Divorcing parents and
separating couples with children involved in a Paternity Action are
required to take the Parental Education and Family Stabilization
Course, commonly referred to as the Parenting Course. In 1999 the
Florida Legislature enacted new laws that made the course mandatory
throughout Florida and set guidelines for the course. Over the years,
the rules and guidelines have changed slightly, and the requirement
has become more and more vigorously enforced.
Parties have always been
encouraged to take the course as early in their court process as
possible as the course includes information about how parents can
help their children deal with the stress of divorce and separation.
Now, some circuits will not schedule a court hearing regarding the
divorce or paternity until both parties have fulfilled the course
requirement.
A Notice for Florida's
Seventh Circuit states:
“Pursuant to
Administrative Order FM-2013-016-SC mandatory attendance at a parent
education and family stabilization course is established as a policy
in the Seventh Judicial Circuit for all parties in dissolution of
marriage proceedings with minor children, paternity actions, family
law cases involving issues of shared parental responsibilities or
timesharing of minor children unless parties have previously
completed a parenting education course and have filed a Certificate
of Completion.
It is the responsibility
of the Petitioner to provide the Respondent with a copy of these
instructions and the list of providers. For dissolutions and family
law cases involving issues of shared parental responsibilities, or
timesharing of minor children, the petitioner shall complete the
chosen program within forty-five (45) days after filing the petition.
The respondent shall complete the chosen program within forty-five
(45) days after service of the petition.
For paternity actions,
the petitioner shall complete the chosen program within forty-five
(45) days after filing the petition. The respondent shall complete
the chosen program within forty-five (45) days after an
acknowledgment of paternity by that party, an adjudication of
paternity as to that party, or an order granting visitation to or
support from that party. Each party who successfully completes the
program shall file a Certificate of Completion with the Clerk of the
Court, who shall file said Certificate in the appropriate case file.”
Each circuit may have
slightly different rules and timelines. But, in general the courses
and requirements are uniform throughout Florida's counties and
circuits. The general course content is set by the Department of
Children and Families, and each course must be approved by them. The
person taking the course must spend at least four hours on the
course, whether in a classroom or online. And each person must pass
the course with a test score of at least 70%. Prices vary from course
provider to course provider, averaging around $39.00, and there is
almost always a discounted price for indigent/ low income people.
The information in the
course is valuable for divorcing and separating parents. Navigating
life after a break up is never easy, and preparing yourself for life
after a break up is the best thing you can do for your children.
Remember marriages and relationships end … but families don't.
