Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

My rights or do i have Rights??

I've been with my girlfriend for about 4yrs. She has a 4yr old daughter, who i met and literally have been raising, since i met her when she was one yrs old. Me and my girlfriend live together with her daughter, and my question is? As not being her father or stepfather yet, since we are not married. Do i have any disciplinary rights, as a just being her boyfriend for 4yrs. I feel like i do, since me and her have raised the child, but i was told that i could not spank her or scold her when she is being misbehaved. I really want to know my rights as living with my GF child, and my role in this relationship, for the child not her. I have spanked her only once, since i've been with her. I told her it would'nt happen again cause i felt, bad, but as trying to be a secondary father to her, what are my rights, eventhough i am not leagally binded with her yet? Can i spank, can i scold?? What can i do for a child who needs disciplinary action as a father would, seing a child who is becoming very, disruptive and defiant towards her mother?? Overall, i feel like i want to be there for both of them, but i just don't know what i can do and cannot do? Do i have any type of rights? Can i be send to jail for spanking her once? Help!!


Asked on 6/06/07, 6:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: My rights or do i have Rights??

Actually, as to the girlfriend's child you have zero rights. If you spank her and leave a mark, you could get charged with assault/family violence. You can love the child, and hopefully the child will come to trust and respect you. You have no father role. If you and the gf decide to get married and provide a structured stable home for this child, this child might be less stressed, and better behaved.

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Answered on 6/06/07, 7:18 pm


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