The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently modified a divorce ruling affecting the custody and parental rights of María Paula Serrano Mantilla and Dieric Anderson Díaz Silva. The court's decision, issued on May 7, 2026, addresses key issues surrounding the couple's divorce, particularly the custody of their minor child and the rights of both parents as they navigate international relocation.

This ruling is significant as it clarifies the legal framework regarding parental rights and responsibilities in the context of divorce and relocation, especially when one parent wishes to move to another country. The outcome impacts not only the parties involved but also sets important precedents for similar cases in Puerto Rico.

Background

María Paula Serrano Mantilla and Dieric Anderson Díaz Silva were involved in a divorce case that began on August 4, 2025. Serrano Mantilla filed for divorce, citing irreparable breakdown of the marriage. She also sought sole custody of their minor child, indicating plans to relocate to Bogotá, Colombia. Serrano Mantilla requested shared parental authority but sought full decision-making powers regarding the child's medical and educational needs.

Díaz Silva responded to the divorce filing by agreeing to shared parental authority but raised concerns about the lack of a detailed parenting plan. He stated that he traveled to Colombia every two months and requested a structured plan for maintaining his relationship with the child. The case was heard in the First Instance Court of Carolina, which issued a ruling on September 12, 2025, granting the divorce and establishing custody arrangements.

In its ruling, the First Instance Court awarded Serrano Mantilla full decision-making powers regarding the child’s welfare while allowing Díaz Silva to maintain a relationship through scheduled visits and video calls. Dissatisfied with this ruling, Díaz Silva appealed, arguing that the court had made several errors in its determinations.

The Ruling

The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals, led by Judge Sánchez Báez, examined the case and identified several errors in the lower court's decision. The court determined that the First Instance Court had improperly granted Serrano Mantilla full decision-making powers over the child, which conflicted with the legal framework governing parental rights.

The court ruled, "the forum of instance, by granting full custodial powers to the mother, overstepped and ignored the applicable law without justification. Therefore, the ruling is modified to remove the full custodial powers granted to the mother."

Additionally, the Appeals Court found that the parenting plan established by the lower court was not clearly defined as provisional, which was inconsistent with the understanding that adjustments could be made as the child grew. The court stated, "the plan of parental relations must be provisional, considering the age and developmental stages of the minor."

Furthermore, the Appeals Court corrected the record regarding the existence of marital assets, clarifying that only Serrano Mantilla had testified about the existence of shared property, while Díaz Silva disputed this claim. The court ruled that the lower court had made a manifest error by stating that both parties acknowledged the existence of community property.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for future custody cases in Puerto Rico, particularly those involving international relocation. By clarifying the legal standards for shared parental authority and decision-making powers, the court's decision reinforces the importance of both parents' involvement in their child's life, even when one parent relocates abroad.

The modification of the ruling emphasizes that both parents retain rights and responsibilities regarding their children, which can help prevent unilateral decision-making that could affect the child's welfare. This case sets a precedent for how courts may handle similar disputes in the future, ensuring that both parents have a voice in significant decisions affecting their children.

What's Next

It remains to be seen whether Díaz Silva will pursue further legal action or if there are any related cases pending. The court's decision can be appealed to the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, but details on any potential appeal were not available in the court filing.