What Laws Protect Me from a Church

My question involves civil rights in the State of: California


I left my church because they had cult like tendencies...needless to say they were not happy and have been trying to force me back. My husband returned because his father is the pastor there. I refuse and I am attending a christian church where i can take my boy. They are brain washing my husband saying I have demons ect... and that they are the" only church."

Now you see what I am dealing with. We have had terrible fights....I don't know if we will end in divorce. It is very sad because we have been married 30 years.. and his family has always been in our business. My question is there any laws protecting me from them. They have to talk to their son but they are turning him against me. He joined me last sunday at the new church and they told him that church was a fake and they are the only church period. They were not happy with him. They thought he was betraying their church.
My husband told me go back to his dad's church but I stand firm and said no. I have been in bondage for years. What laws protect me?
I don't know how or if I can reach my husband he has a severe co-dependecy on his parents and this cult like church.
thanks for your help

You have the right to go to the church or your choice, or to go to no church at all. You have the right to stay married, or seek a divorce. You have the right to disagree with your husband, whether you stay with him or not.

Thank you. It would be very sad to be divorced over something like what church your going. Because people have bigger problems then that. I feel harassed that is why I am thinking of having a formal letter sent to the church requesting my membership removed. Im sure my husband will not like it but like you said I have a right to disagree.
They will disown me that is what I am praying for keep your fingers crossed.

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I feel harassed that is why I am thinking of having a formal letter sent to the church requesting my membership removed.

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If you want them to leave you alone, this is a good idea. Then, if they harass you, you'll have documentation that you've told them to leave you alone and you can take action (file for a restraining order).

Much luck to you.

Thank you they just landed on my door step about an hour ago. Of course my husband let them in.
I stayed in my room doing my homework I did not speak to them. They are trying to bait me.
I just want to send a notarized letter and leave me alone...but my husband keeps letting them in.
I told him this is the only place me and my children have to live can't you meet them at there place or another place.
Thank you I'm just so tired of this. I've been good faithful wife, good mother, I don't know why this is happening to me.

What do you think that sending a notarized letter will do? It's the notarized part I'm thinking about - sending a letter formally withdrawing your membership is a good idea. But having it notarized does nothing except confirm that you are the person who signed it; it does not make the request legally enforceable, if that was your thought. I was a notary for six years and a lot of people do not really understand what having something notarized means or does; all we do as a notary is verify that the person who is signing the letter is the person they claim to be. Our seal or stamp does not create a legal obligation on the recipient of the letter and it does not make the requests in the letter legally binding.

What I would suggest is that you send a letter withdrawing your membership and send it certified mail, return receipt requested. THEN you have proof that they received it. If they fail to honor the request and keep annoying you, have a lawyer send them a cease and desist letter. That will do more good IMO. A notary stamp won't hurt anything, but it won't accomplish anything either.

OK, enough bashing of the Catholics .... there is little you can do when your husband lets them in the house.

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What laws protect me?

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I'm sorry for the challenges you and your son are facing. You may be able to find counselors who might be able to help you cope better with your husband, or who might help you decide whether you want to remain married to him.

As for your actual question, basic criminal laws protect you. For example, if your husband pushes you or angrily grabs you, that is a crime called 'battery', even if he does not leave any bruises. You can call the police, but be ready for the police to take him away.

If he does get physically abusive with you, you might want to consider that that may mean you no longer have a viable marriage. You calling the police on him might effectively mean the end of your relationship.

If you were married in California, and got a divorce, you would likely get about half the marital assets, and possibly alimony for the rest of your life.

Thank you....no he's never hit me. But he does things emotional to control me. Like he says he won't go to work ...or go to job interview. (He is not working right now) to spite me. So he trys to control me very much like his parents control him. It doesn't work and thats makes him even more upset. Today I went to notarize my letter to the church.
I hope it works.

I hope you sent it certified, since notarizing it will have no effect whatsoever. Sending it certified will not require them to act, but at least you will be able to prove they received it. Notarizing it accomplishes nothing.

Yes I sent it certified So I will have proof they recieved it. It's terrible a would have to go to those extreme for a church but I did it and hope it works. Thanks for your help

Update. They left me alone for about 10 days my husband will tell them to stop coming to his house. I understand they are his parents. But he can visit them and does anytime. This is the only safe place. Yes they really are that pushy.
What do you do when you don't have any support from your spouse. He is feeding me to the sharks. I have pleaded with him and nothing. I dont have no where to go except a shelter.
thanks for you imput.

if your relationship is not what you want it to be and you find no means to alter the course, it sounds like it's time for your paths to continue on their divergent paths with each going their own way.

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What do you do when you don't have any support from your spouse.

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You drop him like a hot rock and move on.

If you're not working, it's time to go find a job so you can support yourself. Sock the money away in a separate bank account. Then divorce him and pursue spousal support, custody of your child, and child support.

It will be difficult and emotional at first, but it will get better, and I expect that you'll come to enjoy having the freedom to make your own decisions, without feeling ground down.