Every parent intending to file for a divorce in Florida must have heard about the mandatory four-hour parenting education course. This is a requirement for divorcing couples with children, and it must be done before a court can allow a divorce to be finalized.
No matter how you look at it, whether it is a bother or an incursion, it is a reality of the Florida divorce process that you must meet. However, why does Florida make divorcing parents this mandatory parenting class?
In this article, we will explore what this mandatory parenting course is and why parents must take it in Florida. Let’s begin.
Why is the Parenting Class Mandatory in Florida?
Children are usually major recipients of the painful effects of divorce, which can include unintentional emotional, educational, and financial outcomes. The Florida Law aims to help parents make better parenting choices during divorce. The program is aimed at offering guidance and support to parents on important issues that might result in problems for children.
When the children are under 18, parents must undergo a “Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.” Both parents must provide proof of completion of this four-hour course if they want the court to finalize the divorce. Moreover, parents have the option of taking the course online. Courses are also available in the state of Florida for families with children with Special Needs and Emotional Concerns.
What is the aim of the Parent Education Class in Florida?
The protection of the best interest of children is a major concern in family court proceedings. Usually, when parents are in conflict due to paternity actions or divorce, it can negatively affect the child’s emotional health, now and in the future. So, to stop this from happening, the court seeks to ensure parents are aware of their children’s needs, potential issues, and the roles they can play to prevent these issues. Section 61.21 of the Florida Statutes states that a parent education class is ordered before a judge can approve final orders regarding parenting plans or child time-sharing arrangements in a divorce proceeding child-sharing. Some of the aims of these classes include:
- To ensure parents are aware of common problems that may arise during these cases, such as the psychological and mental impact of the divorce on the children and the parents. Parents are also taught to know the signs of anxiety and stress in their children.
- Additionally, they are further provided with techniques to help reduce these effects. This knowledge is important as it helps parents to create a nurturing environment for their children’s well-being.
- Make sure they know the legal procedures for resolving disputes.
- Highlight the emotional and physical needs of children in divorce situations.
- Offer encouragement to seek support via local community resources.
- General child welfare, neglect, and child abuse
- Relationship and family goals and challenges
- Childcare responsibilities and work-life balance and parenting. This way, both parents will learn more about how their actions can impact their children and take action to develop co-parenting practices.
- Financial problems of parenting. The course offers guidance on constructively managing these discussions, such as financial planning, child support, and budgeting to meet the needs of the children without conflict.
The court usually recommends Parent education classes very early in disputed cases. It is usually done prior to lengthy litigation or before the parents become adversaries. In the most favorable outcome, these classes help parents set aside their personal problems while focusing on their children’s welfare.
Who Governs the Programs?
The Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is governed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF has a list of approved and qualified providers who can certify individuals’ attendance required to complete the course. Moreover, providers are trained to limit what can be discussed during the training and are forbidden from soliciting divorcing parents to become private clients.
The courses are quite affordable, and it is best to note that providers do not offer legal, psychological, or medical advice. If you are looking for legal representation and advice in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Stuart, Florida, lawyers at Affordable Divorce Center offer professional and low-cost representation to solve family law issues.
Do Statements Made During the Course Affect Me?
Usually, no. However, you should address some questions with your attorney before you attend a course. Moreover, the Florida Family Law in 61.21 (8) states that “Information obtained or statements made by the parties at any educational session required under this statute shall not be considered in the adjudication of a pending or subsequent action, nor shall any report resulting from such educational session become part of the record of the case unless the parties have stipulated in writing to the contrary.”
The Duration for Taking the Course
In Florida Statutes 61.21 (5), “the petitioner must complete the course within 45 days after the filing of the petition, and all other parties must complete the course within 45 days after service of the petition.” Parents can be held in contempt of the court if they fail to complete the mandatory course.
Moreover, failing to complete or attend the course after a divorce can delay the divorce case since the court won’t be able to issue the final divorce decree before both parents finish the course. However, some circumstances may warrant a parent to be excused from attending the parenting course. Participating and completing the parenting course are the criteria to get a final judgment.
So, if you have questions about the parenting course or any other part of the divorce process that can affect your custody right, then speak with a knowledgeable attorney such as those from the Affordable Divorce Center in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Stuart, Florida.
Conclusion
Divorce proceedings can have impacts on children and parents. Therefore, it is necessary to take the mandatory parenting class. To ensure you get trusted legal representation and compliance with the parenting course throughout your legal proceedings in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Stuart, Florida, visit the Affordable Divorce Center.
