de·ser·tion n: the forsaking of a person, post, or relationship: as
a: permanent withdrawal from living with one's spouse without the spouse's consent and without cause or justification
◇ Desertion is a ground for divorce in many states.
b: intentional permanent termination of custody over one's child; also: abandonment
c: abandonment of military duty without leave and without the intent to return
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.