Before abandoning the marital home, it is best to consult with a local attorney because in certain jurisdictions there may be legal repercussions that would be detrimental to one’s case. For example, it may be difficult to establish and present a convincing case for physical custody of a child, if the parent knowingly left him or her with the other parent for a significant period of time.

Abandonment is often referred to as the act of one parent leaving behind a family and thus providing limited or no support emotionally or financially.

Unfortunately abandonment is an epidemic in the United States. As more parents divorce, many children have a childhood shared with just one parent. In certain cases this is for the best, due to verbal or physical abuse, but in most situations it has become a choice for the parent to estrange himself or herself. Many states have instituted mandatory parenting classes for those parents going through a divorce, with have an emphasis on parental responsibility.

See also Desertion.

Your Suggestion

1. Abandonment vs. Living Separate & Apart
   In many no-fault divorce states the only grounds for a no-fault divorce
   is living separate and apart for a certain period of time. Many spouses
   who are in agreement do not realize that they may qualify to file under the
   grounds of abandonment in order to bypass the living separate and apart
   requirement.
   Contributed on 2/12/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Divorce Grounds   (Applicable in All States)
2. Consult Family Law Attorney
   It is best to consult a family law attorney before abandoning the
   marital residence. There may legal ramifications of taking such action
   without proper preparation and understanding of the possible
   repercussions.
   Contributed on 2/12/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Divorce Procedure   (Applicable in All States)
3. Before You Exit the Marital Home
   Abandonment of the family home almost always hurts a parent’s chance to be awarded physical custody of a child upon divorce
   Contributed on 2/12/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Child Custody   (Applicable in All States)
4. The Repercussions of Leaving
   The manner of leaving as a fault issue is not as important as it used to be; however, in some states it can affect property distribution and support.
   Contributed on 4/2/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff

   Category: Property Division   (Applicable in All States)

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