Description
What shall we do?
- We process the exequatur in Puerto Rico to request that a local court recognize a judgment issued outside of Puerto Rico.
- We first review the foreign judgment to determine whether the process is feasible and whether the case is classified as Standard or Complex.
- We handle the legal proceedings, including the preparation, filing, and monitoring of the case in court, as applicable.
- 100% remote service: We serve clients in Puerto Rico, the United States, and abroad without requiring them to travel to begin the process.
- Written confirmation before placing an order: You must first complete the Assessment Form. We will then let you know whether we can handle your case, the applicable cost, and the next steps.
📌 Step 1: Fill out the Assessment Form
Before paying any fees or ordering the service, please complete the Evaluation Form. With that information, we will be able to review the judgment, confirm feasibility, and classify the case as Standard or Complex.
What is an exequatur?
The exequatur is the legal procedure by which a court in Puerto Rico is asked to recognize a judgment issued outside of Puerto Rico, whether by a court in another U.S. state or in another country.
The process does not reevaluate or modify the foreign judgment. Its purpose is to ensure that the judgment can have legal effect in Puerto Rico, provided it meets the applicable requirements.
Common cases
- ✅ Foreign divorces granted outside of Puerto Rico.
- ✅ Name changes approved by courts in another jurisdiction.
- ✅ Adoptions finalized outside of Puerto Rico.
- ✅ Custody or parental authority determined by a court outside of Puerto Rico.
- ✅ Other foreign judgments that require legal recognition in Puerto Rico.
Costs
The final classification is confirmed in writing after reviewing the Evaluation Form and the corresponding foreign judgment.
What does the cost include?
- 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 Demographic Registry—for example, a birth certificate—as applicable.
⏱ Processing times.
These timeframes are estimates and may vary for reasons beyond the attorney’s control, including court dates, court orders, additional requirements, or response times from the relevant agencies.
📦 Shipping
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is the evaluation free of charge?
Yes. The initial assessment is free and non-binding. We will respond in writing after reviewing the information provided in the Assessment Form.
2) Do I have to be in Puerto Rico?
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.
3) What documents do I need for the free assessment?
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.
4) Why do I need to fill out 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.
5) 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.
6) How long does the exequatur process take?
As a general guideline, normal service normal take about 3 months, and expedited service about 2 months. The final timeframe depends on the complexity of the case, the court, and any additional requirements that may arise.
7) 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.
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 as a Standard or Complex case.
Do not order this service until you have received our prior written confirmation.
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.
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