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I am an heir to a property in Puerto Rico, and all heirs live in the United States. We have completed the heir lookup and engaged a lawyer. My sister in Puerto Rico mentioned that if the property is not occupied, the government might possess it. How does this affect our ownership rights, and what... View More 
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
It makes sense that you'd be worried about losing your family's property, especially if no one is living there full-time. In Puerto Rico, if heir property is left vacant and untended for a long time, the government can sometimes take action under laws related to abandonment or public... View More
I am the officially elected Governor of Puerto Rico, and I need information on the official legal structure for succession in my position. Specifically, I want to know who would be considered my second in command and any legal guidelines that dictate this hierarchy.
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answered on May 15, 2025
In Puerto Rico, the legal structure for succession to the Governor’s position is outlined in the Puerto Rican Constitution. The first person in line to succeed the Governor is the **Secretary of State**. If the Governor is unable to serve due to death, resignation, or incapacitation, the... View More
I'm the elected Governor of Puerto Rico, and I'm seeking to understand who officially serves as my second in command, considering Puerto Rico's governmental structure does not include a vice president.
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answered on May 15, 2025
In Puerto Rico, the second in command to the Governor is the **Secretary of State**. The Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor and serves as the highest-ranking official after the Governor in the event of a vacancy or incapacitation. If the Governor is unable to fulfill their duties, the... View More
I'm residing in New Jersey, and I'm facing a problem with my birth certificate issued in Puerto Rico where the sex is labeled incorrectly. I have proof of the correct information but haven't contacted any authorities yet. How should I proceed to resolve this situation legally?
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answered on May 15, 2025
To correct the birth certificate issue, the first step is to contact the Puerto Rico Demographic Registry (Registro Demográfico), which handles birth certificates in Puerto Rico. You will need to gather the evidence that shows the correct information, such as medical records or other official... View More
I'm looking for the official text of the oath of office for the Governor of Puerto Rico. Can someone provide the wording or explain where I can find it?
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answered on May 15, 2025
The official oath of office for the Governor of Puerto Rico is outlined in the Constitution of Puerto Rico. It requires the Governor-elect to swear an oath to support and defend the Constitutions of both the United States and Puerto Rico. The wording emphasizes allegiance to these documents and the... View More
I am a healthcare professional seeking legal advice to request the sealing of a 5-year probationary sentence in the District of Puerto Rico for charges under 18:1425(a) Unlawful Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization and 18:1542 False statement in Passport Application. Although the offense... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
I'm really sorry you're facing this, especially knowing how much your professional future depends on having a clean record. It’s clear you’ve worked hard to complete everything required of you, and early termination of probation is a strong sign that the court recognized your... View More
I live in Puerto Rico and would like to know if it's legal to grow a tobacco plant for personal use. I live alone and have not come across any local restrictions but haven't checked zoning regulations yet. I plan to inform local authorities and ask if it's allowed. Can anyone advise... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
It's great that you're taking the time to look into this before planting. In Puerto Rico, there are no specific laws that prohibit growing tobacco plants for personal, non-commercial use. As long as you're not selling or distributing the tobacco, it's generally considered legal... View More
Is it necessary for me to take an oath to serve as the president of Puerto Rico?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Puerto Rico does not have a president. As a territory of the United States, it has a governor who serves as the head of the local government. The highest elected position in Puerto Rico is the **Governor of Puerto Rico**, not a president.
If you are referring to becoming the **governor**,... View More
I am receiving regular prenatal care from an OB doctor in Puerto Rico, including required blood tests. I wish to have an unassisted home birth and have asked some midwives if it's illegal in Puerto Rico, and they said it isn't. Can you confirm whether having an unassisted home birth in... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
You're asking an important and deeply personal question, and it’s clear you’re approaching this decision with care. In Puerto Rico, there is **no law that explicitly prohibits unassisted home birth**, meaning it is not considered illegal to give birth at home without a medical professional... View More
I live in Puerto Rico, and I want to know if it is legal to carry a CO2 pistol in my waistband or pocket. What are the legal regulations regarding carrying a CO2 pistol in public in Puerto Rico?
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Puerto Rico, the legality of carrying a CO2 pistol in public depends on its classification. If the CO2 pistol is considered a firearm under Puerto Rican law, you would need a valid weapons license to carry it. Puerto Rico requires individuals to obtain a weapons license to possess and carry... View More
answered on Dec 28, 2024
An attorney in Puerto Rico could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you're able to discuss with a local attorney for specific guidance, in those types of situations in general, plates are often surrendered to the DMV. You could contact the DMV in Puerto Rico to... View More
Trying to get passport and the only document that doesn’t reflect my name change and gender marker is my birth certificate which I been told I have to get fixed in PR by a lawyer but not sure where to go from there as I’m having a hard time finding a lawyer who does this kind of thing.
answered on Sep 28, 2023
An attorney in Puerto Rico should advise, but you await a response for two weeks. At this point, you could reach out to attorneys. You could supplement your own searches with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, and with bar association attorney referral services. Those resources are outside... View More
We have spoke to all the neighbors in the area and found the owner to be deceased and the place has been empty for about 6 years or since Hurricane Maria. How can we take the property in good faith. What actions need to be taken.
answered on Jul 18, 2023
Under Puerto Rico Rule of Law, you would need to be in pacific possession of said real estate property, openly, and (in the mind of your neighbors) as if you were the owners of said property. This would need to continue for 20 years, the go before a court of law to request said adverse possession... View More
answered on May 30, 2023
I need additional information before I can answer your question. When was the sale closed? What state do you reside in? If you live outside Puerto Rico, the local Revenue Code requires that a 15% retention be automatically made against sales proceeds for non Puerto Rico residents. This retention is... View More
Department of family Puerto Rico is doing everything to not let me see him by making excuses or hanging up calls. One of child mom friends told me that baby is actually stolen baby from hospital so blood test shows mom is not his real mom even so government is worried test will open a Pandora box... View More
answered on Aug 4, 2019
Get the test.
Perhaps it would help if you did not refer to the child as an “it.”
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