Class Is In Session: Parenting Education Requirements In Minnesota Divorces

If parents disagree on custody or parenting time, Minnesota law requires that the parents attend a parenting education class. If you are divorcing and you and your spouse cannot agree on these issues, you should schedule and participate in such a class as soon as possible.

As of August 1, 2021, unless otherwise ordered by the court, each parent must begin the parenting education course within 30 days of the first filing in the case and prior to an Initial Case Management Conference (“ICMC”), if one is scheduled. It is important to note that the program MUST BE CERTIFIED by the Court. Each of the ten judicial districts in the state has a list of certified classes on its district court website. One popular online program that is (as of the date of this blog post) certified in every district in the state is the “Parents Forever” course offered by the University of Minnesota.

Parenting-education classes are useful and informative and you should take them with a focus on successful coparenting and eye toward the best interests of your children.

If you have questions about parenting-education requirements, or any family law issue, call Kruse Family Law PLLC at 512.231.9865, or email corwin@krusefamilylaw.com.