What is considered child abandonment?

Every state has different laws regarding child abandonment. Approximately 17 States and the District of Columbia include abandonment in their definition of abuse or neglect, and approximately 18 States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands provide definitions for abandonment that are separate from the definition of neglect. In general, child abandonment is when the parent's identity or whereabouts are unknown, the child has been left by the parent in circumstances in which the child suffers serious harm or death or the parent has failed to maintain contact with the child or to provide reasonable support for a specified period of time. You can face jail time and fines of at least $1,000 for child abandonment. Some states consider it misdemeanor and others consider it a felony if the child is injured. There are many reasons why a child may be abandoned such as the parent is suffering from a mental illness, drug addiction or alcohol addiction, poverty or has been incarcerated for a crime. If you have any questions about child abandonment laws and what constitutes abandonment, you should consult with a family and divorce attorney or check your state laws.    

You should take child abandonment matters serious. There are penalties and jail time for child abandonment, neglect and abuse. If you have concerns about whether a child has been abandoned or you are accused of child abandonment, you should contact an attorney immediately to advise you about your state’s laws and your rights and responsibilities. An attorney can represent you in court if you are involved in a child abandonment, neglect or abuse matter.