Oct 17, 2026 · 2 min read · Corporate and Partnership Law
The company's account has been frozen by a court order. The first impulse is to look at the amount. The first step is to look at the case, because that is where the answers are.
1. Which case did the freeze come from?
Sometimes the company did not even know the case existed. Identifying the case number, the court and who requested the freeze is the starting point.
2. Was the company properly served?
How the company was brought into the case may affect what can be challenged from that point on.
3. Does the frozen amount match the debt?
Simultaneous freezes on several accounts can exceed the debt. The excess can be pointed out to the court so it is released.
4. Is the money protected by law?
Brazil's Code of Civil Procedure lists situations in which funds cannot be seized. Some apply to companies and others do not, and this must be shown with documents.
5. What is the deadline?
It is short. Under article 854, paragraph 3, of the Code of Civil Procedure, the debtor has 5 days to show that the funds are exempt from seizure or that the freeze was excessive. Missing this deadline may mean losing the chance to raise these points at that stage.
The freeze is the tip; the case is the source. Gathering bank statements, the case number and company documents on day one makes a difference. Each situation requires an analysis of the specific case.
Informational content only. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion.