The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico recently ruled in the case of Helga Ortiz Sandolva v. Francisco Sánchez Rodríguez, docket number TA2026CE00805. The court denied a request from Francisco Sánchez to overturn a lower court's decision that referred a child support modification case to the Examinadora de Pensiones Alimentarias (EPA). This ruling affects both parties involved in the divorce and their children, particularly regarding financial support obligations.

The dispute began after Ortiz and Sánchez divorced, leading to issues surrounding child custody and support for their two children. In September 2023, the lower court established the amount of child support each parent would pay, effective from January 2023. The court also allowed for a review of the child support payments after three years or if there were significant changes in circumstances.

In early 2026, Sánchez filed a motion requesting reimbursement for extraordinary expenses related to their child, FASO, claiming that Ortiz should cover a percentage of those costs. Ortiz opposed this request, arguing that the expenses needed prior approval. The lower court ordered Ortiz to provide evidence of the payments she allegedly owed, leading to further motions and hearings.

On June 1, 2026, the lower court referred Ortiz's request for a review of the child support payments to the EPA. Sánchez disagreed with this decision, asserting that Ortiz had not provided sufficient evidence to justify a modification of the child support payments. He filed a motion for reconsideration, which the lower court denied.

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Adames Soto, examined Sánchez's arguments and ultimately ruled against him. The court stated, "we do not justify our intervention with the decision-making course chosen by the lower court, therefore we deny the request presented." This decision means that the lower court's referral to the EPA will stand, allowing for a review of the child support payments.

This ruling is significant as it reinforces the discretion of lower courts in family law matters, particularly regarding child support modifications. The court emphasized that the lower court had a reasonable basis for its decision and that it did not exhibit any abuse of discretion or prejudice against Sánchez.

The impact of this ruling extends beyond the immediate parties involved. It sets a precedent for future cases regarding child support modifications in Puerto Rico. The court's decision highlights the importance of presenting substantial evidence when seeking changes to existing support agreements, particularly in light of changing circumstances.

Moving forward, Sánchez may consider appealing this decision to a higher court. However, the court's ruling indicates a strong deference to the lower court's discretion in family law matters, making an appeal challenging. There are no related cases pending at this time, but the outcome of this case may influence similar disputes in the future.