance, keeping you informed.
How long have you held the property?
Run the adverse possession check or talk now with the partner in charge. Contact us to check appointment availability.