The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals ruled on April 13, 2026, denying an appeal from Melany Sandoval De Jesús in a custody dispute with Richard Cosme Díaz. The court's decision affects the ongoing custody arrangements for their three daughters, and it highlights the complexities involved in family law cases, particularly those that include allegations of abuse.
The case, identified by docket number TA2026CE00354, began when Díaz filed for divorce from Sandoval on February 16, 2023. In his filing, Díaz requested shared custody of their children, while Sandoval opposed this request, citing concerns over the safety of the children due to past allegations of abuse. The court's ruling is significant as it addresses the legal standards for custody and the importance of ensuring the welfare of children in contentious divorce proceedings.
Background
Richard Cosme Díaz and Melany Sandoval De Jesús were involved in a divorce proceeding that began in early 2023. During their marriage, they had three daughters. Díaz sought shared custody while living outside of Puerto Rico, and he proposed a monthly child support payment of $600, which both parties had agreed upon.
As the case progressed, Sandoval raised concerns about the safety of their daughters if they were allowed to visit their father. She filed a counterclaim requesting that the case be referred to the Social Work Unit for an evaluation of the children's safety. On May 15, 2023, the lower court ruled in favor of the divorce but referred the custody and visitation issues to the Social Work Unit for further investigation.
In November 2025, a social worker submitted a psychological evaluation report, which led to further court orders for both parents to undergo psychological services and for the children to receive therapy. However, Sandoval later contested the recommendations made in this report, citing concerns about allowing Díaz to communicate with the children due to alleged past abuse.
The Ruling
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Bonilla Ortiz, ultimately denied Sandoval's appeal. The court found that the lower court had not abused its discretion in handling the case. The decision stated, "the court must ensure that the welfare of the children is prioritized, but also must adhere to procedural rules that govern the case."
In its ruling, the court emphasized that Sandoval's failure to respond to the social worker's report within the designated timeframe limited her ability to contest its findings. The court noted, "The lack of a timely response does not negate the need for a fair process, but it does impact the court's ability to consider the objections raised after the fact."
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for custody disputes in Puerto Rico, particularly those involving allegations of abuse. It reinforces the importance of timely responses in legal proceedings and highlights the court's commitment to following procedural rules. The decision also underscores the challenges faced by parents in contentious custody battles, where allegations of abuse can complicate the process.
Moving forward, this case may serve as a precedent for similar disputes, emphasizing the need for parents to adhere to court timelines and the importance of the court's role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. The ruling may also influence how courts handle future cases involving allegations of abuse, as they must balance procedural fairness with the need to protect children.
What's Next
While the Court of Appeals has denied the appeal, it is possible that Sandoval may seek further legal avenues, including a potential appeal to a higher court. However, details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases pending or further actions that may be taken by either party.