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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 Louisiana, as in other states, the primary concern in child custody arrangements is the best interest of the child. The religion of the parents is not typically a deciding factor in custody decisions due to First Amendment protections of religious freedom. However, if there is evidence that a parent's religious practices are abusive or could substantially harm the child, the court may consider this in its determination. When parents have shared custody, they are generally free to participate in their chosen religious services and activities with the child during their respective custody periods, as long as these practices do not harm the child or conflict with the child's best interests. Louisiana courts strive to balance the constitutional rights of parents with the state's interest in protecting the welfare of children when making custody decisions.

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Child custody

religion

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Louisiana State Code

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Child custody

religion

Articles