# Law No. 8971 of December 29, 1994 > Brazilian law **Wikidata**: [Q105650517](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105650517) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-8971-of-december-29-1994 ## Summary Law No. 8971 of December 29, 1994, is a Brazilian statute that regulates the rights of companions to alimony and succession. Enacted during the presidency of Itamar Franco, it specifically addresses legal norms related to alimentation and inheritance. The law was published in Brasília and applies to the jurisdiction of Brazil, with its official text available in Brazilian Portuguese. ## Key Facts - **Enactment Date:** December 29, 1994 - **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil (Itamar Franco) - **Jurisdiction:** Brazil - **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese - **Publication Location:** Brasília - **Legal Digest:** Regulates companions' rights to alimony and succession - **LexML Brazil ID:** urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1994-12-29;8971 - **Citation:** Lei nº 8971/1994 - **Focus List:** WikiProject Brazilian Laws - **Related Entity:** Statute (formal written legal document) ## FAQs **What is the primary purpose of Law No. 8971 of December 29, 1994?** This law regulates the rights of companions to alimony (alimentação) and succession in Brazil, establishing legal norms for these specific familial and relational obligations. **Who enacted Law No. 8971, and when was it published?** The law was approved by President Itamar Franco on December 29, 1994, and published in Brasília on the same date. It applies to the jurisdiction of Brazil. **Where can the official text of Law No. 8971 be accessed?** The official text is available via the LexML Brazil identifier (urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1994-12-29;8971) and can be found at the URL https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l8971.htm. **What legal relationships does Law No. 8971 address?** It specifically addresses the legal relationships pertaining to alimony and inheritance among companions, providing statutory guidance on these matters within Brazilian law. ## Why It Matters Law No. 8971 of December 29, 1994, is significant as it clarifies and codifies the rights of companions in Brazil regarding alimony and succession. This legislation plays a critical role in defining familial and relational obligations under Brazilian law, ensuring legal clarity and protection for individuals in such relationships. By establishing statutory norms, the law contributes to the broader framework of family and inheritance law in Brazil, addressing potential disputes and providing a structured approach to alimony and inheritance claims. Its enactment during Itamar Franco's presidency underscores its role in the evolution of Brazilian legal standards, particularly in matters of personal and family law. ## Notable For - **Specific Focus:** Dedicated to regulating companions' rights to alimony and succession, distinguishing it from broader statutes. - **Jurisdictional Scope:** Applies exclusively to Brazil, reflecting the country's legal priorities in the mid-1990s. - **Presidential Approval:** Enacted under President Itamar Franco, marking a legislative action during his term. - **Public Accessibility:** Official text available in Brazilian Portuguese, ensuring transparency and accessibility to the Brazilian populace. - **LexML Identification:** Unique identifier (urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1994-12-29;8971) for precise legal reference and citation. ## Body ### Legislative Context Law No. 8971 was enacted on December 29, 1994, during the presidency of Itamar Franco, who served as the President of Brazil from 1992 to 1994. This legislative action occurred shortly before the transition of power to Fernando Henrique Cardoso in 1995. The law is a product of Brazil's federal legislative process, reflecting the country's statutory framework post the 1988 Constitution. ### Legal Provisions The statute specifically addresses the rights of companions (comp anheiros) to alimony and succession. Key provisions include: - **Alimony Regulations:** Establishing criteria and obligations for the provision of alimony among companions. - **Succession Rights:** Defining the legal rights of companions in inheritance matters, ensuring clarity in the distribution of estates. ### Jurisdiction and Application As a federal law, Law No. 8971 applies to the entirety of Brazil, superseding state or municipal regulations on the same matters. Its provisions are binding across all 26 states and the Federal District, ensuring uniformity in the application of alimony and succession laws related to companions. ### Historical and Social Impact Enacted in the mid-1990s, this law reflects societal and legal developments in Brazil during a period of democratic consolidation following the end of military rule in 1985. By addressing companions' rights, the legislation acknowledges evolving family structures and relational dynamics, providing legal recourse and protection for individuals in non-traditional or informal partnerships. ### Accessibility and Transparency The law's publication in Brasília and its availability in Brazilian Portuguese underscore the Brazilian government's commitment to legal transparency. The official text can be accessed via the LexML Brazil identifier and the Planalto government portal, facilitating public awareness and understanding of statutory obligations and rights. ### Related Legal Framework Law No. 8971 operates within the broader context of Brazilian family and inheritance law, complementing other statutes such as the Civil Code (Código Civil). It contributes to a comprehensive legal ecosystem that governs personal relationships, property rights, and familial obligations, ensuring a structured and equitable approach to alimony and succession disputes. ### Legislative Process The enactment of Law No. 8971 followed standard Brazilian legislative procedures, including drafting, debate, and presidential approval. As a statute, it represents the formal written manifestation of legislative intent, distinguishing it from other forms of legal instruments such as executive orders or judicial rulings. ### Connection to Statute Entity As a specific instance of the broader "statute" entity, Law No. 8971 exemplifies the characteristics of statutory law, including its written form, legislative origin, and public domain status. It serves as a reference point for understanding the application of statutory law in Brazil, particularly in the realm of personal and family law. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1994-12-29;8971) 2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=8971&ano=1994&data=29/12/1994&ato=925kXUU50dJpWTd97) 3. LexML Brasil