due to the necessity of these processes, and the separation between each cartório, using their services can be a costly and complicated process, and research ahead of time can save both time and frustration, especially for visitors who do not speak portuguese.

these high levels of bureaucracy are not a new thing in brazil, as it was a tradition brought over by the portuguese colonists from the first moment of brazil's colonization -  through the high value placed on the writing of the notary and registry acts, as well as the property right of various parts of the country.

there are hundreds of cartórios in rio de janeiro, spread across the whole city, with 12 subdivided cartório districts, all performing various functions and services.