Tulsa, OK asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Juvenile Law and Criminal Law for Oklahoma

Q: Is it illegal for a live in girlfriend to spank a 3 yr old when not given consent from the mother?

The child is not spanked in their primary residence, especially not with an object. What's the best way to document this, and how should we proceed?

1 Lawyer Answer
Doak Willis
Doak Willis
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Tahlequah, OK
  • Licensed in Oklahoma

A: It is not against any statutory provision in Oklahoma for a live in girlfriend to spank a child absent consent. If the spankings are physically harmful to the child and there are marks showing these spankings, you should take pictures and have a professional examine the marks and get them on record. Contact your ex spouse and speak to him/her about this issue to see if you two can work out a non physical punishment if and when one is needed. Document the marks yourself if you ever must take the issue to Court.

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