Minnesota Statutes require all divorcing couples with children attend an educational course. Some counties, like Hennepin County require that the children of divorcing couples attend an educational course as well. The purpose of the educational courses is to address children’s feelings when their parents are divorcing or separating.
The courses are mandatory and a court may refuse to finalize a divorce until the parties have attended and provided proof of attendance of these courses.
In Hennepin County, if the parents have reached an agreement on custody and parenting time only one course is required. You may pick one of the following education courses to satisfy your requirements:
1. Hennepin County District Court Education Video This class is 1.5 hours, and it’s held at the Hennepin County Government Center. There are find out more about class dates, call 612-348-6734.
2. The Storefront Group Co-Parenting Program With your participation, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll need to file this certificate with the court. This class lasts 4.5 hours. It costs about $60 per person. For more information or to register, call Storefront/Youth Action at 612-861-1675.
3. Chrysalis’ Shared Parenting With your participation, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. You’ll need to file this certificate with the court. This class lasts 4 hours. It costs $55 per person. For more information or to register, call Chrysalis at 612-870-2479.
If you have not reached an agreement on custody and parenting time three classes are required.
1. Hennepin County District Court Education Video with Mediation There is no fee for this class. For more class locations/dates or for more information, call 612-348-6734.
2. The LEAD Program LEAD stands for “Legal and Economic Aspects of Divorce. For more information or to register, call Storefront/Youth Action at 612-861-1675.
3. The third class is either (1) The Storefront Group Co-Parenting Program For more information or to register, call Storefront/Youth Action at 612-861-1675. OR (2) Chrysalis’ Shared Parenting. For more information or to register, call Chrysalis 612-870-2479.
If you are divorcing in a county that requires your children attend education courses the following courses satisfy your requirements:
1. The Storefront Group Co-Kids Program Call 612-861-1675 for program content and registration materials.
2. Chrysalis’ Sandcastles Program Call 612-870-2479 for program content and registration materials.
Since education requirements vary from county to county, you may want to consult with one of the family law attorneys at Germscheid, Heimerl & Lammers to determine which classes will meet the requirements set forth by your particular county.
Tags: Child Custody, Divorce, Divorce education