Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Texas

I was a member in church in Nederland Texas for 20 years, I was married and had been for 25 years, I had 3 kids and all of them went to church as a family. In 1999 my wife and I had some marital problems so i went to the pastor and ask him if he would council us. He told me that she wanted out, and i stated that was not going to happen. We separated, i was told by the pastor i was no longer welcome there and to find another church. Since then my wife divorced me and it was final in 2000. She remarried a so called best friend 1 month after we divorced. All my kids and family and all those that i went to church with have completely turned their backs on me. Its been almost 12 years now and nothing has changed. When i was in the church I paid tithes, offerings, made payments on the church piano and gave my blood sweat and tears literally. I am asking is there anyway I can sue this church and pastor. I am not the first this has happened to there, but no one has ever done anything they just let it go. I would appreciate if someone might have some advice..thanks


Asked on 1/26/11, 3:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

I'm afraid not. The church is private property, and its leaders can bar you from the premises. I see no indication that the church caused your marital problems or that it somehow had a duty to take your side against your wife. The church is not responsible for the behavior of its individual members, who are free to shun you if they so choose. And even if you had a viable claim in the past, it is too late to sue over actions taken in 1999 and 2000.

If your children are still minors and if your ex has been actively encouraging them to mistreat you, you may be able to ask the divorce court to intervene. Other than that, I'm afraid the law will not help you.

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Answered on 1/27/11, 2:13 pm


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