Civil Marriage in Fortaleza: Values and Important Details

Making a union legally binding is an essential step for many couples, and civil marriage is the way to guarantee mutual rights and responsibilities. In Fortaleza, this practice is increasingly sought after by couples who wish to formalize their bonds in a legal and organized manner.

If you're considering a civil wedding in the capital of Ceará, information and preparation are essential. In this article, we'll guide you through all the necessary aspects, from documents and costs to the step-by-step process. Ready to get started?

What is civil marriage?

Civil marriage is a formal, legally recognized union established by the State through a contract between two people. The main objective is to legally regularize the legal and financial relationship between the spouses.

Unlike other forms of union, civil marriage is governed by the Civil Code, which determines the rights and duties of spouses, ensuring protection in matters such as inheritance, division of assets and family rights.

In the social sphere, civil marriage gains great importance by formalizing the union before society, influencing factors such as citizenship and recognition of civil rights. As a result, spouses have access to legal and social benefits exclusive to this form of union.

In the next section, we will see which documents are necessary to start the civil marriage process in Fortaleza.

Documents required for civil marriage in Fortaleza

To get married civilly in Fortaleza, you'll need to gather some essential documents. Check out the full list:

• Updated copy of Birth Certificate (issued within the last 90 days);
• Original identity document with photo (RG, CNH or passport);
• Proof of recent residence of the bride and groom;
• Two witnesses over 18 years of age, with identity documents;
• Marriage certificate with divorce endorsement for divorced persons;
• Death certificate of the deceased spouse for widows.

Birth certificates must be requested at the registry office where the birth was registered. Identity and proof of residence must be obtained from the respective issuing agencies. Divorce or death certificates must be obtained from the registry office where the event occurred.

For foreigners or special cases, such as minors, additional documents are required, such as the National Foreigner Registry (RNE), a sworn translation of foreign documents, and authorization from parents or guardians, if applicable.

With your documents ready, you can begin the civil marriage process. We'll now detail the steps to formalize your union in Fortaleza.

Step by step guide to getting married in Fortaleza

1. Civil marriage qualification process

The first step is to go to the nearest Civil Registry office, bringing all the necessary documentation. At the registry office, you'll begin the process of marriage authorization, which analyzes the documentation to ensure the couple is eligible to marry. The registry office will publish a proclamation to check for impediments to the union, a process that takes between 15 and 30 days.

2. Scheduling and preparing for the ceremony

Once the registration process is complete and there are no obstacles, the bride and groom should schedule the ceremony date directly at the registry office or by phone, depending on the location. It's essential to check the availability of dates and times, especially if the ceremony is taking place away from the registry office, which may involve additional fees and travel for the registrar.

3. Important requirements and deadlines to be observed

It's crucial to adhere to the deadlines for submitting documents and scheduling, as failure to do so may delay or prevent the wedding from taking place on the desired date. Ceremonies held outside the registry office require advance arrangements and notification to the registry office.

By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be ready to celebrate your civil union in Fortaleza. Now let's look at the costs involved in a civil marriage in the city.

Costs involved in civil marriage in Fortaleza

When planning a civil wedding in Fortaleza, you'll need to consider registry office fees and other associated costs. The fees, which include the registration process and the ceremony, range from R$$ 400 to R$$ 600.

Prices may vary between registry offices, depending on location and demand. Registry offices in central or busy areas tend to charge more. If the ceremony takes place away from the registry office, additional travel costs for the officiant may apply.

Couples who demonstrate financial hardship may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction. Documentation proving financial status, such as a tax return and proof of low income, is required.

With the costs clear, you can plan your civil wedding budget accurately. Next, we'll explore the differences between civil and religious weddings.

Differences between civil and religious marriage

Civil and religious marriages have significant legal differences. Civil marriage is a formal contract that grants rights and duties to the spouses, such as the division of assets and inheritance rights. Religious marriage, on the other hand, is a spiritual or doctrinal ceremony, whose legal validity depends on registration at the registry office, if not simultaneously with the civil marriage.

It is possible to combine both ceremonies; the civil wedding can take place on the same day as the religious wedding, if the religious institution is authorized to officiate civil weddings. Otherwise, the civil wedding can precede or follow the religious wedding, depending on the couple's preference.

Civil marriage guarantees legal security in matters of inheritance, child custody, and property division, aspects not covered by religious marriage. Furthermore, it is the only form of union officially recognized by the state, guaranteeing all civil rights to spouses.

Below, learn how collective civil marriage works in Fortaleza, a more affordable option for many couples.

Collective civil marriage in Fortaleza

A collective civil marriage is a ceremony where several couples formalize their unions simultaneously. Organized by government entities or NGOs, it facilitates access to civil marriage for couples with financial difficulties, offering the ceremony free or at a reduced cost.

Participation in a collective civil wedding in Fortaleza requires prior registration, usually through the organizers' notices. The same documents required for a conventional civil wedding must be presented within the deadline stipulated in the notice.

The benefits of a collective civil wedding include reduced costs, accessibility for low-income couples, and the celebration of the union in a shared event. However, there are limitations, such as the lack of personalization and the need to follow the schedule and rules of the collective event.

Next, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of civil marriage.

Advantages and disadvantages of civil marriage

Advantages of civil marriage

• Legal Recognition: Ensures recognition of the union before the law, with well-defined rights and duties.
• Patrimonial Benefits: Protects against issues such as property sharing, alimony, and inheritance.
• Family Rights: Provides protection in family matters such as child custody and social benefits.

Disadvantages of civil marriage

• Bureaucracy: The qualification and documentation process can be time-consuming and costly.
• Legal Rigidity: Legal rules and obligations can limit flexibility in property and coexistence matters.

When considering a civil marriage, it's important to weigh these advantages and disadvantages, keeping in mind the couple's goals, legal needs, and circumstances. In the next section, we'll discuss how to choose the ideal registry office for your civil marriage in Fortaleza.

How to choose a registry office for your civil marriage in Fortaleza

Choosing a registry office for a civil wedding in Fortaleza requires considering several factors that can impact the couple's experience. Location is key: a registry office close to the bride and groom's home or within easy reach facilitates the process of registration and the ceremony.

Accessibility is also important. Consider whether the registry office has parking or is easily accessible by public transportation, as well as suitable facilities for people with reduced mobility, if necessary.

The registry offices also offer additional services and amenities. Some offer services such as online scheduling, flexible scheduling, and even off-site ceremonies. It's worth visiting the registry office or consulting other engaged couples to evaluate the service.

With this information, you'll be ready to choose the ideal registry office. Now let's look at surname changes and property regimes in civil marriages.

Changes to surname and property regime in civil marriage

In civil marriages, it is possible to change surnames if desired by one or both spouses. This must be requested at the time of marriage registration. Deciding whether to change, choose, or combine surnames is essential, as this change will be reflected in all of the bride and groom's personal documents.

There are different possible property regimes in civil marriage, each with its own characteristics. The main ones are:

• Partial Community of Property: Property acquired after marriage is common to the couple.
• Universal Community of Property: All property, acquired before and after marriage, is shared between the spouses.
• Total Separation of Assets: The spouses' assets remain separate, both those acquired before and after the marriage.
• Final Participation in Acquisitions: Combines elements of separation and partial communion, with division of assets only in the event of dissolution of the marriage.

The chosen property regime directly impacts the couple's marital and financial life, influencing asset management and distribution in the event of separation or death. It is advisable to seek legal advice to decide which regime best meets the couple's expectations and situation.