Desconsideração

Desconsideração, in the context of Brazilian civil law, refers to the legal doctrine known as *desconsideração da personalidade jurídica* (lit. "disregard of legal personality"). This principle allows courts to pierce the corporate veil and hold the shareholders, directors, or controlling individuals of a company liable for the obligations of the corporation when certain conditions are met. The doctrine is primarily governed by Article 50 of the Brazilian Civil Code and is also referenced in other legal provisions, such as the Commercial Code and the Consumer Protection Code.

The purpose of desconsideração is to prevent fraudulent or abusive practices where individuals exploit the separate legal status of a corporation to evade responsibilities or unfairly harm creditors. Courts may apply this doctrine when the company’s legal personality is used as a shield to conceal improper conduct, such as undercapitalization, commingling of assets, or failure to maintain proper corporate formalities. Unlike some jurisdictions that require strict proof of fraud, Brazilian law permits broader application, including cases of mere abuse of rights or disproportionate economic power.

To invoke desconsideração, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the company’s legal structure was misused to the detriment of creditors or third parties. The burden of proof lies with the party seeking to disregard the corporation’s personality, and courts assess factors such as the financial health of the company, the actions of its controlling shareholders, and the intent behind the corporate structure. The doctrine is typically applied in disputes involving unpaid debts, labor claims, or consumer protection cases where the corporation’s solvency is questionable.

While desconsideração provides a mechanism to protect creditors and enforce accountability, its application is subject to judicial discretion. Courts must balance the need for corporate autonomy with the prevention of abusive practices, ensuring that the doctrine is not misused to circumvent legitimate business operations. Legal professionals often rely on this principle in complex litigation to hold responsible parties liable beyond the confines of the corporate entity.