QUESTION
What rights does she have when she hasn't cared for them in a way since 2010?
Asked on Jun 08th, 2013 on Child Custody - Arizona
More details to this question:
The birth mother of my 3 children ages 4, 5 and 6 walked out on them in 2010, refusing to help with their care, very seldom to spend time with them and to be straight up has not been a part of their lives since then. I chose to move from NC to AZ to better my life and theirs and I opened my own business that is very successful. She recently told me she wants custody of "her" children and that her and her boyfriend would do what it takes to get them. She isn't even consistent in phone calls, doesn't send them letters, gifts, clothes, birthday cards. She does nothing but call seldom when she isn't too busy.
1 ANSWER
The rights depends somewhat on whether there is a current order. Arizona has legal decision-making in lieu of custody, so the issues could be decision making, parenting time and support. You should obtain a consultation with a family law attorney, as these are never a "one size fits all" and you want to avoid doing anything that could be looked at disfavorably in the future by a court or evaluator.
Answered on Jun 11th, 2013 at 4:03 AM