Divorcing parties with children are required by Minnesota statute to participate in parenting education. The education requirement dates back to the late 1990’s, when the legislature called for the judicial districts to develop and implement programs to educate parents about (a) the impact that divorce, the restructuring of families, and judicial proceedings have upon children and families; (b) methods for preventing parenting time conflicts; and (c) dispute resolution options.
In some cases in which the parents present an amicable dynamic to the court by agreeing to custody and parenting time provisions, the court will waive the education requirement. In other cases, in which the parents are engaged in a high level of conflict that negatively impacts the child(ren), the parenting education is of vital importance.]
Whether or not you believe that you are in need of parenting education, and whether or not the dynamic in your case is amicable or high-conflict, parenting education is helpful. One program that is highly recommended is called Bridging Parental Conflict. The Bridging Parental Conflict® class is a one-time 6-hour online educational experience developed for parents who experience conflict with their co-parent, or for parents who are just beginning the transition to a co-parenting relationship. More information is available, as well as a registration link, at bridgingparentalconflict.com. (Participants are directed not to attend the program at the same time as their co-parent.)