Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Children Rights to Religion

Is it legal for a parent to keep a child away from their religion, friends, and force them to change schools (from private to public)? The parents are divorced and the child is 13. What laws in the US protect child's rights to these?


Asked on 6/01/09, 6:00 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Patricia F. Bushman BUSHMAN LAW OFFICES

Re: Children Rights to Religion

Normally the parent with primary custody has the right to make those decisions, although the other parent can follow other traditions when the child is with him or her. Children have no rights to make these decisions, that's part of being a child and not an adult. The child can make his or her own religious choices when they turn 18.

Read more
Answered on 6/03/09, 5:08 pm
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Children Rights to Religion

Unless you can show that the child is irreparably harmed for lack of access to these items and it would be in the child's best interest to continue in thise activities, there is no law that says a child must have religious training or the other items of which you speak. Many children grow up just fine and find a faith to practice without the intensive training you suggest. So if you want the child to have the training you suggest, you will have to convince a judge that the child would be better off with the training. Good Luck.

Read more
Answered on 6/01/09, 6:46 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Texas