Chicago Illinois – Man (Joseph Reyes) Embroiled in Custody Battle Defies Court Order to Bring Daughter to Church :: Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Joseph Reyes of Chicago Illinois was raised Catholic, but converted to Judaism when he married his wife, Rebecca, who is Jewish. The couple is now involved in a bitter divorce battle, which includes questions about which religion their daughter will be raised in. The family law judge assigned to the case, Edward R. Jordan, had barred Reyes from taking his three year old daughter to church.

Reyes defied the order and was brought back to court on charges of indirect criminal contempt. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If found guilty, he could face six months in jail. Reyes asked to have his contempt charges heard by a different judge, and Judge Elizabeth Loredo-Rivera presided over his arraignment.

The girl has been in the custody of her mother since the marriage ended, and has been raised in the Jewish faith. The court order barring Reyes from taking his daughter to church was precipitated when he had her baptized without his wife’s permission. When Ms. Reyes found out about it, she asked the judge for a temporary restraining order. Judge Jordan then imposed a thirty day restriction against Reyes exposing his daughter to any religion other than Judaism.

When Mr. Reyes brought his daughter to church after the restraining order was handed down, he called the media. He was later featured talking about the order on Good Morning America. Ms. Reyes’ attorney has charged that Reyes is not particularly religious, and implied that Reyes is grandstanding. Read more about the case at Dad Pleads Not Guilty on Violating Court Order For Taking Daughter to Church.

If you are involved in a custody battle, please contact our Jacksonville, Florida law firm for legal counsel.

Posted by Keith L. Maynard and Michael A. Atter | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Criminal Law