FAMÍLIAS PARALELAS: (im)possibilidade de reconhecimento no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro

Abstract

The Brazilian family law, historically grounded in a traditional and monogamous perspective, has undergone significant transformations due to social and cultural changes that reshape forms of affective coexistence. Within this context, so-called parallel or simultaneous families have emerged, formed when an individual maintains more than one stable relationship at the same time. Although these arrangements represent a concrete social reality, they remain largely invisible within the legal system, which still upholds monogamy as a structuring principle. The central theme of this study is the analysis of the possibility—or impossibility—of granting legal recognition to parallel families under Brazilian law. It is based on the premise that the legal system cannot disregard consolidated social realities, since its primary function, particularly within family law, is to ensure the protection of diverse forms of human relationships, in accordance with the constitutional principles of human dignity, equality, and affectivity. The general objective of this research is to examine how doctrine and case law address the issue, assessing whether there is room for legitimizing such family configurations within the current normative framework. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, guided by the deductive method. The research is developed through bibliographic and documentary analysis, based on doctrinal works, relevant legislation, and judicial decisions from state courts, the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), and the Federal Supreme Court (STF).