If you have children and want to get a divorce in Florida you will be required to go to class. There were over 75,000 divorces in Florida last year. Many of them involved minor children. To reduce the emotional stress and problems caused by divorcing parents the state of Florida requires that all parents of minor children take a parenting course approved by the Department of Children and Families. The official course title is the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course but the courses go by many different names. Many people refer to it as the divorce class or parenting course.
Divorce classes in Florida are a minimum of four hours of classroom time that can be taken in a live classroom, online or as a correspondence class through the mail. Some providers also offer the classes in Spanish. The online and correspondence courses are designed to make it easier for out of state parents to complete the requirement but can be taken by residents of Florida as well. Children are not allowed at the classes so if may be easier to take the course online if you don’t have a babysitter or can’t afford one.
The state of Florida requires that the Department of Children and Families(DCF) approve the courses and provide circuit courts in every county with a list of the approved courses. Each circuit court clerks office must then provide parents with the approved course list. The entire list of DCF approved courses is available online at www.myfloridafamilies.com . The list includes contact and registration information for each course. Once you find a local course that is available it is a good idea to confirm that it is still an approved course by calling or visiting your local circuit court clerks office. Note that the online courses are listed at the end of the DCF list. It should also be noted that a few Florida counties do not allow an online course and require that parents take the course in a live classroom. Again, confirm that the course you have chosen is approved by your local circuit court clerk so you don’t waste your time and money taking an unapproved course.
The cost of parenting courses typically range from $25 to $50. Some course providers offer the class at a reduced cost for low income parents for as little as $5 if you qualify. No matter what course you take be sure to get a certificate of completion from the provider. The certificate must be filed with the clerk of your circuit court along with the rest of your divorce paperwork. Keep a copy for your records just in case.
An approved parenting course is designed to educate and train parents on the affects of divorce on their children. At a minimum the course will teach parents about the issues of child custody, time sharing and child support. The divorce laws in Florida require the course to include:
* Legal aspects of deciding child related issues between parents
* Emotional affects of divorce on parent and children
* Family relationships and dynamics
* Financial responsibilities of parents for children
* Spousal and child abuse issues
* Parenting and relationship education
The courses are not designed to provide mental health therapy or specific legal advice to parents. The providers are encouraged to provide a list of local agencies for assistance with abuse and mental health therapy.
Florida divorce laws require that the parenting course be taken early in the divorce process so the parents can deal with the issues of divorce in Florida as early as possible. The parent that files for divorce in Florida must take the course within 45 days of filing the initial divorce petition. The other parent must take the divorce course within 45 days after the divorce petition is officially received or served on them. The same 45 day time requirements are imposed on unmarried parents of a paternity action. Any parent that fails to provide proof of completing the parenting course can be held in contempt of court and denied visitation rights or other sanctions by the court.
If you are getting a divorce in Florida you are going to have to go to class and get proof of completion of an approved parenting course. You have several options to complete this requirement and should get the course completed as early as possible for legal reasons as well as the welfare of your children.
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