Maintaining ties is defined according to customary practice and what people generally follow, because neither the Qur'ān nor the Sunnah specifies the type, form

One of the principles that is agreed upon by scholars states: المعروف عرفا كالمشروط/المشروع شرعا whatever is commonly accepted by custom holds the same weight as what is stipulated or enshrined by the Shari'ah. Thus, upholding ties of kinship is not limited to physical visits; messages, phone calls, and financial assistance to relieve a relative's hardship also fall under the category of صلة الرحم. POINT 5: How often does one have to uphold ties of kinship? There is no specific period of time which, if exceeded, would universally classify a person as one who has severed family ties; rather, this is also governed by the customs prevalent in one's country. For example, if it is customary in your locality that parents are visited daily when they live nearby, then neglecting them for a week without excuse would be considered severing ties in that specific relationship. Similarly, if it is the norm to visit relatives once a month, every two months, or once a year, then one should act in accordance with that custom. This is because maintaining family ties is a divine command that has not been restricted to any particular time or duration, and therefore it is determined by local custom. POINT 6: Is it permissible to boycott relatives? The default ruling is that one must uphold ties of kinship with their relatives as explained above. However, there are cases where boycotting is permitted. Sheikh Sulaymān Ar-Ruhaili states (https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/1757): If the reason is worldly—such as disputes over personal matters—then it is not permissible to sever ties except for a maximum of three days. Even this is only allowed as a concession, and the better course is to avoid cutting off ties altogether for worldly reasons. However, if something weighs heavily on the heart, Allah has permitted a three-day period for emotions to settle. It is not permissible to cut ties beyond three days, as the Prophet ﷺ said: “It is not lawful for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three nights; they meet, and each turns away from the other, but the better of the two is the one who initiates the greeting (salām).” As for cutting ties for religious reasons: if the relative is a sinner (fāsiq) or an innovator (mubtadiʿ), then he should first be advised, reminded, and admonished. If, in the case of a sinner, it is seen that boycotting him may bring about a beneficial result—for instance, if the person respects and values the one boycotting him, and that absence leads him to reflect, feel remorse, and abandon the sin—then he should be boycotted. But if, on the other hand, the person feels relieved and unconcerned by the separation, saying things like, “Alḥamdulillāh, we’re finally free of this religious guy who always told us to fear Allah,” then it is better to stay close to him, since that closeness may deter him from sin. With regard to innovators, scholars have stated that such individuals should be boycotted for the sake of Allah—if it is beneficial to the one being boycotted or the one boycotting. For example, if the innovator may lead others into misguidance or sectarian partisanship, then one should keep away from him, even if he is a close relative, for religion takes precedence. Also, if boycotting him serves the interests of the broader Muslim community—such as when the person holds a prominent position and people might assume that his actions are acceptable unless someone takes a stand—then he should be boycotted.