Firm: Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
Address: Rua Castilho 165, Lisbon, 1070-050, Portugal
Phone: +351 918 613 296
Email: mmfernandes@mlgts.pt
Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish (understands French)

About Magda

Ms. Magda M. Fernandes is one of Portugal’s most respected family law practitioners, with over 24 years of experience representing clients in both domestic and international family matters. She leads the Family Law Department at Morais Leitão, one of the country’s most prestigious law firms, and serves as Vice President of the Association of Family and Children Lawyers (AAFC).

Throughout her distinguished career, Magda has advised clients on a wide spectrum of family and succession law issues — including divorce, child custody, parental responsibility, inheritance disputes, and international child abduction. Her expertise also extends to cross-border family cases, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and complex matters involving families with dual or multiple nationalities.

Recognised by Best Lawyers as one of Portugal’s top practitioners in Family Law, Magda is known for her blend of legal precision, cultural sensitivity, and human understanding. She combines intellectual rigour with compassion — ensuring her clients feel supported and empowered throughout every stage of their case.

Career Background

Magda began her legal career working under her professor of family and succession law, Dr. Sousa Machado, before establishing her own independent practice specialising in family and children’s law. She later joined Morais Leitão, where she now coordinates the firm’s Family Law area, serving both Portuguese and international clients.

In recent years, Magda has also demonstrated her commitment to social justice through pro bono work — providing legal assistance to refugee children and families from Afghanistan and Ukraine residing in Portugal.

Areas of Expertise

• Divorce and separation (national and international)
• Child custody, residence, and visitation arrangements
• Spousal and child support (including enforcement and modification)
• Adoption, surrogacy, and same-sex family matters
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
• Division of property, trusts, and financial settlements
• Succession and inheritance disputes
• Collaborative law and mediation
• Hague Convention and international child abduction
• Domestic violence and emergency protection orders
• Relocation and removal from jurisdiction
• Recognition and enforcement of foreign court orders

Recognition & Leadership

• Nominated in Best Lawyers – Family Law, Portugal
• Vice President – Association of Family and Children Lawyers (AAFC)
• Head of Family Law – Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
• Advisor in international family law cases involving cross-border divorce, child abduction, and succession

Approach & Values

Magda’s approach to family law is defined by empathy, cultural awareness, and strategic precision. She understands that behind every legal dispute lies a deeply personal story, and she works tirelessly to achieve outcomes that protect both her clients’ rights and their families’ long-term well-being. Her leadership at Morais Leitão has positioned the firm as a trusted destination for complex family law and inheritance matters in Portugal.

Her clients — whether Portuguese nationals or expatriates — value her ability to provide practical, humane, and forward-thinking solutions in even the most delicate situations.