O presente trabalho examina, em sentido amplo, o grau de autonomia privada conferida aos indivíduos no plano do Direito Sucessório. Para tanto, a reflexão se baseia na análise da eficácia do pacto antenupcial no qual os consortes elegem o regime da separação convencional de bens na ordem sucessória. A relevância do estudo se encontra pela sistemática jurídica atual, que impõe a confusão patrimonial entre os cônjuges pela alocação do viúvo na condição de herdeiro necessário na disposição do Código Civil de 2002. Analisa-se de forma crítica, assim, a possível relativização do dispositivo legal, a fim de fazer prevalecer a vontade das partes na forma expressada em vida. Para tanto, o trabalho é estruturado em introdução, dois capítulos de desenvolvimento e encerra com as considerações finais. Precedido pela introdução, que trabalha as razões da pesquisa, o capítulo 2 examina a concepção de autonomia privada como prerrogativa fundamental dos indivíduos e sua aplicação no Direito de Família como realização do princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana. Neste ponto, verifica-se como instrumento de concretização do poder de auto disposição na esfera familiar o pacto antenupcial, que confere aos cônjuges o condão de definir a organização econômica do matrimônio A seguir, o capítulo 3 aborda o regime da separação convencional como regramento que confere plena autonomia patrimonial aos consortes, constatado então o espírito de incomunicabilidade patrimonial do regime, impõe a averiguação de sua aplicabilidade na seara sucessória. Para isto, examina-se a situação do cônjuge no Direito das Sucessões, desde a vigência do Código Civil de 1916, quando ocupava terceiro grau na linha sucessória, até sua alocação atual como herdeiro necessário. A seguir, passa a se ponderar o panorama da concorrência sucessória do consorte sobrevivente na herança do falecido, levando em conta a nova ordem de vocação hereditária e os julgados dos tribunais regionais e superiores. Para finalizar, apresenta-se como possível solução à problemática a força negocial como fonte de Direito. Buscando responder o questionamento suscitado, explora-se a possibilidade de considerar a força normativa advinda do contrato matrimonial, capaz de afastar a condição de herdeiro necessário do consorte remanescente. / The present research aims at analyzing the scope of private autonomy of individuals regarding Inheritance Law. The study is based on the efficiency of pre-nuptial agreements by which couples are able to elect the inheritance order through the regime of separation of assets. The relevance of the study resides in the current legal order which ordinarily imposes assets to be held by both parties and, thus, according to the Brazilian Civil Code, the widower is considered to be entitled to them. The possibility of mitigating such legal rule is critically analyzed in order to make way for the parties will as it has been explicitly manifested in life. Therefore, the work is structured into introduction, two chapters of development and ends with the final considerations. Preceded by the introduction, which explains the reasons that led to research on the topic, chapter 2 examines the concept of private autonomy as a fundamental prerogative of individuals in Family Law and also as a mean to achieve the principle of Human Dignity. Consequently, it is verified that the pre-nuptial agreement can be considered as an instrument of the will of the parties and their autodetermination regarding the economic aspects of marital life Following, chapter 3 analyzes the regime of conventional separation of assets reveals the legal system that grants full autonomy for spouses, for which it is examined since it historically arose. Once it is identified the spirit of incommunicability of assets, it has to be verified how to apply it in Inheritance Law. Bearing that in mind, the situation of the spouse is investigated according to the Brazilian legal system, since the promulgation of the Civil Code in 1916 - when they were in third line in succession – until the current days as a necessary heir. Furthermore, the research examines the Brazilian court`s decisions regarding the subject matter. Finally, the will of the parties as a source of Law is presented as a possible solution to the problem at stake. In light of that, the parties could be considered bound to the pre-nuptial agreement, avoiding the condition of necessary heir to the remaining spouse.

