Opinion ID: 1259039
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: definition of abandonment

Text: Ray claims he exhibited no settled purpose to abandon Maria. However, as DES argues, the settled purpose test may not fit this case. In a recent case we examined the extent of an unwed father's constitutionally protected right to parent his child. We held that an unwed father with no existing parental relationship must act quickly and persistently after the child's birth to take whatever steps are reasonably possible to develop a parental relationship. Pima County Juvenile, at 96-97, 876 P.2d at 1131-1132 (citing Lehr v. Robertson, 463 U.S. 248, 103 S.Ct. 2985, 77 L.Ed.2d 614 (1983)). It is only when the father steps forward and participates in the rearing of his child that his interest in personal contact with his child acquires substantial protection under the Due Process Clause. Id. at 98-99, 876 P.2d at 1133-1134. This may mean shouldering significant parental duties or taking legal action, if necessary. Id. at 96, 876 P.2d at 1131. We further held that it is the unwed father's responsibility to act, because actions speak louder than words. Id. Thus, the settled purpose test, which focuses on subjective intent rather than conduct, is incompatible with Pima County Juvenile 's requirement that the unwed father must act. Instead, the proper definition of abandonment is found in § 8-546.