Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Discipline of step-child

Discipline is very difficult to deliver especially when dealing with a loved one.

Is there any laws in Mass or NY stating that the step-father is breaking the law if he ''spanks'' the step-child''?? If there are threats of a restraining order brought against the step-father is it usually acted upon?


Asked on 7/16/01, 1:02 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Kellie Gasink Kellie Gasink, Esq.

Re: Discipline of step-child

Discipline cannot include child abuse. Report incidents to the appropriate local authorities.

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Answered on 7/16/01, 1:21 pm
Garry Hanlon

Re: Discipline of step-child

Spare the rod and spoil the child is a thing

of the past

Courts will pay lip service to the rights

of a parent to spank. Rarely does this

extend to a step-parent. It never goes beyond

And, any court which is asked, while it

will not "punish" or "condemn" for the

first complaint, it will prohibit any

further corporeal punishment.

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Answered on 7/16/01, 6:16 pm
Jonathan J. Braverman Jonathan J. Braverman, Attorney & Mediator

Re: Discipline of step-child

Discipline is one thing; physical abuse is another. Suggest you learn parenting skills that would allow you to discipline / teach, without corporal punishment.

For more information, please visit my web site:

http://www.BravermanLawFirm.com

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Answered on 7/17/01, 8:28 am


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