Parenting Education in Minnesota Child Custody Court
Minnesota Child Custody Parenting Education
If you are a party to a Minnesota child custody case, or a divorce case involving children, Minnesota law requires that you complete a parenting education course. Specifically, Minnesota Statutes Section 518.157 requires that in any case where the parents are not in agreement on child custody and parenting time of their child or children, “the court shall order the parents of a minor child to attend or take online a minimum of eight hours in an orientation and education program.”
In short, this means that the child custody or divorce court judge will order both sides to participate in an approved parenting course before the case culminates. Minnesota offers a wide variety of options for parenting courses, many of which are described below.
What is a parenting education course?
A parenting education course is a course designed to better educate parents on the importance of co-parenting, the relationship of both parties with the child, and focusing on the child’s best interests in parenting. While most parents are already well-equipped to parent their child, these courses are specifically geared towards addressing the complicated dynamic of co-parenting during and after the parties are separated.
Why do I have to take a parenting education course?
Parenting education courses are required by Minnesota law, primarily to provide an additional support for parents engaged in the Minnesota family court process. Minnesota child custody and divorce court can be highly contentious, and it is easy for many participants to lose sight of the goal of effectively parenting (and co-parenting) their children. The Minnesota legislature promulgated this requirement in the hope of stabilizing family dynamics made more contentious through litigation, and ideally aid parents in their ability to continue to raise and rear their children.
What parenting education course options are available?
Minnesota has a wide variety of parenting education courses available. Several of those options are described and linked below, but these options are only a few of many that are available to Minnesota parents. Available courses also vary between Minnesota counties and judicial districts. The courses noted in this article are primarily available for Hennepin County and Ramsey County, but also may be available through Minnesota. A full list of the courses available in each county can be found on the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s website. Additionally, costs and availability of these courses are subject to change.
Offered by The Bridging Center
Specifically tailored towards co-parenting in high conflict custody and divorce cases
Offered via Zoom
Costs $185 per person, with a $25 discount upon completing pre and post class surveys
Offered by the University of Minnesota Extension Office
Typically the most popular option with our clients in low(er) conflict cases
Offered remotely
Costs $89 per person
Offered by Mediation North Works
Offered online
Costs $60 per person
Minnesota Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
Offered by the Bay Brooke Center
Offered online and through video-conferencing
Flexible and low cost
Costs $40 per person
If you are involved in a Minnesota child custody or divorce case, experienced family law attorney John E. Roach is here to help. Call our attorneys now at 651-468-2103 or contact us via our convenient consultation form to set up a free consultation.