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If you have a child or children a “Parenting Course” is required in Florida.  See Florida Statute 61.21. This statute requires all parties in a divorce who have a minor child(ren) to complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course BEFORE the Court grants you a divorce.

a.  Why is a Parenting Course required?

1. The Florida legislature believes parental conflict related to a divorce is a “societal concern because children suffer potential harm”, and
2. Parents are more likely to consider the best interest of children in their agreements IF information about the court

process on issues affecting their children if given in Parenting Courses.

b.   What should a Parenting Course be about?

1. Parents in a separation or divorce will benefit from an educational program that provides information about:

* issues and legal procedure for resolving time sharing and child support disputes.

* emotional experiences and problems of divorcing adults.

* family problems and emotional concerns and needs of the children.

* available community services and resources.

c.    When do I need to take a Parenting Course?

Parents seeking divorce would receive maximum benefit if they attend the parenting course at the “earliest stages of the dispute”.

d.   How long is the Parenting Course?

Parenting Courses must be approved by Department of Children and Family Services.  The Course is no longer than four hours.

e.    What does the Parenting Course teach me?

1. Legal aspects deciding child related issues.
2. Emotional aspects of divorce.
3. Financial responsibility to child(ren).
4. Issues regarding spousal or child abuse and neglect.
5. Skills based relationship education generalized to parenting, work place, school, and neighborhood.

f.    Court Orders Parenting Education Course

Each Circuit Court has its own Standing Order (an Order that applies to all similar cases).  This Order will be served with the Divorce Petition, requiring you to complete a parent education course.

g.   How  long do I have to complete the Parenting Education Course?

In the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties) the court imposes a dead line for the Petitioner and Respondent to complete the parenting education course.

Petitioner must complete the parenting education course within 45 days after filing the petition.

Respondent must complete the parenting education course within 45 days after the petition is served on respondent.

h.    What can happen to you if you don’t complete the Parenting Education Course on time?

The judge may deny you the divorce until you complete the course.