Abandonment Forms - Legal Abandonment

Abandoned property laws vary from state to state. View laws for your state as they relate to self-storage facilities. Please check the official statutes for the latest updates.


Abandonment can apply to lost or relinquished property as well as to intellectual property, domestic relations, and bankruptcy. Select your State to find abandonment forms that are professional and ready to use. See also Abandoned Property Forms.

Abandonment is a voluntary relinquishment of possession of something. Filing an abandonment form doesn't mean the transfer of ownership to any other person. Let's say if you give up your business, then your other partners are the ones with legal right to acquire your relinquished portion, not uninvolved parties. Since almost everything can be abandoned, for each specific case, there are a number of laws, such as child abandonment or job abandonment laws.

What are Abandonment Forms used for? Notice Of Abandoned Property Letter

  • Trademark abandonment. Trademarks are unique and the only chance to use one is to wait until the owner of the trademark gives up exclusive rights.
  • Child abandonment. If a parent fails to fulfill the responsibilities of supporting their child for 6-12 months, this is called malicious abandonment and a reason for criminal proceedings, divorce, adoption, or release.
  • Property abandonment. Abandonment forms are also used in the event of bankruptcy to define what property of the debtor is to be administered to/by the trustee. Property of an estate can be abandoned at the instigation of the trustee if it is of inconsequential value and benefit to the estate.
  • Job abandonment. If an employee doesn't show up for work for a certain period of time and does not respond to warnings, this becomes the basis for voluntary termination of employment.
  • Contract abandonment. This type of refusal happens by agreement between two parties. It actually annuls the contract and frees the parties from fulfilling their obligations, but implies compensation.

How to File for Abandonment Child Abandonment Forms

More often than not, owners don't fill out a form and just leave their property somewhere. This causes abandonment issues. According to the law, a person who wants to dispose of an abandoned object(s) must make an effort to find the owner. In case of failure, the status of the property is considered in court.

Relevant Legal Forms Abandonment Divorce Notice Of Abandonment Form

FAQ Abandonment Laws

What is a legal abandonment form? Notice Of Belief Of Abandonment

It is a document stating that you no longer claim ownership of property, company, title, etc. Those who want to terminate their ownership but without vesting it in any other person can just fill out a form.

How long before something is considered abandoned? Abandonment Divorce

The answer depends on state law and property prices. For example, some states allow the immediate disposal of inexpensive items left over from previous tenants. And in most places, the maximum holding period for animals in a shelter is only 7 days.

How to prove abandonment? Abandonment Letter

To prove refusal, you need to be sure that the owner has not made any attempts to regain their ownership or had an intention to refuse it. In the event of a tenant abandoning property, the landlord must send them a notice that the property will be disposed of unless the tenant takes it back.

How long until abandonment is considered for a non-custodial parent? Job Abandonment Letter

If one parent proves that the other parent abandoned a child without seeing them or communicating with them for a year, the court may consider the refusal. Refusal can be voluntary and/or by a court decision.