Assignment 7.1

When Helen married John, she converted from Catholicism to his religion, Judaism. Neither Helen nor John, however, was a very religious person. To a moderate extent, their two children were raised in the Jewish faith. The couple divorced when the children were ages four and five. Because of John's job, he could not spend much time with the children. Hence he agreed that Helen receive sole physical and sole legal custody. But he asked the court to order Helen to continue raising the children in the Jewish faith.

a.Under what circumstances do you think a court can grant this request, so that, in effect, John will be granted spiritual custody of the children even though physical custody and legal custody (in all matters except religion) will be granted to Helen?

b.Suppose that Helen returns to her original religion and starts taking the children to Catholic services. What options does John have?

Assignment 7.2

Flora Smith and Harry Smith have one child, 10-year-old Mary Smith. Flora and Harry are separated. Flora wants supervised visitation of Mary by Harry Smith because he often misses child-support payments and has a girlfriend who is an alcoholic. Flora is afraid that if Harry takes Mary to his home, she will be exposed to drinking. How should the court rule?