Custodia

Willful abandonment is when a parent makes clear, either with words or by their actions, that they don’t intend to use their parental rights and responsibilities toward the child, despite being able to do so. This does not include situations where the parent cannot see the child due to circumstances, including but not limited to:

• being in jail or prison (incarceration);
• deportation;
• inpatient treatment;
• medical emergency;
• fleeing to an emergency or domestic violence shelter; or
• having the child withheld by the other parent.¹

If a parent willfully abandons their child, it may affect their ability to get decision-making power or residential parenting time.

¹ R.C.W. § 26.09.191(6)(b)