In a significant ruling, the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals addressed a contentious custody dispute involving Carlos Alberto Vázquez Vázquez and Suheily Marrero Nieves. The court decided to modify a previous ruling regarding the custody of their daughter, BKVM, which has implications for family law and parental rights in Puerto Rico.
This case, officially titled Carlos Alberto Vázquez Vázquez v. Suheily Marrero Nieves, was filed under docket number TA2026CE00744 on June 29, 2026. The court's decision comes after a lengthy legal battle that began following the couple's divorce on June 22, 2022. The ruling affects not only the parents but also the well-being of their minor child, emphasizing the importance of legal proceedings in family matters.
The dispute began when Marrero Nieves initially received provisional custody of their daughter after the couple's separation. However, the situation grew complex with various incidents and allegations impacting their co-parenting arrangement. Over time, both parents expressed concerns about their child's emotional well-being and the dynamics of their relationship with each other.
In March 2024, a social report was presented, suggesting a shared custody arrangement. Despite initial agreement on shared custody, tensions escalated, leading to a series of court motions and hearings. The Bayamón Superior Court eventually awarded shared custody, but incidents in late 2024 prompted further legal action, including a temporary suspension of parental rights.
By December 2025, Vázquez Vázquez sought to maintain custody due to concerns about their daughter's emotional health, leading to a court order that reiterated shared custody. However, Marrero Nieves later argued that Vázquez Vázquez was obstructing their daughter's relationship with her. This prompted her to file a motion for reconsideration of the custody arrangement.
On April 28, 2026, the Bayamón Superior Court ruled that Vázquez Vázquez would have custody of BKVM, which led Marrero Nieves to appeal the decision. She argued that the court had changed the custody arrangement without a proper hearing, violating her right to due process.
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Rivera Torres, reviewed the case and issued its ruling on June 29, 2026. The court stated, "The trial court erred in summarily varying a custody determination without conducting a hearing and providing the parties with the guarantees of due process of law." This ruling emphasized the necessity of a fair process in custody cases, particularly those involving minors.
The court's decision to modify the previous ruling reflects a commitment to ensuring that custody decisions are made with proper legal procedures. The judges noted that family law cases are of significant public interest, and protecting the welfare of children must be the priority in custody determinations.
This ruling has substantial implications for future custody cases in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the principle that courts must follow due process when making custody decisions, ensuring that both parents have a fair opportunity to present their case. The emphasis on the well-being of the child remains central, as courts are tasked with balancing parental rights and the best interests of the child.
Moving forward, this ruling may set a precedent for how custody disputes are handled in Puerto Rico. It underscores the importance of thorough evaluations and hearings in custody cases, particularly in situations where parental relationships are strained. The court's insistence on due process could lead to more structured and fair custody proceedings in the future.
The ruling can potentially be appealed to the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, although details regarding the next steps were not available in the court filing. The ongoing legal battles between Vázquez Vázquez and Marrero Nieves highlight the complexities of family law and the critical nature of judicial oversight in custody matters.