tibodoe
Feb 7, 2011, 11:21 AM
My step-son and daughter-in-law are separated but not divorsed yet. She and our 2 grandsons moved in with us(my husband and I). She left on Sat. evening with us babysitting the boys. We have not heard from her since except for 1 text message she sent on Sunday afternoon. It is now Mon. afternoon and she still has not shown up or called. Can Abandonment charges be placed on the mother?
this8384
Feb 8, 2011, 09:23 AM
My step-son and daughter-in-law are separated but not divorsed yet. She and our 2 grandsons moved in with us(my husband and I). She left on Sat. evening with us babysitting the boys. We have not heard from her since except for 1 text message she sent on sunday afternoon. It is now Mon. afternoon and she still has not shown up or called. Can Abandonment charges be placed on the mother?
There is a sticky regarding abandonment at the top of the Family Law forum, which you can read here:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/family-law/child-abandonment-read-first-364259.html
Some states have different definitions of what constitutes "abandonment." Typically, it is when the child(ren) are left alone without adult supervision. However, certain states consider non-payment of child support to also be abandonment.
In your particular case, I don't believe abandonment applies. She left the children in the care of a legal adult who is capable of caring for them. I do think it would look great for your stepson's case if he could document this, but I doubt the court will press abandonment charges against her.