Florida Parenting Class Frequently Asked Questions

Parenting Class Frequently Asked Questions

Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course

Parenting class frequently asked Questions related to the 4 hour online Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization course for divorcing parents with minor children. If you don't find the answer to your question below, please use the Contact Us page and I will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Is a parenting class required for divorce in Florida?
Yes, a parenting class is required per Florida Statutes for divorcing parents with minor children. Parental conflict related to divorce is a societal concern because children suffer potential short-term and long-term detrimental economic, emotional, and educational effects during this difficult period of family transition. Parents are more likely to consider the best interests of their children when determining parental arrangements if courts provide families with information regarding the process by which courts make decisions on issues affecting their children and suggestions as to how parents may ease the coming adjustments in family structure for their children.
How long is the Florida parenting class?
The Florida Kids Matter Florida parenting class is 4 hours long, which is the minimum requirement set forth by The State of Florida. Divorcing parents with minor children must complete a Department of Children and Families (DCF) approved Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course which must be a minimum of 4 hours. This course meets that requirement.
Do I have to complete the parenting course in one sitting?
No, our parenting course allows you to complete it at your own pace. You will save your progress at the end of each chapter. Keep in mind, in the State of Florida, the petitioner has just 45 days from the date of filing to complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. The Respondent must complete the course within 45 days from the date they are served.
Can you fail the Florida parenting class?
No, our Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is a no-fail course. At the end of each chapter is a 10 question review and then a final exam after all chapters have been completed. You are able to re-take the test as many times as necessary with No Penalty until you pass with a score of 70% or higher. Our goal is to educate you, not penalize you.
How will I receive my certificate of completion?
Upon completion, our system will immediately generate your PDF certificate for downloading or printing. Our unique course completion certificates are encoded with a QR code, providing the preferred Instant Validation method for your Certificate via any smart phone. This saves your attorney, as well as the courts, time. In the event that you misplace your certificate, you may return to the website and download additional copies at no extra charge.
What is divorce parenting class?
Divorce parenting class is a name often associated with the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. The purpose of this course is to educate parents concerning changes that may occur in the family, particularly for children. The course will provide suggestions for coping with these changes and give you tips on how to coparent effectively for the well-being of all children involved in a divorce.
How long do I have to submit my certificate of completion to the court?
For dissolution of marriage actions: The petitioner must complete the course within 45 days after the filing of the petition. All other parties must complete the course within 45 days after service of the petition.
What could happen if one parent doesn't take the parenting class?
The court may hold any parent who fails to attend a required parenting course in contempt, or that parent may be denied shared parental responsibility or time-sharing or otherwise sanctioned as the court deems appropriate.
Is a Florida parenting class required for all divorcing parents with minor children?
Yes, in Florida, divorcing parents with minor children are required by law to complete a parenting course. The class is designed to help parents understand how divorce and separation may impact their children, both emotionally and mentally. The course provides strategies for minimizing conflict and fostering a healthier co-parenting environment, which is critical during the transition period.
What is the purpose of the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course aims to educate parents about the effects of divorce on children and the importance of co-parenting. It helps parents develop skills to reduce emotional distress in children during the family's transition. The course covers topics such as legal responsibilities, communication strategies, and the impact of family structure changes on children's behavior and mental health.
How long do I have to complete the Florida parenting course?
In most cases, the parent who initiates the divorce (the petitioner) must complete the course within 45 days of filing the divorce petition. The respondent, or the other parent, must also complete the course within 45 days after being served with divorce papers. It's important to meet these deadlines, as failure to complete the course on time may result in delays or penalties during the divorce proceedings.
Can I take the Florida parenting class online, and is it accepted by the courts?
Yes, our Florida Parenting Class can be completed online. Online courses offer the convenience of completing the class at your own pace and from your home. As a Department of Children and Families (DCF) approved provider, our certificate of completion will be accepted by Florida courts. Please be sure to read your paperwork from the court to ensure that you are not required to take an in-person class. If you are unsure, please contact the clerk of the court by selecting your county from the Resources drop down menu at the top of the page.
