Could husband's mom take my daughter?

Question

Just a question for those with a mind for the law--nothing has happened and it probably would not but I have an obsessive fear of my mother in law. I am Pagan, specifically I practice Witchcraft and lean toward a peaceful Goddess following. I am normal, pay my bills, have a healthy relationship with my husband and daughter. We have a wonderful family and I am a great mom. However, my mother in law is mormon and is very zealous. I fear that if I ever came out of my broom closet to her that she would not understand my faith and assume the worst (as most Christians do) and try to take my child from me. Could this ever happen? I know that Wicca is legally recognized as a religion now and that I have rights to my religion. But you see all the time crazy legal proceedings about people losing their jobs and custody battles because of someone's unfounded fear, hatred and intolerance of earth-faith people. Should I keep hiding this from her?

Answer 1

You are correct about how the legal system can sometimes seem like a trip into nightmare city, but - hypothetically - if ehe would try to make a case against you to gain custody of the child, she would have to prove beyond reason that you are harming the child through some form of abuse. Again, speaking in hypothetical terms, you would have had the child seized from you and children's services - or a department of that type - pressing charges against you for custody steps to occur.

If you fear that someone doesn't understand, then you should discuss with your husband this situation and proceed as one. There can't be a disconnect when family is involved.

Answer 2

Be very careful !! Anytime you run across something people don't understand you know they start to fear it and that's when all the trouble starts. It becomes even worse with grandparents and their grand babies. My mother in law was the best until her son and I had a rough path in our marriage. The next thing I know this pastors wife was in my face with words like UNFIT, CUSTODY, and even HELL. You are right to keep quiet for now because you never know what a judge, lawyer,or even your mother in law may be thinking about Witchcraft and you could end up in the battle of your life. Don't let people make you think that it couldn't happen because anything is possible, go with how you feel in your heart and let it be your guide.

Answer 3

Mariposa, if you live in Utah, Nevada, or Arizona I would suggest you leave before you ever come out. Just because you would be running the chance of a Mormon judge ruling against you...

No, seriously though, the chances of your Mother in Law taking your child are slim to none unless you are a proven drug addict, child beater, sex offender, etc. etc. Custody is decided by the best interest of the child (religion is not a criteria). Other factors include relationships with other family members including in-laws, home life stability, childhood friends, day care, daily routine, etc. The court will do it's very best to preserve the stability of your child's life, and a ruling against you in this case seems almost impossible.

With that, your Mother in Law may also be considered pagan by other Christians! Her religion has a very similar history to your own, in that members were persecuted, ran out of their homes and even states, and are still not very popular (unless you live in a high density Mormon area). I am not telling you to argue with your mother in law- which I would do since I believe Mormonism is a comic book religion- but she should be taught tolerance by her church. You need to be yourself. Embrace your religion and your god(s)... don't let anyone take that from you, or diminish your ability to be yourself around YOUR child.

Answer 4

She can't legally do squat but like you said, it doesn't mean she wouldn't try.

Be prepared for the day that your daughter is old enough to accidently tell Grandma that Mommy is bewitched (pun intended) because that day WILL come.

It would probably be best to tell her yourself with both your daughter and your husband present. Have your husband state that he loves and supports you and that you are a wonderful wife and mother.

If, God forbid, something happens to your husband, NEVER let your mother-in-law be alone with your child. Religious people believe they can do anything they want if they can use their faith to justify their actions to themselves.

Answer 5

wicca can not be used to take a child from her parents. as far as telling the in laws. that has to be your call. if you arent ashamed of your faith then i would say be open about it. i am a mormon and i have been studying witchcraft on the internet cause it fascinates me. i would love to learn more but i dont know where to start. you can e-mail me if you would like. i would love to learn and see what your faith is about. keep doing a good job of being a mom and dont worry so much.

Answer 6

If your husbabnd supports you, there is nothing anyone can do.

A grandmother cannot get custody of a child away from 2 fit pareants. And religion does not render a parent "unfit."

If it really is distressing you - move far away. At least 2-1/2 hours away.

Answer 7

There are some things that I have never trusted in my life. Even though zealots start with a Z, they are at the top of the list. Below them are the fanatics. It seems they are closely related. Trust neither.

For your peace of mind, keep your religion to yourself. It is none of her business and let's leave at that. What she does't know won't hurt you. Good luck

Answer 8

Your religion is your choice. The only way your mother-in-law can begin proceedings to take your child is if it is proven that you have or intend to do something through your religion to harm the child.

Answer 9

The only way a child can be taken from the parents is if there is proof the parents are unfit.

It really isn't anyones business what your religious proclivites are. Why would you even want to tell her - or anyone else. Everyone should keep their beliefs to themselves. Nobody wants to hear it anyway.

Answer 10

Grandparents have NO rights! That's it. Period. End of story. My ex-mother-in-law threatened the same and she didn't have a leg to stand on. If you're doing something weird she can call CPS though and they can investigate you. But, SHE would not get your kid. It doesn't work like that. Call a lawyer and get a free consult if you're worried or go to NOLO.com and look up the legal stuff yourself.