Mediation in Puerto Rico

Quick Facts

• Legal Framework: Puerto Rico is a US territory. Act 75 governs dealership agreements and has been amended to address arbitration clauses. In 1978, Act 75 was amended to declare null and void any stipulation that compe...
• Cultural Approach: The cultural approach to dispute resolution reflects US influences with Puerto Rican context. McConnell Valdés has a history of finding agreeable ways to resolve disputes in office rather than in cour...
• Typical Costs: ADR processes designed to be cost-effective compared to traditional litigation. Costs determined by institutional rules and fee schedules. Professional mediator fees in the US generally range from USD...

Mediation Research

Legal Framework

Puerto Rico is a US territory. Act 75 governs dealership agreements and has been amended to address arbitration clauses. In 1978, Act 75 was amended to declare null and void any stipulation that compelled dealers to arbitrate controversies outside of Puerto Rico or under foreign law. Arbitration covenants in dealership agreements are deemed contracts of adhesion, so ambiguities must be resolved against the principal. Before any such provision may be invoked, a court with jurisdiction in Puerto Rico must determine validity.

Court System

The Puerto Rico Supreme Court interprets Act 75 and arbitration provisions. Courts with jurisdiction in Puerto Rico must determine validity of arbitration clauses before they may be invoked. The Civil Procedure Code covers special proceedings for certain types of cases such as probate, family law, and land disputes. Further research needed on specific court-annexed mediation programs.

Mediator Regulations

McConnell Valdés Mediation & Dispute Resolution lawyers are highly recognised in Puerto Rico for effectively helping clients resolve disputes using various ADR techniques. Professional standards follow US and local legal traditions. Further research needed on specific mediator certification processes and territorial regulations.

Cultural Approach

The cultural approach to dispute resolution reflects US influences with Puerto Rican context. McConnell Valdés has a history of finding agreeable ways to resolve disputes in office rather than in courtroom. Dispute resolution process resolves legal conflicts without going to trial before federal or state court. Further research needed on specific cultural approaches to mediation.

Typical Costs

ADR processes designed to be cost-effective compared to traditional litigation. Costs determined by institutional rules and fee schedules. Professional mediator fees in the US generally range from USD 200-600 per hour for commercial mediation and USD 150-400 per hour for family mediation. McConnell Valdés advises clients on legal consequences of dispute resolution options. Costs typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. Court-annexed mediation may be available at reduced cost.

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