If your partner has abandoned you, it has left you in a vulnerable and challenging spot with perhaps your finances, health, responsibilities, personal life and more. Your partner will blame stress or other reasons. However, in the case of legal partnership, especially when children are involved, abandonment is taken seriously.
What legal responsibilities does your partner have towards you and your children, and can they fulfil those responsibilities? Those questions can be answered legally and that can make those responsibilities legal requirements. That is where you not only want to seek your legal options, but reach out to a family law attorney.
How Arizona Defines Abandonment
The state of Arizona defines abandonment with a six month absence of one parent who has continued to show that they cannot provide the required support as well as failing to keep in contact with the child and their other parent. Abandonment can lead to termination of parental rights as well as loss of legal decision-making.
Child support must be paid, by law. Abandoning your responsibility for child support can lead to serious financial and legal consequences. The consequences could include garnished wages, interest charges, loss of tax refund, license suspension, bank account levies, property liens and more.
Proving Abandonment
Some of the easiest ways to prove abandonment include showing a lack of financial support, missed visitations or other failed responsibilities. Your attorney can give you more details on what is specifically needed including testimony or other documentation that shows the parents lack of involvement.
Getting A Divorce
Arizona is a no-fault divorce state which means that you do not have to prove abandonment to file for divorce. However, proof will benefit you moving forward in matters of custody and financial assistance, especially for your children. Take into consideration the time frame from your last communication or payment and keep track of missed appointments.
You want to make it clear that you have followed the guidelines of the agreement which may include properly notifying your former partner of appointments, meetings, their responsibilities, changes to dates and times and more. If you are following your guidelines, your former partner is expected to do the same.
This is going to be an emotional time, especially if you are relying on your former partner for financial support. Your best hope is to remain calm and work with your legal team and the courts. Stay within their recommended and required guidelines and ensure yourself that you are doing everything to prove you are the responsible parent.
Always Seek Legal Advice
Too many people in situations of abandonment try to deal with these matters themselves. You need the assistance of an experienced legal advisor. A Maricopa County family law attorney offers you the best guidance and assistance in matters of abandonment and can advise you on your best options moving forward. Contact a local attorney today to learn more.