O presente trabalho examina, em sentido amplo, o grau de autonomia privada conferida aos indivíduos no plano do Direito Sucessório. Para tanto, a reflexão se baseia na análise da eficácia do pacto antenupcial no qual os consortes elegem o regime da separação convencional de bens na ordem sucessória. A relevância do estudo se encontra pela sistemática jurídica atual, que impõe a confusão patrimonial entre os cônjuges pela alocação do viúvo na condição de herdeiro necessário na disposição do Código Civil de 2002. Analisa-se de forma crítica, assim, a possível relativização do dispositivo legal, a fim de fazer prevalecer a vontade das partes na forma expressada em vida. Para tanto, o trabalho é estruturado em introdução, dois capítulos de desenvolvimento e encerra com as considerações finais. Precedido pela introdução, que trabalha as razões da pesquisa, o capítulo 2 examina a concepção de autonomia privada como prerrogativa fundamental dos indivíduos e sua aplicação no Direito de Família como realização do princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana. Neste ponto, verifica-se como instrumento de concretização do poder de auto disposição na esfera familiar o pacto antenupcial, que confere aos cônjuges o condão de definir a organização econômica do matrimônio A seguir, o capítulo 3 aborda o regime da separação convencional como regramento que confere plena autonomia patrimonial aos consortes, constatado então o espírito de incomunicabilidade patrimonial do regime, impõe a averiguação de sua aplicabilidade na seara sucessória. Para isto, examina-se a situação do cônjuge no Direito das Sucessões, desde a vigência do Código Civil de 1916, quando ocupava terceiro grau na linha sucessória, até sua alocação atual como herdeiro necessário. A seguir, passa a se ponderar o panorama da concorrência sucessória do consorte sobrevivente na herança do falecido, levando em conta a nova ordem de vocação hereditária e os julgados dos tribunais regionais e superiores. Para finalizar, apresenta-se como possível solução à problemática a força negocial como fonte de Direito. Buscando responder o questionamento suscitado, explora-se a possibilidade de considerar a força normativa advinda do contrato matrimonial, capaz de afastar a condição de herdeiro necessário do consorte remanescente. / The present research aims at analyzing the scope of private autonomy of individuals regarding Inheritance Law. The study is based on the efficiency of pre-nuptial agreements by which couples are able to elect the inheritance order through the regime of separation of assets. The relevance of the study resides in the current legal order which ordinarily imposes assets to be held by both parties and, thus, according to the Brazilian Civil Code, the widower is considered to be entitled to them. The possibility of mitigating such legal rule is critically analyzed in order to make way for the parties will as it has been explicitly manifested in life. Therefore, the work is structured into introduction, two chapters of development and ends with the final considerations. Preceded by the introduction, which explains the reasons that led to research on the topic, chapter 2 examines the concept of private autonomy as a fundamental prerogative of individuals in Family Law and also as a mean to achieve the principle of Human Dignity. Consequently, it is verified that the pre-nuptial agreement can be considered as an instrument of the will of the parties and their autodetermination regarding the economic aspects of marital life Following, chapter 3 analyzes the regime of conventional separation of assets reveals the legal system that grants full autonomy for spouses, for which it is examined since it historically arose. Once it is identified the spirit of incommunicability of assets, it has to be verified how to apply it in Inheritance Law. Bearing that in mind, the situation of the spouse is investigated according to the Brazilian legal system, since the promulgation of the Civil Code in 1916 - when they were in third line in succession – until the current days as a necessary heir. Furthermore, the research examines the Brazilian court`s decisions regarding the subject matter. Finally, the will of the parties as a source of Law is presented as a possible solution to the problem at stake. In light of that, the parties could be considered bound to the pre-nuptial agreement, avoiding the condition of necessary heir to the remaining spouse.

O presente trabalho examina, em sentido amplo, o grau de autonomia privada conferida aos indivíduos no plano do Direito Sucessório. Para tanto, a reflexão se baseia na análise da eficácia do pacto antenupcial no qual os consortes elegem o regime da separação convencional de bens na ordem sucessória. A relevância do estudo se encontra pela sistemática jurídica atual, que impõe a confusão patrimonial entre os cônjuges pela alocação do viúvo na condição de herdeiro necessário na disposição do Código Civil de 2002. Analisa-se de forma crítica, assim, a possível relativização do dispositivo legal, a fim de fazer prevalecer a vontade das partes na forma expressada em vida. Para tanto, o trabalho é estruturado em introdução, dois capítulos de desenvolvimento e encerra com as considerações finais. Precedido pela introdução, que trabalha as razões da pesquisa, o capítulo 2 examina a concepção de autonomia privada como prerrogativa fundamental dos indivíduos e sua aplicação no Direito de Família como realização do princípio da dignidade da pessoa humana. Neste ponto, verifica-se como instrumento de concretização do poder de auto disposição na esfera familiar o pacto antenupcial, que confere aos cônjuges o condão de definir a organização econômica do matrimônio A seguir, o capítulo 3 aborda o regime da separação convencional como regramento que confere plena autonomia patrimonial