Does The Court Require Divorced Couples In Palm Beach County To Take Parenting Classes?

In general, the more property a married couple owns, the more complex their divorce will be.  Most uncontested divorces involve couples who were married only a short time and do not own real estate property together.  Even though the complexity of divorce cases tends to be directly proportional to the parties’ net worth, the factor that most strongly predicts a contentious divorce is not money but children.  Divorce cases where the couple has at least one minor child are much more likely to go to trial than cases where the parties do not have children together or where their children have already reached adulthood.  The court must issue a court-ordered parenting plan upon finalizing the divorce between the parents of a minor child.  Most families can finalize their parenting plans in mediation, but in cases that go to trial, the court sets the parenting plan based on what it perceives as the children’s best interests.  Unlike with property issues, it is not possible to create a legally binding prenuptial agreement about children and parenting.  A Boca Raton child custody lawyer can help you draft a parenting plan and maintain a strong relationship with your children after divorce.

What Is a Parenting Class, and How Do You Take One?

Like most states, Florida requires parents in the process of divorce to take a parenting class.  In Florida, the required parenting classes are four hours long and can be completed asynchronously online.  In other words, the course is a series of video presentations and interactive online activities, as opposed to a Zoom meeting.  Miami-Dade County also requires children between the ages of six and 17 to attend a three-and-a-half-hour class on family relationships after divorce.

You must complete the parenting class within 45 days of filing your divorce petition.  Upon completing the course, download or print the completion certificate and present it to the court.  The court can refuse to finalize your divorce until you complete the parenting class.

Preventing Co-Parenting Conflict After Divorce

Just as the six-hour class you take before getting a driver’s license does not prevent all car accidents, the four-hour class you take when you get divorced does not prevent all conflict with your ex-spouse.  The best protection against co-parenting conflict is an airtight parenting plan, preferably one that arises from an agreement in mediation instead of a judge’s decision.  Working out all the parenting plan details with your spouse during your divorce case is hard work, but it is worthwhile because it is the most effective way to avoid having to go back to court.  Your lawyer can help you face the uncomfortable truths you must face and communicate with your spouse about them, so that both parents can have a good relationship with the children.

Contact Schwartz | White About Co-Parenting During and After Divorce

A South Florida family law attorney can help you resolve conflicts with your ex-spouse over co-parenting before they escalate into litigation.  Contact Schwartz | White in Boca Raton, Florida about your case.

Sources:

divorce-education.com/fl/palm-beach/

jud11.flcourts.org/Frequently-Asked-Questions-for-Divorce-Education-Programs-for-Parents-and-Children

yahoo.com/lifestyle/divorce-parenting-class-required-131954069.html