What Happens if One Parent Doesn’t Take the Parenting Class in Florida?

Parenting is a challenging journey, especially when you’re going through a divorce or paternity case. To ensure the well-being of both children and parents, Florida Statute 61.21 requires all parents involved in those cases to complete a parenting course.

Because this course is mandatory, if one parent doesn’t take the parenting class, it is considered a violation of a court order, which can lead to significant legal consequences.

In this article, we’ll explain the potential outcomes of not completing the Parenting Education and Family Stabilization Course in Florida. We’ll also outline the procedural steps you should take if you, or your co-parent, do not attend the required class.

What is the “Parent Education and Family Stabilization” Course?

In Florida, the state recognizes the importance of equipping parents with information and resources to navigate parenthood successfully, supporting their children during a divorce or paternity case.

To achieve this, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) established the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, commonly referred to as the “parenting,” “co-parenting,” or “divorce” class.

Under Florida Statute 61.21, this course must be completed by “all parties to a dissolution of marriage proceeding with minor children or a paternity action that involves issues of parental responsibility” (see source).

Parents do not have to take the course together. However, in divorce cases, they must complete the course within 45 days of filing or being served the petition.

In paternity cases, petitioners should complete the course within 45 days of filing the petition. The non-petitioning parent only has to do it within 45 days after an order granting time-sharing to or support, or an acknowledgment/adjudication of paternity.

The course must be DCF-approved, last a minimum of 4 hours, and focus on helping parents minimize conflict, communicate effectively, and keep the child’s well-being at the center of all decisions.

If a child has emotional concerns or special needs, parents may be required to take a specialized parenting course for parents of children with disabilities. These versions address how separation, divorce, or paternity rulings may uniquely affect the child.

What Does a Parenting Class for Divorce Cover?

Most parenting courses focus on the legal and emotional impact of separation on both themselves and their children. Typically, they cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Financial responsibilities. Parents learn that both are expected to contribute to their child’s financial well-being, how essential expenses are calculated, and the importance of transparency and cooperation.

• Legal aspects of deciding child-related issues. The course explains basic legal concepts, such as parental responsibility, time-sharing, major decision-making, and each parent’s rights and obligations.

• Effective communication and conflict resolution. Parents are taught strategies for communicating clearly and respectfully, reducing tension, and resolving disagreements.

• Spousal or child abuse and neglect. The parenting class covers how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, how to seek help, and the legal responsibilities involved when these situations arise.

• Emotional aspects of separation and divorce. Parents learn about the emotional and psychological effects of separation on children and adults, as well as practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety. 

• Family dynamics and how to maintain a stable and nurturing environment. The class explores how family dynamics shift after separation and provides tools for creating an environment that promotes healthy child development.

To complete the course, parents must pass a final exam with a minimum score of 70%. Most programs allow unlimited attempts to achieve a passing grade.

Legal Consequences of Not Taking the Parenting Class

Florida Statute 61.21 clearly defines what can happen if a parent doesn’t take the Parenting Class within the required timeframe. 

To begin with, the parent may be denied shared parental responsibility or time-sharing. The Court may also impose additional sanctions. These can include being held in contempt of court, monetary penalties, or other enforcement measures, such as issuing a bench warrant or suspending the non-compliant parent’s driver’s license.

To help you better understand how these legal consequences may affect you and your family, let’s break them down one by one.

Contempt of Court

In many Florida counties, failing to complete the parenting class is considered an intentional violation of a court order. This means that the non-compliant parent could face legal consequences, such as being held in contempt, paying fines, or covering the other party’s attorney’s fees.

Time-Sharing Denial

Completing the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is a legal requirement in Florida. This gives the judge the statutory authority to limit or temporarily deny time-sharing for parents who do not complete it.

If a parent skips the class, the Court may question whether they have the skills needed to co-parent responsibly. Since the course is designed to support the child’s well-being, failing to attend is typically interpreted as a lack of commitment to the child’s best interests.

Denial of Shared Parental Responsibility

Courts generally prefer parents who are willing to work together for the benefit of their children. Not taking the class may reflect poorly on a parent’s willingness to cooperate and may influence the judge’s decision to deny shared parental responsibility.

If this occurs, the non-compliant parent temporarily loses the right to participate in major decisions related to the child’s education, health care, and overall well-being.