aos consortes, constatado então o espírito de incomunicabilidade patrimonial do regime, impõe a averiguação de sua aplicabilidade na seara sucessória. Para isto, examina-se a situação do cônjuge no Direito das Sucessões, desde a vigência do Código Civil de 1916, quando ocupava terceiro grau na linha sucessória, até sua alocação atual como herdeiro necessário. A seguir, passa a se ponderar o panorama da concorrência sucessória do consorte sobrevivente na herança do falecido, levando em conta a nova ordem de vocação hereditária e os julgados dos tribunais regionais e superiores. Para finalizar, apresenta-se como possível solução à problemática a força negocial como fonte de Direito. Buscando responder o questionamento suscitado, explora-se a possibilidade de considerar a força normativa advinda do contrato matrimonial, capaz de afastar a condição de herdeiro necessário do consorte remanescente. / The present research aims at analyzing the scope of private autonomy of individuals regarding Inheritance Law. The study is based on the efficiency of pre-nuptial agreements by which couples are able to elect the inheritance order through the regime of separation of assets. The relevance of the study resides in the current legal order which ordinarily imposes assets to be held by both parties and, thus, according to the Brazilian Civil Code, the widower is considered to be entitled to them. The possibility of mitigating such legal rule is critically analyzed in order to make way for the parties will as it has been explicitly manifested in life. Therefore, the work is structured into introduction, two chapters of development and ends with the final considerations. Preceded by the introduction, which explains the reasons that led to research on the topic, chapter 2 examines the concept of private autonomy as a fundamental prerogative of individuals in Family Law and also as a mean to achieve the principle of Human Dignity. Consequently, it is verified that the pre-nuptial agreement can be considered as an instrument of the will of the parties and their autodetermination regarding the economic aspects of marital life Following, chapter 3 analyzes the regime of conventional separation of assets reveals the legal system that grants full autonomy for spouses, for which it is examined since it historically arose. Once it is identified the spirit of incommunicability of assets, it has to be verified how to apply it in Inheritance Law. Bearing that in mind, the situation of the spouse is investigated according to the Brazilian legal system, since the promulgation of the Civil Code in 1916 - when they were in third line in succession – until the current days as a necessary heir. Furthermore, the research examines the Brazilian court`s decisions regarding the subject matter. Finally, the will of the parties as a source of Law is presented as a possible solution to the problem at stake. In light of that, the parties could be considered bound to the pre-nuptial agreement, avoiding the condition of necessary heir to the remaining spouse.

Family is the basic unit of society, and is grounded upon social, legal, religious and economic constructs. Depending on cultures and societies, and the often differential treatment they apply to men and women, entering into marriage may deteriorate women’s economic situation. The gender-based division of labor within family, which disproportionally burden women, notably through childcare responsibilities, causes a substantial decline in women’s income and interrupts their education and employment. This makes it difficult for women to have a career for themselves after a separation or divorce. Therefore, there is a general belief that legal principles and laws governing the marital relationship and property rights should be structured to protect women’s economic interests. To establish an equitable economic framework between spouses, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) opts for an egalitarian regime which asks for equal rights and responsibilities for both men and women, during and after the marriage. It rules in favor of a partial community of property between spouses according to which all economic advantages and disadvantages arising from a marriage and its dissolution should be borne equally by both parties. However, legal regimes differ in outlining the method of contribution each spouse must commit to the household, financial maintenance, and the division of property after a separation or divorce. Some legal regimes, following the CEDAW, emphasize formal equality and grant similar rights and responsibilities to both parties, while establishing a partial community of property. Another group of legal regimes establish the separation of property as the guiding principle for marital economic relationships, wherein the expenses should be borne by men as the heads of the household, whereas women should be compensated for their unpaid contributions to the household. As a country with a Sharia-based Civil law system and a specific cultural background, Iran has its own special matrimonial regime and does not follow the CEDAW’s approach to women and men’s rights and responsibilities. Iran’s matrimonial regime bases itself on Sharia’s approach to men and women, and is anchored in Iranian culture. This accounts for a legal matrimonial system that is different from laws existing in Western countries. Under this system, the husband and wife have different economic responsibilities. This thesis examines Iran’s matrimonial regime and compares it to the Quebec matrimonial regime. While Quebec family law espouses a contributory approach for both spouses in marital life, all economic institutions under Iranian family law are designed to enforce a compensatory approach toward the spouses’ economic relation. The compensatory approach of Iranian