Forensic recess is a significant period in the legal schedule, characterized by the halt of regular court activities and the extension of procedural deadlines.
Urgent measures are still being handled promptly, requiring lawyers to pay attention to safeguard their clients’ interests.
In this guide, we will discuss key inquiries, practical illustrations, and advice for making the most of this time effectively.
What does the term forensic recess refer to?
During the forensic recess, courts pause their usual activities, such as hearings and trials, and stop counting procedural deadlines.
The period falls between December 20th and January 20th, with legal teams on hand for urgent requests.
This period includes both the forensic recess (20/12 to 06/01) and the lawyer’s holiday (07/01 to 20/01).

How was the forensic break created?
The Forensic recess was established to provide a break for legal professionals and to pause court proceedings during the year-end holidays.
The custom became official in Brazil through Law no 5.010/1966, article 62, which set the holiday period for the Federal Court from December 20 to January 6.
Refer to article 62, section I, of Law No 5.010/1966.
In the Federal Court, holidays will be observed as specified by law, in addition to any others that may be established.
Between December 20 and January 6…
Despite the breaks in the legal system’s routine, essential services are still guaranteed by judicial teams.
What is the planting schedule in the forensic garden?
The judicial plantation is governed by CNJ Resolution no. 244/2016 and is specifically for urgent actions.
- Emergency teals are covered in Article 300 of the Civil Procedure Code.
- Habeas corpus is guaranteed by Article 5, Section LXVIII of the Constitution and Articles 647 to 667 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- Protective actions: Article 22 of the Maria da Penha Law.
- Urgent Alvares requests are made for the withdrawal of important assets.
When are the deadlines suspended in the legal break between December 20 and January 6?
Deadlines are typically suspended between December 20 and January 20 in accordance with the relevant field of law.
- Level: Between 20/12 and 20/01, as stated in CPC article 220.
- From December 20th to January 20th, as outlined in article 798-A of the Criminal Procedure Code, with some exclusions.
- Worker: From December 20th to January 20th, as stated in article 775-A of CLT.

