child religion laws affecting joint custody?

I had to take some time to think on this problem. In my 20 years of working with divorced fathers, I've seen this issue a lot, though most frequently involving separate religions, like Judaism and Christianity.

You have a two fold problem, the need of influence of both your mother and father, and your desire to maintain your spirituality.

This can be addressed in the custody ruling stating that you be allowed to continue is your spiritual pursuit while in the custody of either parent. It cannot specifically target your mother, but it also means that if you choose to change the direction of your spirituality, your father cannot interfere, either.

I need to tell you that by presenting too strong a commitment to living with your father could backfire. You could be committed for mental evaluation to determine if there's something unnatural in what you want. That was done to a 13-year-old girl in Olathe, KS under similar circumstances. Don't be excessive in your desire to be in the custody of your father.

Might I recommend you consider asking for Joint Physical Custody of your parents, rather than you moving back and forth. It's their divorce, not yours, so they should be inconvenienced by it, not you. Coupled with no limitations on your spirituality, it should work. Click below to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/BirdNestCustody

This is for your father to better prepare in dealing with a custody challenge.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DadsHouse/

http://tinyurl.com/Custody-Can-A-Father-Win

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I don't know of any law about religious practice. You are however 14, so your parents, either of them, can tell you what you can do.

It's too bad that she will not allow you to follow your faith, or attend church related activities. When you get your chance, as someone else suggested, tell the judge how you feel, it may make a difference in the final custody decision.

One other thing to remember. You don't have to go to church to practice your beliefs. I personally am not a regular church goer, but I know that God doesn't care where you talk with him. Jesus never built a church, and showed the way out doors much of the time.

Just my thoughts

You might want to remind your mother of your age...in a nice way...and that your opinion will be taken into consideration for custody. I think that it's kind of rediculous that a girl of your age should have a custody battle going on over her if there has been joint custody. It sounds like you're kind of stuck in the middle and that this doesn't have anything to do with you...you are just a pawn for your mother to use to lash out at your father...as if you aren't going to do anything that relates to the time that you spend with him (ie going to church) A judge isn't going to look upon this too kindly....if you were wanting to go to some animal sacrifice I could understand but...church?

Be a good chrisitian and understand that none of this is your fault and it's just a couple of inmature people battling it out and trying to use you as a weapon. Wait until you're in your 20's or so and maybe they will come to their senses. Plus the money being spent on lawyers etc could be better spent on your college education or....well, just about anything other than for a lawyer.

Chin up and speak your mind with temperance and kindness and respect for who your mother is...still your mother...with all due respect Mom, I'm going to church to pray for you. LOL!

Even though its your right to religion, you must follow your mothers orders when you are with her, To me it sounds like your mother is just doing this to get at your dad, but nonetheless, you must obey her when youre with her or she could say your dad is putting you up to this just to cause trouble for her which wouldnt look good in the courts eyes. I kbow its not fair but unfortunately you dont have much choice here. Your Dad needs to add your religious practice be allowed by both parents into the custody decree when possible. Good luck

Sounds like you need to get your own lawyer and go to the custody hearings to give your input. Most judges would frown on any parent prevent his or her daughter from participating in religious beliefs. FUrther the judge would almost always side with your feelings on the matter.

Unfortunately she can prevent you from it, however, if I was your dad I would certainly use it in the court papers, Your old enough to make your decision where you want to live, the court is going to listen to you.

However in the mean time, sue your mom in court. If you do not want to do that. then write to the judge, get the name a case number from your dad, and state your case, (you will need to reference the case number on your letter), the judge just might issue a temporary order with out going to court to allow your mom to left you go to church.

Before you write it, pray that the Lord will give you the words to write to the judge, as well as ask God that the judge will find favor with you in his eyes.

God be with you!

Well, yes you should be able to, but if she won't allow it, she won't allow it.

1) Talk plainly to her - this is your belief, not your father's, you really want to go.

2) you can also tell her that if you are asked, you will pick your dad because she won't let you go.

Your best bet young lady is to express your opinion in front of the judge when you're in court. Stay with your father because he has always been there for you in mind and in spirit with god.

good luck dear child ...my prayers are with you.

Yes, you should be able to practice your religion.

she can't really tell you whether you're religious or not...