Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

My sister told her divorce lawyer that her husband physically and verbally abused my 14 year old nephew ( who is not his son ) 2 years ago but was to scared to call the police. I am just now finding it out and am livid and want justice for my nephew. When she told the lawyer this, his response was, " is he HIS son? " She said no but he looked at him as his father figure, the lawyer again said " is he HIS son?" She said no again, lawyer said well then. I know the client confidentiality thing is a sticky situation, but doesnt this man have an ethical obligation to report child abuse?? please help. we live in Virginia


Asked on 10/26/11, 9:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Child abuse that the mother knew of and failed to report which supposedly occurred two or more years ago that is probably subject to a one year statute of limitations for enforcement?

No, I would seriously doubt that under these circumstances that the attorney was obligated (ethically or otherwise)to report anything.

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Answered on 10/26/11, 1:26 pm


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