The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has denied a request for certiorari in a divorce case involving Abdallah El Daher and Stephanie Sarkis. The court's decision affects the financial support and living arrangements for Sarkis, a Lebanese immigrant, as the divorce proceedings continue. This ruling highlights the complexities of divorce and custody disputes, particularly in cases involving immigrant spouses who may lack financial independence.
The case, filed under docket number TA2026CE00970, began when El Daher filed for divorce on January 27, 2026. He sought custody of their minor daughter, and the court granted him provisional custody during the divorce proceedings. The case escalated when Sarkis requested a safe home and financial support due to her lack of resources and language barriers.
Background
Abdallah El Daher and Stephanie Sarkis were married on June 30, 2018, in Naccache, Lebanon. They have one minor child born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As the divorce process unfolded, Sarkis revealed her struggles as an immigrant who does not speak Spanish or English and has no family or friends in Puerto Rico. She depended on El Daher for her basic needs and requested that the court designate their shared residence as her safe home until the divorce proceedings concluded.
In response, El Daher opposed Sarkis's requests, arguing that he should be allowed to return to the home with their daughter since he had provisional custody. He claimed that Sarkis could generate income and had support networks in the local Arab community. The court had to consider these claims alongside the financial realities of both parties.
The Ruling
The court ruled on May 22, 2026, granting Sarkis a safe home in their shared residence and establishing a provisional monthly pension of $300 until the economic regime of their marriage could be settled. The court also ordered El Daher to continue covering the mortgage, utilities, and other living expenses for Sarkis.
The court stated, "The petitioner continues to provide substantial financial support to the respondent, including mortgage payments, utilities, and medical plans, totaling approximately $1,367.87 monthly."
In its decision, the court emphasized the economic disadvantage faced by Sarkis, noting her lack of work experience and language barriers. The court found that while El Daher had the capacity to provide support, Sarkis did not have the same opportunities for financial independence.
Impact
This ruling is significant as it illustrates the court's approach to balancing the needs of both parties during divorce proceedings, particularly when one party may be at a financial disadvantage. It sets a precedent for how courts may handle similar cases involving immigrant spouses who lack resources and language skills. The decision reinforces the importance of providing support to ensure that both parties can meet their basic needs during the divorce process.
Moving forward, this ruling may influence how courts in Puerto Rico and potentially other jurisdictions address financial support and living arrangements in divorce cases, especially those involving vulnerable populations. It highlights the need for careful consideration of each party's circumstances and the potential long-term implications of financial decisions made during divorce proceedings.
What's Next
El Daher may appeal the court's decision, but the court's ruling currently stands. There are no related cases pending that could impact this decision. As the divorce proceedings continue, further developments may arise that could alter the financial arrangements and custody determinations.