Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Discipline - Spouse of non-custodial parent

First corporal punishment is forbidden in many counties, even though it is allowed by Cal. Statute.

The matter of discipline of a step child is between the step parent and the parent. The primay custodial parent does not need to be consulted. There is less likely to be problems if the step parent and parent agree on the rules and the consequences for not complying with those rules.

However, the child will benefit from a uniform parenting plan by the custodial and non custodial parent. Children often have difficulty remembering which rules apply if which house. Therefor the greater the uniformity between the two parents the fewer problems that should be experienced.