In Florida, around 13% of couples get divorced; which is the eighth-highest percentage in the nation.
It can be really challenging to navigate a divorce; there’s a lot of paperwork and things to sort out before you can start living your separate lives. If you and your ex-spouse have children together, the process gets a little more complicated.
The state of Florida requires all parents to take a parenting course before they can legally get divorced. There are a few things you need to know about the course before you start. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the class.
Goals of the Course
Divorce is hard on everyone, especially children. It can be hard for them to understand what’s going on and they typically have a hard time coping and grieving. The parenting class aims to teach parents how to co-parent and support their children.
Children can ask some hard questions, but they aren’t always old enough to know the answers. The class will teach the best ways to explain divorce and answer their questions.
If you’ve always raised your children with your spouse, the class can give you some resources so that single-parenting doesn’t seem so daunting.
Prices
The cost of the course is $19.95. Each parent must complete the course before the divorce will be finalized by the judge. Even if the divorce is civil and the parents agree, they must take the course.
Class Length
The class is four hours long and it can be taken in-person or online. The earlier you take the class, the better. If you’re the one filing, you have 45 days from the day to file to complete the course. If your spouse files for divorce, you have 45 days from the time you receive the divorce petition.
Online vs In-Person
There is an online option that can be really helpful for newly single parents. Finding someone to watch your children can be difficult. However, you and your spouse don’t have to take the class at the in-person time, so if you wanted to go to a site you could take turns watching the children.
In-person classes will be a one-time class. It’ll be four hours and you’ll be down with it. If you want to take it online, you don’t have a timeline besides 45 days.
You can break it up into hour or 30-minute intervals if you don’t have four hours to sit and do it. The course is available 24 hours a day so you can log on at any time. You may also have access to chat and talk live with some if you have questions about the course.
Before you pay for the course, be sure it is approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families. If it’s not, you’ll be required to take a different one.
Once you’ve completed the parenting class, you’ll receive a certificate. You’ll need to keep it and show it to the judge for proof of completion.
Topics
The DCF parenting course covers many topics, all of which are good to know and will help you comfort and teach your children. You’ll learn about some of the legal concepts that come with divorce.
This will teach you about what rights you, your ex-spouse, and your child have. It will also cover child support, custody agreements, and visitation.
It will also cover abuse including spousal violence and child abuse. Communication skills will be talked about as well as tips to give your child. You may have great communication skills, but you may also need to teach them to your child or children.
Divorce is a big transition, emotionally, physically, and socially. The course for parents will help you navigate that transition for yourself and your child. Your child is going to process and understand divorce differently based on their age, so you’ll learn about each one of those and how you support and encourage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have a few questions about the course, which is normal. Below are a few common concerns that people have.
What Happens If I Don’t Do It?
There are serious consequences if you don’t complete the parenting course on time. You could be held in contempt and you could potentially lose visiting or sharing rights. If you want to have shared custody of your children, be sure you complete the class on time.
Can My Chile Come?
If you decide to go in person, your child/children cannot attend with you. This class is for you to learn, not them.
My Child Is 18, Do I Have to Take the Course?
No, the course is only required by the state if your child is under the age of 18. If your youngest child is 17 at the time that you file, both parents will have to take it.
Are Their Classes Available for Children?
Yes, there are a few courses provided for children. It can help them understand the situation better, but they are not mandatory by the state.
Talk to a Professional
Going through a divorce is challenging to say the least. It gets even more complicated when there are children involved.
There are many legal concepts and requirements when it comes to divorce in Florida. Talking to a professional can make the process a little easier and it will give you peace of mind knowing you aren’t forgetting anything and you’re being protected as much as possible.
Parenting Course in Florida
The parenting course in Florida is in place to help parents and children navigate the new season of life that they are in. It’s mandatory by the state and if you do it right after filing, it makes the process a little smoother.
If you’re going through a divorce, contact us here. We can help you with your paperwork and answer any questions you may have.
