Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Disciplining a child

What is considered reasonable when smacking a child. My husband, who is not the father of my two older children, smacks them in the mouth which I disapprove of. Recently I called out the Police because he smacked my oldest across the face. They said it was ''borderline'' so did nothing. Last week he smacked my other daughter in the mouth for swearing and I called the Police again...simply wanting them to make him leave for the night to diffuse the situation.

I am not a perfect mother but I do my best. I was recently in hospital for major depression, which is now under control and I am still receiving counselling and medication. He told the Police this and so they made him stay for the ''childrens safety'' They called CPS and they have asked that he stay in the home (I asked him to leave) or they will remove the children. HOw did I get turned into the big bad wolf, when he was the one hitting them?

The fact that he is still in the house is causing major tensions among everyone...which is not a good situation for our 2 year old baby, who IS his. I am afraid to leave in case they remove the children. Is there ANYTHING I can do - I cant afford a lawyer. Is smacking in the face or mouth legal??


Asked on 4/12/07, 1:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Disciplining a child

You better find some way to pay a lawyer, or find an agency that will provide legal fees. If this continues, it will escalate and you will lose your kids either to CPS or to the funeral home. Your kids need to get out of there. What about their biological father? Your family?

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Answered on 4/18/07, 10:54 am


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