Section 9.18 Religious Beliefs

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

K. (§9.18) Religious Beliefs

A court cannot award custody based on its approval or disapproval of the belief, doctrine, or tenets of a parent’s religion or the parent’s interpretation of the religion. Therefore, inquiry into religious beliefs is not permissible unless made to protect the child’s best interests. A permissible inquiry into religious beliefs was seen in Edwards v. Edwards, 829 S.W.2d 91 (Mo. App. E.D. 1992). In Edwards, the court asked the minor child how he celebrated Thanksgiving and...