questions & answers

Question: I have three daughters 7,5 and 2 they was born in AZ. Me and the mother of my kids split up 2 years ago and I moved back home to WV last year. Since then I’ve been trying to talk/see(FaceTime) the kids and she has ignored me 95% of the time. I do pay her monthly($500-$700). Now when I don’t pay her daily for her drug use, she wants to file for abandonment on me. Can she do that?

Answer: Your question did not include information as to whether you and your ex filed for a custody and child support hearing when you split.  Is there a custody order that sets out your visitation?  (Custody is now called legal decision-making, and visitation is called parenting time.)  If there is an order and you pay child support through the court, it will be difficult to claim abandonment.  If there is no order, do you have cancelled checks or money order receipts showing the child support you paid.  You can use your phone records to show face time with the children.  You really need to speak with an attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You wil need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625. You may be able to arrange a telephone conference if you cannot come to Arizona.