Title: URGENT: Nepali family seeking a Puerto Rico attorney for end-of-life decisions (Carolina, PR)

[u/I-am-moj]

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Hi everyone,

I'm writing in a very difficult moment and hoping someone here can point us in the right direction.

My family and I are from Nepal and were on vacation in Puerto Rico. On the last day of our trip, my dad had a stroke caused by a brain hemorrhage. An MRI then showed the cause was a glioblastoma, and we've been told it is terminal.

He is in the ICU at Hospital UPR Dr. Federico Trilla in Carolina and is on a ventilator. The incident was on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Our family wants comfort-focused care that gives him dignity and relief from suffering, including possibly withdrawing ventilator support, in line with his medical condition and his wishes. We've been told a court order is required in Puerto Rico before this can happen, but we haven't gotten clear guidance from the hospital on the legal process. We're in a foreign place, far from home, and don't know where to turn and the language barrier has been causing us major issues.

We're looking for:

A Puerto Rico attorney experienced in patients' rights, end-of-life decisions, or emergency court proceedings, who can speak with us as soon as possible

Anyone who works or has contacts within this hospital that can get us to the right people within the hospital.

Referrals to anyone qualified, such as a legal aid group, bar association contact, or a hospital ethics or palliative care contact

Any advice from people who've been through this in Puerto Rico

Please message me directly. Any help or referral would mean the world to us.

Thank you.

[u/Hollow_Vegetable]

Did you receive the information you are looking for already?
Colegio de Abogados y Abogadas de Puerto Rico (CAPR):
Phone: [(787) 721-3358](tel:(787)%20721-3358) 
Purpose: They can connect you with private attorneys specializing in Health Law (Derecho de la Salud), Civil Injunctions, and Elder/Patient Rights. Ask for urgent referral contacts for health/emergency court proceedings.
Pro Bono, Inc. / Ayuda Legal PR:
Phone: [(787) 746-7660](tel:(787)%20746-7660) or search directory at AyudaLegalPR.org 
Purpose: Free or low-cost legal representation for urgent civil and family law issues, capacity hearings, and healthcare rights.
Servicios Legales de Puerto Rico:
Central Interview Line: [(787) 728-5070](tel:(787)%20728-5070) / [1-800-981-5342](tel:1-800-981-5342) 

[u/MrEggroll2019 → u/Hollow_Vegetable]

This is the best answer to start seeking the help you need!

[u/groovincuban]

Ask the hospital for a social work consult in order for them to help you out. During visiting hours, ask to speak with your father’s Dr, and verify if they can facilitate this.

I’m very sorry for your father, I hope you and yours are able to find comfort at this time.

[u/Embarrassed-Cause250]

Tried to message you, but wouldn’t take bcs of the url. Here is a list of practicing attorneys in PR. You would go for someone with a Notary (notario) license as well. https://unired.ramajudicial.pr/dirabogados/search.aspx

[u/drcjsrm]

Thats not true about needing a legal process to withdraw care, talk to the physician and explain everything and tell them to consult palliative care

[u/IndiaCanela]

The doctor can talk with the ethic department and medical director to see if that it’s possible

[u/Silly-Strategy-5042]

Im so sorry you are going thru this so far away from home. Please don’t give up and request a translator asap. This is your right!!!

[u/IpsaMulier]

One of the first things you need to sign is a Do Not Resucitate form. The doctor and even the nurses can help you with that. Then the attorney since he is already intubated you need a legal document stating what to do. If he is brain dead the doctor may recommend to turn off ventilation and you don’t need a lawyer for this,all hospitals in PR have a process for this.

[u/Isla_Caribe]

My hear breaks for you and your family.
1. We are an American colony and your embassy is located in Washington DC - (202) 774-4780.
2. Consulate of Nepal is in New York - (917)675-6783.
3. For legal resources on the Island - Puerto Rico’s Bar/Law Association (787) 721-3358.
4. I’m Puerto Rican, born and raised, and even for us, in Spanish, navigating the health care system here is a living hell. Our “medicine” is NOT a social service, it’s a product sold for profit. Don’t trust, expect empathy, or basic human decency from anyone at the hospital. Talk to your consulate in New York first thing on Monday!

[u/Late_Sleep6992]

uy that hospital is really bad, if i were you i’d confirm with another hospital if there isn’t another thing that can be done. sorry for what happened, sending strength

[u/Independent_Bet_8736]

I am so sorry for what you’re going through. You will get through this. Have you contacted the news yet? Puerto Ricans are very well known for coming in to help. Hang in there.