Matrimonial Expert Services in Puerto Rico

Responsible expert: Matthew R. Putts, Ph.D. (Chief of Vocational Services)

KWVRS provides matrimonial vocational, life care planning, and forensic economic analysis for attorneys handling cases in Puerto Rico.

Overview

Matrimonial vocational evaluations quantify earning capacity for support and maintenance determinations, often where one spouse has been out of the workforce or is imputed an earning capacity different from actual income.

Vocational and economic impact

A vocational evaluation reconstructs the spouse's earning capacity based on education, training, work history, and local labor market conditions, addressing any re-entry timeline and retraining needs.

Exposure is defined by jurisdictional support formulas applied to imputed or actual income. Vocational opinions can significantly affect temporary and permanent support determinations.

Puerto Rico courts and expert standards

Matrimonial matters in Puerto Rico are litigated in the state's trial courts, with vocational, life care planning, and economic testimony evaluated under Puerto Rico's expert evidence standard. KWVRS prepares reports and testimony that account for these requirements.

Where these cases are heard

  • Court of First Instance (Tribunal de Primera Instancia) - General jurisdiction trial court of the Commonwealth, organized into Superior and Municipal divisions; hears civil and criminal matters

Highest court: Supreme Court of Puerto Rico (Tribunal Supremo de Puerto Rico). Federal venues: D.P.R..

Attorney guides for matrimonial cases

Other case types in Puerto Rico

Frequently Asked Questions

What is earning capacity imputation in divorce?

When a court finds that a spouse is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, it may impute earning capacity based on education, training, and labor market data, applying that figure rather than actual income to support calculations.

How does a vocational expert address re-entry after a career interruption?

The expert evaluates skill currency, retraining needs, expected re-entry wage trajectory, and a realistic timeline to reach full earning capacity, supported by labor market data.

Are matrimonial vocational reports different from personal injury reports?

Yes. Matrimonial reports focus on prospective earning capacity for support purposes, while personal injury reports focus on the effect of an injury on capacity to earn. Methodology and labor market data are similar; application differs.

References

  1. BLS Occupational Employment StatisticsGovernment
  2. O*NET OnLineGovernment
  3. Census Bureau - Educational Attainment & EarningsGovernment

Ready to Get Started on matrimonial cases in Puerto Rico?

Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.