A Puerto Rico court has reversed a lower court's decision regarding child support, significantly impacting a young adult's ability to receive financial assistance for education. The ruling affects Lorianiz Hernández Feliciano, who sought support from her father, José Ramón Hernández Guzmán, after reaching adulthood. The case underscores the legal obligations of parents to support their children’s education even after they turn 18.
The Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico issued its ruling on May 26, 2026, in the case known as Jenniffer Feliciano Alverio v. José Ramón Hernández Guzmán v. Lorianiz Hernández Feliciano, with docket number TA2026AP00257. The court's decision highlights the complexities surrounding child support laws and the interpretation of parental obligations.
Background
The case involves Lorianiz Hernández Feliciano, who filed an appeal after the Tribunal de Primera Instancia (TPI) denied her request for child support from her father. In January 2026, the TPI ruled that Lorianiz was not entitled to support because she did not continue her education without interruption after graduating high school. This decision was based on Article 655 of the Puerto Rico Civil Code, which states that adult children must pursue education continuously to qualify for support.
Lorianiz's parents had previously agreed to a weekly support payment of $100 for her and her sibling. However, after she turned 18 in April 2025, Lorianiz filed for support, claiming she was studying full-time at the University of Sagrado CorazĂłn. Her father argued that she had not pursued her studies immediately after high school, which led to the TPI's initial ruling against her.
The Ruling
The Tribunal de Apelaciones found that the TPI had misinterpreted the law regarding the requirement for continuous education. The court stated, “We do not agree with the rigid interpretation that the lower court gave to the condition regarding uninterrupted studies.” The judges emphasized that the law should consider individual circumstances that may prevent a young adult from continuing their education immediately after high school.
Judge Adames Soto, who authored the opinion, noted that the TPI had not conducted an evidentiary hearing to assess the facts of the case adequately. The appellate court directed the TPI to hold a hearing where Lorianiz could present evidence supporting her claim for financial assistance. The ruling allows for the possibility that young adults may have valid reasons for not continuing their education immediately, such as financial constraints or personal circumstances.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for child support cases in Puerto Rico. It clarifies that parents may still be obligated to provide financial support for educational purposes, even if their children do not pursue studies continuously after turning 18. The court's decision reinforces the idea that individual circumstances should be considered in determining a child's eligibility for support.
Moreover, the ruling sets a precedent that may influence future child support cases. It highlights the need for courts to evaluate each case based on its unique facts rather than applying a strict interpretation of the law. This approach could lead to more equitable outcomes for young adults seeking financial assistance for education.
What's Next
The case has been sent back to the Tribunal de Primera Instancia for further proceedings, where Lorianiz will have the opportunity to present evidence supporting her request for child support. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether she will receive financial assistance for her education moving forward. There is no indication that this ruling will be appealed, but it may influence similar cases in the future.