I'm sure a divorce attorney will tell you that the "best interest of the child" is the standard that the judge looks for.
To win custody. a divorce attorney will probably argue how the JWs harm a child in everyday life. I repeat, every day life. School, being separated from class due to holiday celebrations, feeling different, goal of pioneering/not going to college, beleif that the world is going to end & how that effects life planning & goals, inability to attach to worldly people/teachers/friends as they are going to die soon because of their evil, wicked ways by Jehovah's hands, o sports, no cheerleading, no Honor's Society, etc. This is where you are going to need a divorce attorney who will work with ex-JWs (like ex-elders or Bethelites) to go over these viewpoints as witnesses at the trial. A good divorce attorney will want the judge to see not only how restricting the JW lifestyle is on a child, but also the mental aspects of believing that the world is going to imminently end.
Closeley related is showing how the JW parent will verbally slam the non-JW/disfellowshipped parent to the child. Courts don't like to see a parent bashing another parent. Showing, matter of fact, what "apostates" are thought of in the JW religion (mentally diseased, siding with Satan) plus any real life hatred that actually occured between the couple on this matter will be very helpful for the non-JW to win custody. The tricky line is that you can't be seen as bashing the JW parent.
On the other hand, many courts will allow a parent to teach the child their religion. Since the JWs are not evil witches who are going to perform sacriments directly on the child, it will likely be a hard battle to get a complete restraining order on the mother from ever taking her children to the Kingdom Hall.
The blood issue is an issue, but it's not imminent. The judge could say that all medical decisions have to be made by the non-JW parent. This may be something that you and your divorce attorney insist on right up front. But, the judge could also rule/reason that the blood issue is not presenting itself at the moment, when it does the doctors/child protection will step in to save the child if that event should ever occur. This is where it might be helpful, again, to have ex-elders or an ex-Bethelite as an expert witness to show how JWs will forego needed operations or hide children if the blood transfusion is an issue.
I have heard of one ex-elder who charges thousands for an appearance. I can't remember his name. But, supposedly, when he shows up, even a JW attorney representing a divorcing parent will concede. I can't verify this, as it's all hearsay.
There are some divorce attorneys who will go into the divorce asking for unreasonable amounts or demands. Does this make them look silly or the client look like control freaks/gold diggers? Perhaps. Other attorneys will reasonably ask for everything they think they can and should win, plus a few more. Do you have a feel for what your attorney's temperment is? Judges HATE to hear religion arguments, especially anti-religion arguments. But if the attorney words it correctly to make it sound like a secular decision . . . then the judge will be more at ease.
A JW divorce is not standard work. You married a JW, and now comes the messy part of trying to unravel this mess. It may cost you a small fortune. The WTS attorneys work, many times, for free for the JW in need. They can slam your poor attorney.
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