We have temporary custody of our grandchild and have never received child support from either of his parents. Child support was ordered by the court in 2006. He has lived with us since age 5. He is now 11. What is the time for child abandoment in the state of Alabama? They have seen him on occasion, but provide absolutely nothing for his care and have never offered a thing to help support him. We need to know the legal aspects so he will be taken care of should something happen to us.

First, you need an Attorney to make sure you and the child are 100% protected legally.

There is a child support order which the parents have ignored? What type of custody or guardianship do you presently have?

Alabama has what I consider to be very interesting and progressive laws concerning child abandoment - Child Abuse/Neglect (http://www.dhr.state.al.us/page.asp?pageid=348).

"What is child neglect?

Under Alabama law, it is "negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, clothing, or shelter: provided, however, that a parent or guardian legitimately practicing his religious beliefs who thereby does not provide specified medical treatment for a child, for that reason alone shall not be considered a negligent parent or guardian; however, such an exception shall not preclude a court from ordering that medical services be provided to the child, where his health requires it."

I would talk to an Attorney. I also think an experienced Attorney could very well use Alabama law to your advantage - other States are most definitely NOT this progessive.

I wish you well. I'm the first person to criticize personal info on the legal boards but your grandchild is so lucky to have you.

There is a sticky note on the issue of child abandonment at the top of this forum.

Your question is not really about abandonment. Abandonment, except in a few states, means leaving a child without adult supervision. In those few states it refers to not supporting the child. It appears you are asking about making the temp custody permanent or about what happens to the child if you can no longer care for him.

Please define what it is you really want or what you expect abandonment to get you.

I read this as OP wanting to know how to make arrangements for the care of the child when/if the current caretakers (the grandparents) are deceased.

Of course, until OP comes back with more info it is impossible to say.