The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently ruled on a child support case involving Kevin J. García De Jesús and Dariangellys Cruz Álvarez. The court confirmed a lower court's decision that requires García De Jesús to pay $734 monthly in child support for their one-year-old daughter, effective retroactively from November 7, 2025. This ruling is significant as it addresses the financial responsibilities of parents in child custody and support cases.

The case, officially docketed as TA2026CE00889, originated in the San Juan Superior Court, where the initial ruling was made on May 13, 2026. The court's decision to uphold the child support amount is crucial for the well-being of the child involved, as it emphasizes the importance of parental financial obligations.

Background

Dariangellys Cruz Álvarez and Kevin J. García De Jesús are the parents of a one-year-old girl named Milena Ailanys García Cruz. The couple has been involved in a legal dispute regarding child support and custody arrangements since their separation. The San Juan Superior Court initially set a provisional child support payment of $275 per month on December 9, 2025, after reviewing the financial circumstances of both parents.

In April 2026, a hearing was held to determine the final child support amount. During this hearing, both parties presented evidence, including financial statements and testimony regarding their incomes. Cruz Álvarez, a nurse, reported a monthly income of approximately $1,706.64, while García De Jesús, a musician, claimed a monthly income of $5,000 based on his contract with Millo Gang Music, Inc.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Cintrón Cintrón, upheld the lower court's ruling, confirming the monthly child support payment of $734. The court stated, "The obligation of parents to provide for their children is a fundamental right and must be enforced to ensure the child's welfare." This decision highlights the court's commitment to prioritizing the child's best interests in financial matters.

The ruling also addressed the issue of retroactive payments, confirming that García De Jesús owed $2,699 in back child support from November 7, 2025, to April 30, 2026. The court ordered that this amount be paid at a rate of $100 per month in addition to the ongoing child support payments starting June 1, 2026.

Impact

This ruling reinforces the legal framework surrounding child support in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that children receive adequate financial support from both parents. The decision may set a precedent for future cases involving child support calculations, particularly in situations where one parent has a fluctuating income, such as artists or freelancers.

Moreover, the ruling serves as a reminder to parents about their financial responsibilities and the legal consequences of failing to meet those obligations. It also highlights the role of the court in mediating disputes between parents to ensure that the child's needs are met.

What's Next

García De Jesús has the option to appeal this ruling, although the court did not specify any immediate grounds for further appeal. The case may also lead to additional proceedings in the lower court to clarify the income calculations that led to the final support amount. Details were not available in the court filing.