Parents can choose which religion their child or children follow – but after separation, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, one or both parents may decide to change their child’s religion.
As children grow up they can also form strong ideas about which religion they wish to follow – or do not wish to follow.
However, any parent with Parental Responsibility can decide on which religion their child follows up to the age of 18 – and sometimes this may cause family disputes over changing a child’s religion or a child’s religious upbringing.
Children can legally choose to follow any religion at any age – however, if parents feel that following a specific religion may exert a harmful influence over a child below the age of 18, they can apply to the court for wardship and have their child made a Ward of Court. This means that the court will become the child’s official guardian – and if there is a risk a child might be taken aboard or travel abroad, UK ports and border staff will be alerted.
If parents are in dispute over a child’s religious upbringing, a parent can apply to the court to decide on the matter using a Specific Issue Order. The court will take into account the details of the case – but will always decide in the child’s best interests rather than the wishes of the parents.
If a parent wishes to change your child’s religion and the second parent opposes this, a Prohibitive Steps Order can be applied for under which the court will make a decision according to what it considers is in the best interests of the child.
Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise parents who are couples or individuals on matters involving changing a child’s religion – including if a child under the age of 18 has chosen to follow a religion that may be causing conflict in the family, or which the family feels may exert a harmful influence over their child.
Duncan Lewis has acknowledged expertise in child care law – and also advises on international marriage and divorce and Islamic marriage and divorce, including child care matters.
In cases where agreement cannot be reached between a couple or within a family, Duncan Lewis can also arrange Family Mediation to help the parties work through the issues and reach a solution, without recourse to the courts.
The courts will always take into account the welfare of the child so working through any differences within lawyer supported Family Mediation can help avoid traumatic court action.
Both parents can appoint their own Duncan Lewis child care lawyer to give independent legal advice at every stage of the mediation process – Duncan Lewis’ own Mediators include Resolution qualified Professional Practice Consultants.
Duncan Lewis is ranked by the Legal 500 2014 for its Family & Matrimonial work – and the Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, and members of the Law Society Children Panel – so our team is well placed to help you with any issues involving changing a child’s religion.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors can advise you in relation to Changing Your Child’s Religion. Duncan Lewis Solicitors have specialist solicitors who represent parents, family members and children within this area of law. Our solicitors, trainees and caseworkers also speak a range of languages to assist clients where required with any language barriers.
Duncan Lewis is recommended by The Legal 500 legal directory for its specialism in all aspects of family and children law nationwide and cross-border. The Legal 500 applauds our family and child care solicitors to be a team of lawyers that are ‘friendly professionals who take their time to understand your case’. Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, and members of the Law Society Children.
Depending on the application, legal aid may be available and you can be assessed for this prior to the matter being taken on. Alternatively, a quote for a fixed fee or the hourly rates of a legal representative may also be provided. You will be advised of the funding arrangements prior to the proceedings commencing.
For expert legal advice on all family and childcare matters, contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 033 3772 0409.