Seeking a Protective Order for Your Stepchild
Can you get a protective order on behalf of your stepchild? Hi, I’m Tulsa Dads.Law attorney Clint Hastings. I practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I focus on fathers’ rights. I’ve been practicing family law for about 25 years.
Yes, you can seek a protective order on behalf of your stepchild. Let’s consider who the protective order might be against—it could be your current spouse, the child’s biological father, or even a stepmother now married to the biological father.
Understanding the Process
This situation can become complicated. For example, if you’re seeking a protective order against your stepchild’s father, and your spouse (the child’s mother) disagrees with that action, can you still move forward? The answer is yes. The law does allow a step-parent to petition for a protective order on behalf of a child.
However, pursuing a protective order can intersect with other legal issues—such as involvement from DHS or custody disputes between the biological parents. In many cases, it may be better to transition the matter to family court, which can issue orders that might ultimately replace the need for the protective order.
Seek Legal Guidance
These situations can be complex. If you’re facing something like this, give Tulsa protective order defense attorney Clint Hastings a call at 918-962-0900.. We can help you navigate the legal process.