questions & answers

Question: what steps can a father take when his ex which is the mother of his baby decides she wants to end the relationship n leave the baby with him? And then decides two days later she wants the baby back and calls the police? Does he have to give the baby back? this is the second time the mother has done this so is it abandoment?

Answer:

Child custody issues can be very complex. Please begin by referring to any current child custody orders that may be in place. For more information on child custody please read the following article “Child Custody”. For information concerning termination of parental rights please refer to A.R.S. § 8-539.  For the definition of abandonment please refer to A.R.S 8-531(1). The definition will explain what constitutes abandonment and the time frame that the abandonment must occur in. If detailed legal advice is needed, please visit our website for legal aid options.