TRANSPARENCY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT: THREE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF DREX AND CONTRATOS INTELIGENTES ON THE ENFORCEMENT OF OBLIGATIONS IN FAMILY LAW

Abstract

This article analyzes how Drex — the Brazilian Central Bank’s digital currency — and blockchain -based contratos inteligentes can transform the management of child support within Family Law. Delinquency and lack of transparency are recurring issues in this context, directly affecting both payers and beneficiaries. Through a qualitative approach and literature review, the study examines the potential impacts of these technologies in three dimensions: (i) reducing delinquency through automated payments and programmed penalties; (ii) increasing transparency via immutable transaction records on the blockchain ; and (iii) the need to update the legal framework to recognize and regulate contratos inteligentes. The findings suggest that these innovations can reduce litigation, speed up financial transfers, and strengthen legal certainty, provided they are supported by regulatory adaptation and institutional training. It is concluded that the integration of Drex and contratos inteligentes has positive disruptive potential, but still depends on regulatory and operational advances.