law to the financial aspects of marital life causes some difficulty for the wife, which is exacerbated at the time of the termination of the marriage. Such a comparative study hopes to bring some novel suggestions aiming at correcting certain deficiencies in the current Iranian matrimonial regime. Besides assessing the issues with Iran’s marital regime, this research seeks to propose legal solutions for enhancing the economic rights of women. A holistic approach will therefore be adopted, which will lead us to take into consideration certain cultural and religious specificities which have become mandatory rights in Iran. The reform proposals put forward in this thesis will thus seek to respond to Iran’s current social context. This study will examine women’s economic situations in marriage, separation, divorce and upon the death of their spouse. It will argue that the cultural specificities of Iranian society and Islamic law must be examined and assessed. It will also analyze women’s economic situation in marital relationships in Iran and Quebec. The study of these two different civil law jurisdictions will focus on the principle of equality and examine related arguments and ideologies regarding women’s rights and responsibilities. / La famille est l'unité de base de la société et est fondée sur des constructions sociales, juridiques, religieuses et économiques. En fonction des cultures et des sociétés et du traitement souvent différencié qu’ils appliquent aux hommes et aux femmes, le mariage peut détériorer la situation économique des femmes. La division du travail fondée sur le sexe au sein de la famille, qui pèse de manière disproportionnée sur les femmes, notamment en raison de leurs responsabilités en matière de garde d'enfants, entraîne une baisse substantielle du revenu des femmes et interrompt leur éducation et leur emploi. Cela rend difficile pour les femmes d'avoir une carrière pour elles-mêmes après une séparation ou un divorce. Par conséquent, il est généralement admis que les principes juridiques et les lois régissant la relation conjugale et les droits de propriété devraient être structurés de manière à protéger les intérêts économiques des femmes. Pour établir un cadre économique équitable entre les époux, la Convention sur l'élimination de toutes les formes de discrimination à l'égard des femmes (CEDAW) opte pour un régime égalitaire qui exige l'égalité des droits et des responsabilités pour les hommes et les femmes, pendant et après le mariage. Elle se prononce en faveur d'une communauté partielle de biens entre époux selon laquelle tous les avantages et inconvénients économiques résultant d'un mariage et de sa dissolution devraient être assumés également par les deux parties. Cependant, les régimes juridiques diffèrent en définissant le mode de contribution que chaque conjoint doit engager pour le ménage, l'entretien financier et le partage des biens après une séparation ou un divorce. Certains régimes juridiques, à la suite de la CEDAW, mettent l'accent sur l'égalité formelle et accordent des droits et des responsabilités similaires aux deux parties, tout en établissant une communauté partielle de biens. Un autre groupe de régimes juridiques établit la séparation des biens comme principe directeur des relations économiques conjugales, où les dépenses devraient être supportées par les hommes en tant que chefs de famille, tandis que les femmes devraient être indemnisées pour leurs contributions impayées au ménage. En tant que pays doté d'un système de droit civil fondé sur la charia et ayant une culture particulière, l'Iran a son propre régime matrimonial spécial et ne suit pas l'approche de la CEDAW concernant les droits et les responsabilités des femmes et des hommes. Le régime matrimonial Iranien se fonde sur l'approche de la charia à l'égard des hommes et des femmes et est ancré dans la culture Iranienne. Cela explique un système matrimonial légal différent des lois existant dans les pays occidentaux. Dans ce système, le mari et la femme ont des responsabilités économiques différentes. Cette thèse examine le régime matrimonial de l’Iran et le compare au régime matrimonial du Québec. Alors que le droit de la famille du Québec adopte une approche contributive pour les deux conjoints dans la vie conjugale, toutes les institutions économiques en vertu du droit de la famille Iranien sont conçues pour appliquer une approche compensatoire à l'égard de la relation économique des conjoints. L'approche compensatoire de la loi Iranienne concernant les aspects financiers de la vie conjugale cause certaines difficultés à l'épouse, qui sont exacerbées au moment de la fin du mariage. Une telle étude comparative espère apporter de nouvelles suggestions visant à corriger certaines lacunes du régime matrimonial Iranien actuel. Outre l’évaluation des problèmes liés au régime matrimonial de l’Iran, cette recherche cherche à proposer des solutions juridiques pour améliorer les droits économiques des femmes. Une approche holistique sera donc adoptée, ce qui nous amènera à prendre en considération certaines spécificités culturelles et religieuses devenues des droits obligatoires en Iran. Les propositions de réforme présentées dans cette thèse chercheront donc à répondre au contexte social actuel de l’Iran. Cette étude examinera la situation économique des femmes dans le mariage, la séparation, le divorce et le décès de leur conjoint. Il soutiendra que les spécificités culturelles de la société Iranienne et du droit Islamique doivent être examinées et évaluées. Il analysera également la situation économique des femmes dans les relations conjugales en Iran et au Québec. L’étude de ces deux juridictions de droit civil se concentrera sur le principe de l’égalité et examinera les arguments et les idéologies connexes concernant les droits et les responsabilités des femmes.