A recent ruling by the Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has clarified the ownership rights of ex-spouses in a business created during marriage. The court decided that Adriana Anzalota Santiago, the ex-wife, does not have any ownership interest in Beer Me Home, LLC, a company co-founded with her ex-husband, Javier Antonio Estevez Díaz. This decision affects how similar disputes may be handled in future divorce cases in Puerto Rico.

The case, Adriana Anzalota Santiago v. Javier Antonio Estevez Díaz, Beer Me Home, LLC (docket number TA2026AP00215), arose from a dispute over the liquidation of community property and custody of a pet. The court's ruling, issued on May 28, 2026, highlights the complexities of ownership in businesses formed during marriage, especially under the regime of separation of property.

In June 2025, Santiago filed a lawsuit against Estevez and Beer Me Home, LLC, claiming that despite their marriage being under a separation of property regime, they had created a community of goods by acquiring residential and commercial properties together and incurring debts. She argued that both parties had invested time and resources into the business since 2019, and she managed the operations until their separation in May 2024.

Estevez responded by denying that a community of goods existed between them. He stated that Santiago's involvement in the business did not equate to ownership or any legal rights within Beer Me Home, LLC, as he was the sole member and owner according to the company's operating agreement.

Furthermore, Beer Me Home filed a motion to dismiss Santiago's claims, arguing she lacked standing to sue. Santiago countered that the operating agreement contained numerous errors, which she claimed rendered it invalid. She argued that her contributions to the business should grant her some rights, but the court found otherwise.

On January 23, 2026, the lower court dismissed Santiago's claims against Beer Me Home, concluding that she was neither a member nor had any legal rights in the company. Santiago sought reconsideration, but the court denied her request. Consequently, she appealed the decision.

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Sánchez Ramos, affirmed the lower court's ruling. The court stated, "the record shows that the plaintiff is not a member of the legal entity and this entity is not an indispensable party in the case." This ruling underscores the importance of formal ownership structures in business law, particularly in the context of divorce.

The court emphasized that Santiago's claims did not establish her as a member of Beer Me Home. The ruling clarified that merely working for or contributing to a business does not automatically confer ownership rights. The court noted, "the possible work or contribution of the plaintiff towards the development of the corporate entity does not grant her ownership interest in the Corporation."

This ruling may have significant implications for future divorce cases in Puerto Rico, particularly those involving business ownership. It reinforces the necessity for clear documentation of ownership and contributions in business partnerships, especially when personal relationships are involved. The decision indicates that courts will closely examine the legal structure of businesses when determining ownership rights in divorce proceedings.

Going forward, this ruling could affect how individuals approach business ventures during marriage, especially under a separation of property regime. It may encourage couples to formalize their business agreements and clarify ownership rights to avoid similar disputes.

As for the possibility of an appeal, details were not available in the court filing. However, given the nature of the ruling, it is possible that Santiago may seek further legal avenues to contest the decision. There may also be related cases pending that could further explore the intersection of family law and business ownership in Puerto Rico.