The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently ruled on a property boundary dispute, confirming a lower court's decision that affects the parties involved in the case. The ruling, issued on May 19, 2026, addresses claims regarding land demarcation and the credibility of expert testimony in property disputes.

The case, titled Sucn. José Rafael Net Fernández v. Sucn. Felix Fontanez Olmo Y Otros, was filed under docket number TA2025AP00361. It involves a dispute between the heirs of José Rafael Net Fernández and the heirs of Félix Fontanez Olmo concerning the boundaries of their respective properties. The decision is significant as it clarifies how courts handle expert testimony and property boundary disputes in Puerto Rico.

The parties involved in the case include the heirs of José Rafael Net Fernández, represented by José R. Net Longo, and the heirs of Félix Fontanez Olmo, which include several family members. The dispute began on April 21, 2017, when the heirs of Fernández filed a lawsuit claiming that the Fontanez heirs made alterations to their land that affected the property boundaries. They requested the court to measure and demarcate the properties.

Over the years, the case saw multiple amendments and procedural incidents, including the introduction of various expert witnesses. The plaintiffs sought to clarify the boundaries of the properties through a series of legal actions and expert testimonies. The matter escalated to a trial held in March 2025, where both parties presented evidence and expert opinions related to the property boundaries.

On August 14, 2025, the lower court ruled in favor of the heirs of Fernández, stating that the evidence supported their claims regarding the property boundaries. The court found the testimony of their expert, Agrim. Abiud Reyes, credible, while expressing doubts about the credibility of the testimony from the Fontanez heirs' expert, Agrim. Gilberto Rosario, who did not conduct a physical survey.

The court ruled, "the lower court's decision is affirmed, as the evidence presented supports the findings regarding the property boundaries and the credibility of the expert witnesses involved."

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Díaz Rivera, upheld the lower court's ruling, rejecting the Fontanez heirs' claims that they were denied their right to present a full defense. The court noted that the trial court allowed the substitution of their expert witness under specific conditions, which were aimed at maintaining the integrity of the trial process. The court emphasized that the limitations placed on the testimony of the new expert were reasonable and did not violate the Fontanez heirs' rights.

Judge Díaz Rivera stated that the trial court acted within its discretion to ensure a fair trial, and the limitations imposed did not place the Fontanez heirs in a state of defenselessness. The ruling confirmed that the trial court had adequately assessed the credibility of the expert testimonies and the evidence presented during the trial.

This ruling has significant implications for future property boundary disputes in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the importance of credible expert testimony in legal proceedings and clarifies the court's discretion in managing expert witness substitutions. The decision also highlights the balance courts must maintain between allowing parties to present their cases and ensuring that trials proceed without undue delays or surprises.

The ruling may set a precedent for how courts handle similar disputes in the future, particularly regarding the admissibility and credibility of expert testimony. Property owners and their heirs should be aware of the legal standards for boundary disputes and the importance of presenting credible evidence to support their claims.

As for what’s next, the Fontanez heirs may consider appealing the decision to a higher court, although details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in property disputes and the critical role of expert testimony in resolving such matters.