Religious upbringing covers major decisions about a child's religious training, instruction, ceremonies, and participation in religious activities. It is one of the categories of major decisions subject to legal decision making authority.

When parents share different religious beliefs or practices disagreements about religious upbringing can be among the most contentious in a contested parenting case. The court is limited in how it can resolve religious disputes by constitutional principles that restrict government interference with religious practice.

The parenting plan should address religious upbringing practically which religious activities require both parents' consent, what each parent can do during their own parenting time without the other's agreement, and how conflicts about major religious commitments will be resolved. It is common for each parent to practice whatever religion they prefer while their children are on their parenting time. It is possible for the child to be raised in two separate religions.