How much does the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course cost?
The cost of our Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is $19.95 and includes everything you need to obtain your certificate of completion in as little as 4 hours. Please be aware that some providers charge for additional services such as audio, certificate processing and support, which can increase your cost. It's advisable to compare different providers, and always ensure the course is DCF-approved to avoid complications with your court submission.
What will I learn during the Florida parenting course?
During the Florida parenting course, you will learn about the impact of divorce on children and ways to minimize that impact. Topics include communication strategies, understanding children's emotional responses, managing stress, and maintaining healthy parent-child relationships post-divorce. The course also provides guidelines for co-parenting and helps parents understand the legal and emotional processes involved in divorce or separation.
Do both parents have to take the Florida parenting course separately?
Yes, each parent must complete the Florida parenting course individually. Both parents can complete the same course, just separately. The goal of the course is to educate both parents on their responsibilities and the best practices for supporting their children during and after the divorce. Although both parents take the course separately, the lessons are aimed at fostering cooperative co-parenting strategies that benefit the children. The advantage of both parents completing the same course is that you will have access to the same information to collaborate effectively.
Is the Florida parenting class the same for all counties?
Yes, the core requirements of the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course are the same across all counties because it is regulated by state law; However, the course content may vary by provider. Always ensure that your chosen course is approved by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), regardless of the county in which you reside.
How is the Florida parenting class different from a regular parenting class?
The Florida parenting class, officially known as the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, is specifically designed to address the emotional and psychological impact of divorce or separation on children. Unlike a general parenting course, which may cover broad parenting skills, this course focuses on helping parents navigate the legal and emotional complexities of co-parenting after divorce.
Can the Florida parenting class be completed in multiple sessions?
Absolutely, the Florida parenting class can be completed in multiple sessions. Our online class provides flexibility, allowing parents to go through the course at their own pace, fitting it into their schedule as needed. The course saves your progress after each chapter, so you can log out and resume where you left off without losing any work, making it convenient for busy parents.
Will the Florida parenting class help with co-parenting skills?
Yes! One of the primary objectives of the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is to equip parents with co-parenting skills. The course emphasizes effective communication, conflict resolution, and the development of strategies to reduce stress for both parents and children during family transitions. By learning these co-parenting skills, parents can work together in the best interest of their children, even after separation or divorce.
Can I use the Florida parenting class certificate for custody or time-sharing cases?
Yes, the Florida parenting class certificate can be used in various family law cases, including custody and time-sharing matters. In many cases, the court will require parents to submit proof of completion before finalizing any decisions related to custody, visitation, or shared parental responsibilities. The course is designed to ensure parents understand their legal and emotional responsibilities toward their children, which is crucial in custody-related decisions.
How is the Florida parenting class structured?
The Florida parenting class is divided into 8 chapters, each covering different aspects of parenting during and after divorce. These include lessons on communication, understanding children's emotional needs, legal responsibilities, managing stress, and creating a stable environment for children. At the end of each chapter, there is a short quiz to reinforce the material covered, and the course concludes with a final quiz to ensure comprehension. Keep in mind, this is a no fail course.
What happens after I complete the Florida parenting class?
Upon completing the Florida parenting class, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit to the court as part of your divorce documentation. This certificate confirms that you've fulfilled the state's requirement for the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.
Can the Florida parenting class help reduce stress for children during divorce?
Yes, the Florida parenting class is designed to help parents understand how divorce can affect children and offers strategies to reduce stress during this difficult time. The course covers techniques for effective communication with children, managing family conflict, and promoting a sense of security despite changes in the family structure.
Do you have additional questions or concerns?
If you still have questions about the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, we are here to help you. Please click here to contact us and submit any questions or concerns you may have.
Time Frame

In the State of Florida, the petitioner has just 45 days from the date of filing to complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.

The Respondent must complete the class within 45 days from the date they are served.