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Child custody

religion

The religion of one or both parents generally won’t be the basis for a court’s decision on child custody arrangements—due in part to the protections of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution—unless the evidence introduced in court shows the religious practices are abusive or will likely have a substantial harmful effect on the child, and will not be in the child’s best interest. In most circumstances parents with shared custody of their child will be free to engage in their choice of religious services and activities with the child during their time of custody.

In Washington State, as in other states, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom, which extends to child custody arrangements. Courts in Washington are not allowed to base custody decisions on the religious beliefs of the parents unless there is compelling evidence that the religious practices are harmful to the child or not in the child's best interest. When parents have shared custody, each parent is typically free to involve the child in their respective religious services and activities during their designated custody time. The paramount concern for the court is the welfare and best interests of the child, which includes considering the child's safety, emotional growth, health, education, and the potential impact of any religious practices on these factors.

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Child custody

religion

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Washington State Code

Washington State Code

Child custody

religion

Articles