In Florida, parents who are going through a divorce are required by law to complete a parenting class known as the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. This course was introduced to help divorcing parents understand how separation and divorce affect children, and to equip them with strategies to reduce the emotional stress that comes with these family changes.
Florida requires this course because it focuses on what is most important during a divorce: the well-being of the children. Divorce can create emotional turmoil for kids, and the course provides parents with tools to support their children through the transition while also helping parents build a healthy co-parenting relationship.
Divorce is often emotionally charged, and conflicts between parents can easily affect children. By requiring parents to take this course, the state of Florida encourages parents to shift their focus from the conflicts between them to the well-being of their children. The course teaches parents how to:
The primary reason Florida requires parenting classes is to reduce the emotional and psychological impact of divorce on children. Research shows that children who experience high levels of conflict between their parents are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. By teaching parents how to work together even after the divorce, the course helps create a more stable environment for children.
The class provides parents with practical advice on creating consistent routines, supporting children’s emotional well-being, and ensuring that both parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives. This helps children adjust to the changes in their family structure and feel secure, even though their parents are no longer together.
Florida courts will not finalize a divorce involving minor children until both parents have completed the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. The course is mandatory, even in uncontested divorces, and both parents must provide proof of completion to the court.
By making the course a legal requirement, Florida ensures that parents are prepared to handle the challenges of co-parenting after divorce. The course is designed to prevent long-term conflict and encourage cooperation between parents for the sake of their children.
One of the benefits of the Florida Parenting Class is that it can be completed online, making it convenient for parents with busy schedules. Kids Matter offers a fully online course that meets all state requirements, allowing parents to complete the class at their own pace. Once the course is finished, parents can immediately download their certificate of completion and submit it to the court.
If you’re going through a divorce in Florida and have minor children, enrolling in a parenting class is not only a legal requirement, but it’s also a critical step toward ensuring your child’s well-being during and after the divorce. The Kids Matter Parenting Florida class offers a DCF-approved online course that provides essential tools for successful co-parenting and reducing conflict.
Enroll in Florida Parenting Class