How is the deadline count for forensic recess from December 20 to January 6?
Procedural deadlines are paused during recess and pick up again on the first working day after the break, according to specific guidelines.
- Count will be temporarily halted and then restarted after 20/01.
- Art. 798-A of the CPP ensures complete suspension of deadlines, with some exceptions outlined.
- Worker: Count is paused and will also restart after 20/01.
Practical illustration using CPC:
A 15-day period starting on December 16, 2024 is being considered.
Deadline commencement.
The deadline starts on December 16, 2024.
Under Article 224 of the CPC, the initial day is not included in the calculation, and one day is added to the final count.
Therefore, the total would be:
- December 16 (Monday): Undesignated day.
- December 17 marks the start of the work week.
- December 18, 2nd workday (Wednesday).
- December 19 (Thursday) marks the third day of the workweek.
Three working days are taken into account prior to the break period.
Suspension duration:
Procedural time limits are paused from December 20, 2024, to January 20, 2025, as per Article 220 of the CPC.
No days of work are included in that timeframe.
Resumption of the semester:
The count will continue on the initial workday following the break, scheduled for January 21, 2025, which falls on a Tuesday.
After deducting 3 working days before the break, there are still 12 working days left to complete.
End of time: The conclusion of time.
The period of 12 remaining workdays spans from January 21, 2025 (Tuesday) to February 5, 2025 (Tuesday).
Please provide the text that you would like me to paraphrase.
The 15-day period starting on December 16, 2024, concludes on February 5, 2025, which falls on a Tuesday.
What doesn’t stop during the period from December 20 to January 6 in forensic terms?
Even while on break, certain activities persist.
- Urgent actions: Provisional guardianship, habeas corpus, and orders.
- Judicial Plants: Special attention for critical or irreversible risk situations.
How should one respond to urgent matters during a break?
Addressing urgent matters during the forensic break necessitates familiarity with particular protocols and the capacity to promptly meet the case’s demands.
The lawyer guarantees the protection of basic rights during times of routine judicial inactivity by following a systematic approach.
Here are the procedures and instructions for responding to urgent matters during the forensic break.
Identify the level of importance
Before deploying the judicial team, carefully assess the necessity of the action.
- Urgency should be linked to the imminent risk of irreversible harm in cases like safeguarding health, protecting the rights of children and adolescents, supporting protests, or granting preliminary injunctions in possessory actions.
- Prioritize cases concerning basic rights like life, health, or freedom.
- Consider if the lack of prompt action during the break could impact the right to file a petition.
Consult the legal team
The courts have judicial teams in place during breaks to handle urgent matters. Understanding the existing framework is crucial.
- Courts may have hybrid systems combining in-person and electronic services. To find out about the opening hours and ways to attend, visit the court’s website.
- Identifying the appropriate court or magistrate for their request helps avoid unnecessary delays by ensuring it is directed to the right authority.
- Please refer to the necessary documents for planting, including digital signatures and essential paperwork.
Build a solid base.
A solid base is crucial for improving the likelihood of success in farming.
- Write the request clearly and objectively by focusing on the key details and the associated risks.
- Attach all necessary documents, such as medical reports or notifications, to prove urgency.
- Justify your request based on the law, for example, citing Art. 300 of the CPC regarding emergency protection grants.
- Urgency context: Explain why the case needs immediate attention, emphasizing the seriousness of potential harm.
Utilize technological resources
Technology can help improve your efficiency during breaks.
- Query online procedures: monitoring court websites.
- Prepare to utilize electronic petitioning systems like PJe or other platforms authorized by the court.
- Ensure you possess a valid digital certificate and can access correctly set up judicial systems for digital certification.
Maintain contact with the customer.
Transparency is crucial when dealing with urgent situations.
- Informing you about the steps to take, potential deadlines, and case progress is how the process is described.
- Provide regular updates: Notify the customer promptly of any decisions or actions taken to keep them informed of the status of the matter.
- Manage expectations by outlining the constraints of the judicial team, such as the limited assessment of emergency actions and the inability to evaluate regular petitions.
Prepare yourself for hearings or legal proceedings
In certain situations, the judicial team might need attendance at urgent hearings or similar events.
- Have instant access to all required documents for case instructions.
- Be prepared to answer subpoenas or last-minute requests during the planting season.
- If needed, rely on legal correspondents to assist with requests in different regions.
Assess the consequences of potential adverse choices
Decisions made in the judicial panel may undergo additional review due to extraordinary measures, in order to reduce risks.
- Be prepared with a plan to contest decisions that do not completely align with the objective, like embargoes or appeals for review.
- Prioritize urgent matters by focusing on essential legal services, with the understanding that other issues can be addressed after the break.
Does forensic break halt charge collection?
The forensic recess only pauses legal deadlines, but contractual obligations like collecting attorneys’ fees remain in effect.
How can one make the most of the Forensic recess period?
Despite the break in usual tasks, the forensic recess presents a chance to:
Organize schedules and set timelines.
It is important to arrange cases that will continue soon after the recess, despite the suspension of procedural deadlines.
Some feasible measures comprise:
- Monitor upcoming deadlines by using management tools to keep track of tasks that need to be addressed when activities resume.
- Create procedural plans to predict requests, challenges, and other needs in order to reduce the workload in January.
- Analyze current procedures thoroughly to pinpoint areas of concern and potential modifications.
Update your professional skills.
The break is a great time to invest in updating your training and legal knowledge.
- Legislation research delves into important subjects like CPP article 798-A (related to the calculation of procedural deadlines) and modifications in CLT that affect labor procedures.
- Many online courses provide focused legal training opportunities during breaks. Select topics that align with your areas of expertise.
- Update your knowledge of recent court decisions to enhance your arguments in future cases.
Enhance customer communication.
Maintaining connections with clients is crucial, even amidst an economic downturn.
- Provide progress updates by offering a detailed summary of the current status and upcoming actions anticipated.
- Contact us to clear up any questions, share important legal updates, and showcase your initiative to strengthen professional connections.
- Guide customers on potential legal actions following the end of the break.
Investing in technology advancements and creative ideas.
Implement tools that enhance your performance during the shortest workflow period available.
- Platforms such as Legalcloud and Legal AI assist in handling deadlines and automating procedural aspects.
- Evaluate software that simplifies the creation of contracts, petitions, disputes, and other standardized documents.
Examine the management of the office
The break provides a valuable chance to assess office management and strategize enhancements.
- Analyze income and expenditures from the previous year and create a financial plan for the next year.
- Review internal workflows, reallocate responsibilities, and establish more effective processes.
- Plan strategies to enhance your visibility in legal marketing while adhering to the ethical boundaries set by the OAB.
Look after your health
Remember that recess is a chance to relax and replenish energy.
- Prioritize your mental well-being by taking the time to relax and disconnect from daily pressures.
- Nurture personal relationships by spending time with loved ones.
- Set personal and professional goals by reflecting on past accomplishments and planning for the upcoming year.
Time for reflection, updating, and strengthening of relationships during the forensic recess.
The forensic break is a useful period for attorneys to arrange tasks, strategize cases, and get ready for the resumption of court activities.
Addressing pressing issues in the legal field demands quick action and a strong basis to safeguard customer rights, even in extraordinary circumstances.
It’s a chance to invest in updating professional skills, reviewing office operations, and enhancing customer relationships.
The forensic break should be utilized in a balanced manner, incorporating both work and relaxation. This time presents a chance for rejuvenation and increased productivity, equipping professionals to begin the year with enhanced focus, organization, and effectiveness.
Access our article on the operation of Forensic Recess at TJSP 2024/2025: Procedures and regulations explained.

What doesn’t stop during the period from December 20 to January 6 in forensics?
Urgent actions such as temporary guardianship, habeas corpus, and court orders are necessary. Specialized judicial services are reserved for cases of severe or irreversible danger.
What days are the deadlines on hold in the legal break from December 20 to January 6?
Between 20/12 and 20/01, penalties apply as specified in the relevant articles for each group.
How is the deadline calculated during the forensic break from December 20 to January 6?
Deadlines are paused and then resumed after 20/01 according to specific provisions, ensuring full suspension with some exceptions.