Hebron Costa Cruz de Oliveira emphasizes that trust occupies a central place in legal and business relationships built in everyday practice. Even before any signature or contractual formalization, it functions as a structuring element of decisions, expectations, and the way parties relate over time. In Civil and Corporate Law, understanding this factor is essential to grasp why some relationships remain solid while others deteriorate quickly.
When observing the dynamics of professional relationships, it becomes clear that trust does not arise automatically nor depend solely on legal instruments. It develops through consistent behavior, predictability in actions, and clarity in communication. In this sense, the contract is often the result of an already minimally stable environment, rather than its absolute starting point.
Trust as an element prior to formalization
According to Hebron Costa Cruz de Oliveira’s analysis, the construction of trust takes place at a stage prior to legal formalization, when the parties are still assessing risks, intentions, and alignment of expectations. It is at this moment that values such as transparency, ethical conduct, and responsibility gain practical relevance. Even in technically well-structured negotiations, the absence of these elements tends to generate insecurity and hinder progress.
In this scenario, trust acts as an initial filter. It influences the willingness to negotiate, openness to dialogue, and the perception of balance in the relationship. When this filter fails, the contract begins to assume an excessively defensive role, filled with clauses aimed more at preventing conflicts than at enabling a functional partnership.
Legal certainty and predictability in relationships
As Hebron Costa Cruz de Oliveira observes, predictability is one of the main positive effects of well-established trust. When parties trust one another, decisions become more rational, deadlines are respected more naturally, and minor adjustments can be made without constant disputes. This contributes to a more stable environment, both in business settings and in civil relationships.
Even so, trust does not eliminate the need for appropriate legal instruments. On the contrary, it is strengthened when combined with clear, well-drafted contracts that are consistent with the reality of the relationship. In this context, law acts as an element of organization and balance, providing security without rigidly constraining the dynamics between the parties.
The impact of trust on conflict prevention
In Hebron Costa Cruz de Oliveira’s assessment, trust plays a significant role in preventing legal conflicts. Relationships grounded in good faith and effective communication tend to resolve impasses more quickly and with less litigation. This occurs because there is greater willingness for dialogue and understanding of the context in which problems arise.
In addition, trust reduces the need for excessively rigid interpretations of contractual norms. When alignment exists between the parties, law functions as a supportive reference rather than an instrument of confrontation. This balance favors solutions that are better suited to the reality of those involved.
Trust as a long-term strategic asset
From this perspective, Hebron Costa Cruz de Oliveira concludes that trust can be understood as a strategic asset, especially in competitive business environments. Long-lasting relationships tend to generate efficiency gains, cost reductions, and greater operational stability. In the legal field, this is reflected in fewer disputes and a greater capacity for planning.
Finally, understanding trust as an element that precedes the contract allows for a more mature reading of legal relationships. It does not replace technique or legal instruments, but decisively complements them. In this way, law fulfills its role of protecting, organizing, and enabling relationships that are already sustained on solid foundations.
Author: Halabeth Gallavan
