One of the toughest topics to discuss – religion. Admittedly, we’re not experts on all of the religions and religious situations that families may face in the post-divorce world.
In the overwhelming majority of cases that we’re aware of, religion is not an issue because both parents have the same faith. In situations like that, one can choose to “let sleeping dogs lie” and not have it addressed in your custody order. Or, you may choose to try and put in preventive measures that would preclude either parent from changing the children’s religious affiliation absent a written agreement from the other.
The real problems begin to arise when marriages involve more than one faith. Cooperative parents may leave things status-quo, that’s to say that they decided the children will be of one or both faiths within the marriage and they will continue to do so after a divorce. Uncooperative parents will leverage the difference between the parents’ faiths as a means to litigate… again. This problem will also require a very careful and creative approach to holidays (see our holidays page) if you are and will remain with dual religions for the children.
In a situation like that, we’re at a loss to convey what might work out best for you, the “normal” parent. That doesn’t mean we can’t try! So, let’s discuss it and see what conclusions we can reach together. Don’t be surprised, though, if this situation, like too many others, could end up being decided by a judge.
We want you to be the one who is clearly making a good-faith effort to craft a plan that will limit conflict going forward and that can only serve to help you in the court setting.
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