In most states a parent is considered to have abandoned a child if the parent does not make contact with the child and withholds financial support for a period of one or two years. Abandonment may be a basis to terminate a parent’s parental rights. But most states will not terminate a parent’s legal rights and obligations unless there is another adult—often a family member or stepparent—who wants to formally adopt the child.

Abandonment may result in criminal charges if a parent or guardian leaves a child under a certain age (15, for example) in any place and circumstance under which no reasonable adult would do so. For example, leaving a 8 year old child at the shopping mall may result in criminal charges of abandonment.

In Nevada, child abandonment is addressed under both family law and criminal statutes. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 128.012, abandonment is defined as the failure of a parent to provide necessary care, support, or personal contact with the child for six months. This can serve as grounds for the termination of parental rights if it is in the best interest of the child and there is no reasonable expectation of improvement in parental conduct. Additionally, pursuant to NRS 128.014, if another adult, such as a stepparent or relative, is willing to adopt the child, the court may consider this factor in the decision to terminate parental rights due to abandonment. On the criminal side, under NRS 200.508, a parent or guardian may face charges of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment for leaving a child in a situation where the child suffers physical or mental harm or is placed in a situation where the child may suffer harm. The specific age of the child is not delineated for abandonment charges, but the statute considers whether an act or omission has placed the child in a situation that might endanger their health or welfare.