Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

A man lives in maryland and has physical custody of his 9 year old daughter. When his daughter misbehaves greatly, he spanks her on her butt (fully clothed) with a belt. He leaves no bruises. Her mom accuses him of abuse. I agree with him in his thinking that spanking is abuse because the child is not injured or bruised. If he go to court, does her mom have a case?


Asked on 11/03/11, 7:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bill Wood Law Office of William C. Wood, LLC

Probably not. Corporal punishment is allowed in Maryland and, in the absence of injuries, I doubt a court would find that abuse is occurring. However, the use of a belt may be of concern to the court, so I would strongly recommend that he resort to other, less severe forms of discipline.

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Answered on 11/03/11, 7:14 am


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