Factor 6: Abandonment In Child Custody Cases
Abandonment is a significant factor when a court decides on Florida child custody and time-sharing issues. A parent who has abandoned their child may lose the right to have regular contact with them and any say in decisions that affect the child’s life. Abandonment, for legal purposes, means that one parent has not provided physical or financial support for an extended period of time, typically at least six months.
Courts will consider evidence of both physical and emotional abandonment in determining whether abandonment occurred. Physical abandonment means no contact between the parent and child for an extended period. In contrast, emotional abandonment refers to a lack of attention or interest by the non-custodial parent toward their child’s needs or activities.
