Description
Guide to Exequatur in Puerto Rico
In this section, you will find information about the cost, the process, the types of foreign judgments that require exequatur, and the Evaluation Form before ordering the service.
What is exequatur in Puerto Rico?
The exequatur is the judicial procedure through which the courts of Puerto Rico validate or recognize a foreign judgment—issued in another country or state—so that it may have legal effect in Puerto Rico.
This process does not reevaluate or modify the foreign judgment. Its purpose is to request that the court in Puerto Rico formally recognize it, provided it meets the applicable legal requirements.
How much does exequatur cost in Puerto Rico?
At Abogado Notario Online, we process exequatur applications for a fixed fee, with no hidden charges.
The total cost will be one of the following:
- $1,850 – Standard Case — applies to most cases.
- $2,650 – Complex Case — applies when additional legal work is required.
Please fill out the Evaluation Form first. We will then confirm in writing whether your case is Standard (most cases) or Complex.
What does the cost of the exequatur include?
The price includes the standard legal processing of the case, including:
- Attorney's fees for preparing and processing the exequatur.
- Filing of the complaint with the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico.
- Stamps and ordinary court fees.
- Drafting and submission of the necessary motions.
- Guidance and coordination regarding required documents and certifications.
- Monitoring of the legal proceedings until the court issues its ruling.
- Update the relevant certificate from the Vital Records Registry—for example, the birth certificate—as applicable.
Why do you need an exequatur?
- Judgments issued outside of Puerto Rico do not normally have automatic effect on the island.
- The exequatur allows you to request that the judgment be recognized by a court in Puerto Rico.
- Once recognized, the judgment may be used locally for the relevant legal purposes.
- The process does not alter or re-evaluate the foreign judgment; it merely seeks its local recognition, provided it meets the applicable requirements.
Types of foreign judgments that require exequatur in Puerto Rico
Some of the most common cases include:
- Foreign divorces granted by courts outside Puerto Rico.
- Name changes approved by courts in another jurisdiction.
- Adoptions outside of Puerto Rico.
- Custody or parental authority determined by a court outside of Puerto Rico.
- Judgments that require legal recognition in Puerto Rico.
Applicability depends on the facts, the jurisdiction of origin, and the type of judgment.
Order only with prior confirmation
Note: The button below is intended exclusively for clients who have already completed the Assessment Form and received our written confirmation that their case can be handled.
Flexible payment: Once your application is approved, you can place your order with just 50% of the total using the coupon code CE50PC. The remaining balance is due when your document is ready.
Why choose us?
- The process is 100% remote; there is no need to travel to Puerto Rico.
- Handled by a lawyer in Puerto Rico.
- Fixed price, with a written estimate provided before payment.
- Comprehensive process management: preparation, filing, court proceedings, and, where applicable, updating the relevant certificate with the Demographic Registry.
- Flexible payment: Option to pay only 50% up front, if your application is approved.
Processing times
Normal: approximately 3 months.
Quick: about 2 months.
These timeframes are estimates and may vary for reasons beyond the attorney's control, including court dates, court orders, or additional requirements.
Shipping
Once the process is complete, we can arrange for the relevant documents to be sent.
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.
- Puerto Rico: U.S. Postal Service.
- United States: US Postal Service or FedEx.
- International: FedEx, subject to availability.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in Puerto Rico to process the exequatur?
No. The process can be initiated and coordinated 100% remotely. We serve clients in Puerto Rico, the United States, and abroad without the need to travel to begin the process.
What documents do I need for the free evaluation?
A copy of the foreign judgment and basic case details are generally requested to confirm feasibility and classify it as Standard or Complex. Specific requirements depend on the jurisdiction of origin and the type of judgment.
Why do I need to complete the Evaluation Form first?
The form allows you to review the judgment, confirm whether exequatur is feasible, and determine whether the case is Standard or Complex. This way, you receive a clear final price for one of the two options, in writing and with no obligation, before paying any fees.
Does the exequatur modify or reevaluate the foreign judgment?
No. Exequatur does not re-evaluate the merits of the case or alter the judgment. Its purpose is for the court in Puerto Rico to formally recognize a foreign judgment so that it can have legal effect locally, provided it meets the requirements.
How long does the exequatur process take?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s caseload. As a general guideline, normal service normal take about 3 months, and expedited service about 2 months, depending on the nature of the case and the judicial process.
Can I pay the exequatur in installments?
Yes. If your application is approved following the review, you can place an order with a 50% down payment using the corresponding coupon, and pay the balance when your document is ready, following the written instructions provided.
Last legal review: April 2026 · Content reviewed by a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.
Marisol D. –
I highly recommend Ramón Olivencia, Esq., of Abogado Notario Online.
Gilbert –