Wife left marital home with 2 year old daughter to live with her parents.She has apparently gone back to her beliefs in the JW.I do not want my daughter to be raised in that environment.Could use some advice.

JW is a reconised and legal religion within the US. The court will not accept any issue that is based on not wanting them to be a certain religion.

You will need to file for divorce and custody of the children on grounds that you will be the better parent. Why did she leave? Get the best attorney you can afford and file for temp custody first and try to get the kids living with you. Then continue to fight for custody.

But she will get at least visitation rights and the she will always have the right to try to teach the kids her religious view points.

It would be the same if you were baptist and she was catholic, or if you were catholic and she was baptist. The religion unless you can prove they teach neglect or abuse of the child.

Hi,
My wife's ex-husband filed for child custody of his daughter, out of spite, many years ago. Her lawyer told her it was just "out of spite", because there were no good reasons he should take the child away from her mother.
You need a lawyer, would have to be a really good one, as suggested by the other answer, in order just to have a chance. The lawyer can tell you the chances. Odds are, it is going to be very, very difficult getting custody.
I do wish you the best, and hang in there.

There are many complex issues when you deal with JWs in court. In 1988 they produced a book to assist members in court custody matters. This poorly produced material allows any member to perjure themselves to win at all costs. To win in this situation you have to show the actual belief system and prove it through the use of JW publications. By building your case showing they lie you are able to then provide the actual information needed so the court cam make a decision in the interests of the child. For further information you can look at our website at ww.jwchildcustody.com:)