Can a non custodial parent be charged with abandonment?
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Can a non custodial parent be charged with abandonment?
Parental abandonment is not limited to non-custodial parents, either. Sometimes parents with sole custody—even those who have fought hard in court to win child custody—have also been accused of abandoning their children.
How long does it take for a child to be considered abandoned?
State laws differ about what is needed for a parent to be deemed to have abandoned a child. Generally, there needs to be a period of time during which the parent does not have any contact with the child and does not pay child support. In most states, the period of time is one year, but this varies.
How long does a mother have to be gone to be considered abandonment?
If a child has been left with a non-parent for six months or more with no contact or support, that constitutes abandonment. If a child has been left with the other parent for one year or more with no contact or support, that constitutes abandonment. Other issues can lead to termination of parental rights as well.
