Basic and Supplementary Alimony under the Alimony Guidelines in Puerto Rico

The ASUME Mandatory Guidelines, effective March 2024, establish a system for determining child support in Puerto Rico. This law distinguishes between basic support and supplemental support. In this legal topic, we will explore how these concepts are defined, calculated, and applied.

1. Basic Pension: This is the minimum amount that the non-custodial parent must contribute to cover the minor's essential needs, such as food, clothing, entertainment, utilities, among others.

Steps for its Determination;

1. The Net Income of the Alimony Provider is calculated.

2. The Percentage is applied according to the Age of the Minor:

- The guidelines assign percentages to net disposable income (after the legal reserve) based on the age of the minor or minors for whom the pension is being calculated.

2. Supplementary Pension: covers extraordinary or specific expenses of the minor that exceed basic needs.

Expenses Included for example:

-Education: Private school tuition, tutoring, specialized materials.

- Health: Therapies, medications not covered by the medical plan, surgeries.

- Housing: Proportional to the cost of the minor's housing.

- Extracurricular Activities: Sports, art, music, if they are essential for the child's development.

Calculation:

- The cost of the additional expense is prorated between both parents, according to their income.

The distinction between basic and supplementary support reflects an effort to balance the needs of the child with the financial circumstances of the parents. While the former ensures a minimum level of support, the latter allows for adaptation to each parent's circumstances. However, its application requires transparency and documentation.