As some of you may remember I have been embroiled in a divorce for the past year and a half. I had helped my wife to see the reality of the JWs. But she ran back to it and that complicated things. Then SHE filed a groundless divorce, groundless by New york State and WT rules. The info received from some of you was instrumental in setting me in the right direction on how to argue the case. Today, while the paperwork needs to be finalized by the judge I have a legally binding settlement. I have joint custody of my daughter with minimal child support considering what most men have to deal with. Additionally the settlement is big to an ex-JW for two reasons.
One, we successfully inserted iron clad language that gives me sole jurisdiction on blood related matters. All other medical matters are jointly decided. This is backed by the findings of a court appointed forensic psychologist.
Second I was able to get language stipulating that my daughter is NOT to be inducted as a "publisher" or "baptized" without the consent of BOTH parents while still a minor. I believe its VERY important for non-JWs in custody battles to secure wording that prohibits "publishing" by the minor children. This is important because it is publishers that are counted as JWs. Baptism is but a clever formality in this religion. Further a minor publisher can still be ostracized if they become involved in "wrongdoing".
Anyway my journey continues.
Isaac Carmignani