Do I have to take a parenting class?

Parenting classes provide beneficial information to families in divorce turmoil AND ARE REQUIRED BY THE COURT.

The Wisconsin legislature has recognized that many Wisconsin children go through and experience the divorce of their parents each year.  Divorce can cause both short and long-term harm to a child.  Taking a parenting class is a minimal yet effective way to attempt to curb these harms.

The Wisconsin legislature found that requiring a parenting class is one beneficial way to provide parents with an educational program that can provide valuable information such as:

• Reducing parental conflict
• The Emotional Concerns and Needs of All Involved
• How to Reduce Child-Reported Stress

To achieve these goals and deliver divorcing parents with the information they need, the Helping Children Cope with Divorce Seminar was created.

What Is the Helping Children Cope with Divorce Seminar?

Based on the legislature’s recognizing that a parenting class is extremely valuable during divorce, Sections 767.401 of the Wisconsin Statutes was created. This statute requires that all divorcing parents with minor children must complete a 4-hour parenting class.  If the divorcing parties have children who have reached majority, they are not legally obligated to take the course.

The course is a minimum of 4 hours and is designed to comply with Sections 767.401.  The goal of the course is to educate, train and help divorcing parents understand the impact on the children.

Parenting Classes Accepted in Wisconsin Courts

Until recently, Helping Children Cope with Divorce Seminar was the only class accepted by the courts.  In the age of new technology, most courts are now accepting an online version of this course, called Children in Between. Check with one of our experienced attorneys today to see if you are eligible for the online course.

Contact the family law lawyers at Divergent Law today for legal advice & assistance with your divorce.