The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently issued a ruling in the case of Corey Rebecca Cruz Watson v. Alberto Corretjer Reyes (Docket TA2026CE00847) that addresses a dispute over reimbursement for child support payments. The court's decision affects both parties involved in the divorce proceedings, particularly regarding financial responsibilities for their daughter.

This case began when Corey Rebecca Cruz Watson filed for divorce from Alberto Corretjer Reyes on February 11, 2016. Following the divorce filing, the court granted them joint custody of their daughter, ANCC, with both parents responsible for her care. However, the financial responsibilities regarding child support became contentious, leading to multiple court hearings and rulings.

In a ruling on May 14, 2018, the lower court determined that Corretjer Reyes would be responsible for 100% of the living expenses for their daughter, despite the shared custody arrangement. This decision was based on the acceptance of his financial capacity to provide for their child. Corretjer Reyes later sought reimbursement for the living expenses he had paid from October 2016 to April 2021, amounting to $79,999.95, claiming that the arrangement was unfair given the shared custody.

The case escalated as Corretjer Reyes filed a certiorari petition to the Court of Appeals, seeking to overturn a lower court decision that denied his request for reimbursement. The appeals court consolidated the appeals from both parties, allowing them to present their arguments regarding the lower court's decisions.

On September 22, 2026, the Court of Appeals ruled that the lower court's decision requiring Cruz Watson to reimburse Corretjer Reyes was modified. The court stated, "We modify the resolution issued and notified on May 18, 2026." The ruling clarified that the lower court had erred in its application of the law regarding the reimbursement, particularly concerning the payments made before the 2018 ruling that established Corretjer Reyes's financial obligations.

In its decision, the court emphasized that the payments made by Corretjer Reyes prior to the 2018 ruling were voluntary and based on an agreement between the parties. As such, the court found that he could not claim reimbursement for those amounts. The court also addressed the issue of interest on the payments, stating that interest would only accrue after a 90-day period following the ruling.

This ruling is significant as it clarifies the responsibilities of divorced parents regarding child support payments and the conditions under which reimbursement can be sought. It sets a precedent for similar cases in Puerto Rico, particularly in divorce and child custody disputes.

The impact of this ruling extends to other divorced parents in Puerto Rico who may find themselves in similar situations regarding child support and financial responsibilities. The decision underscores the importance of clear agreements between parties and the need for courts to carefully consider the timing and nature of financial obligations when making rulings.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether either party will appeal this decision to a higher court. The court filing did not indicate any pending related cases, but both parties have indicated dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the lower court's decisions, which may lead to further legal action.