When a marriage with children ends, the emotional toll on the family can be intense—especially for the children caught in the middle. Recognizing this, the State of Florida requires all divorcing parents of minor children to complete a mandatory parenting course. Officially known as the “Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course,” this requirement isn’t just a bureaucratic formality. It’s a vital step in helping parents understand how divorce affects their children and how to co-parent effectively during and after the legal process.
As a seasoned Tampa divorce lawyer, I regularly guide clients through this course requirement. Many parents have questions: What’s the course about? How long does it take? Can it be done online? Will it affect my case if I delay completing it? This blog answers all those questions and more.
If you’re going through a divorce in Tampa and you share children with your spouse, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what to expect—and why taking this course seriously is a strategic step in protecting your parental rights and your child’s emotional well-being.
Why Florida Requires a Parenting Course in Divorce
Under Florida Statute §61.21, any divorcing parents with minor children are required to complete a court-approved parenting course. This applies whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. The goal of the course is to educate parents about:
- The emotional and psychological impact of divorce on children
- How to reduce conflict and avoid placing children in the middle
- Communication and co-parenting strategies
- The importance of parental involvement after separation
- Legal responsibilities surrounding time-sharing and child support
Judges in Florida take this requirement seriously. The court will not finalize your divorce or approve a parenting plan until both parents have submitted certificates of completion. A Tampa divorce lawyer can ensure you enroll in an approved course and file your completion properly with the court.
Who Has to Take the Course?
The parenting course requirement applies to any parent involved in:
- A dissolution of marriage (divorce) with minor children
- A paternity case involving time-sharing or custody
- A modification of time-sharing or custody
- Certain post-judgment motions involving parenting issues
Both parties must complete the course independently—even if they’re cooperating well or sharing a household during the divorce. You cannot take the class together, and you cannot substitute another course or counseling session unless specifically approved by the judge.
Your Tampa divorce lawyer can advise you if any exceptions apply, but they are rare.
What Does the Course Cover?
Each course provider follows a curriculum approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). While the presentation style may vary, the content typically covers:
1. Understanding the Divorce Process
- The stages of divorce and what to expect
- Emotional reactions from both adults and children
- How children perceive conflict and change
2. The Legal Framework
- Overview of Florida’s parenting plan and time-sharing laws
- Parental responsibility and decision-making
- How courts determine the best interests of the child
3. Co-Parenting Strategies
- Techniques for minimizing conflict
- Respectful communication with your co-parent
- Coordinating routines, rules, and discipline across households
4. Impact of Divorce on Children
- Common emotional and behavioral responses by age group
- Signs of stress, anxiety, or depression in children
- Strategies to reassure and support children
5. Avoiding Harmful Behaviors
- Parental alienation and its effects
- The dangers of using children as messengers or spies
- Why consistency and stability matter
6. Resources and Support
- Mental health services for parents and children
- Community support groups
- Court services and mediation
A Tampa divorce lawyer can help you apply what you learn from the course to your parenting plan and communication strategy—especially if your co-parent is unwilling to cooperate.
Format and Length of the Course
Most parenting courses are 4 hours long and are available in various formats:
- Online courses (must be DCF-approved and accepted by your circuit court)
- In-person sessions at community centers or family court facilities
- Zoom or virtual live sessions hosted by local providers
For divorces filed in Tampa (Hillsborough County), the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit maintains a list of approved course providers. Your Tampa divorce lawyer can recommend reputable providers whose certificates are reliably accepted by the court.
It’s essential that you choose a DCF-approved course. Taking an unapproved course—even if it’s similar—may require you to retake the entire class and could delay your case.
Timing: When Should You Take the Course?
You must complete the parenting course within 45 days of serving the initial petition for dissolution or being served with it. However, many Tampa divorce lawyers recommend taking the course as early as possible in the process.
Why?
- It positions you as proactive and child-focused in the eyes of the court
- It allows your attorney to submit proof of completion early and avoid delays
- It can shape how you negotiate and frame your parenting plan
- You’ll be better prepared to handle your child’s emotional needs from day one
If you don’t complete the course in a timely manner, the judge can:
- Delay final judgment
- Refuse to approve your parenting plan
- Sanction you or restrict time-sharing until compliance
- Assume your lack of completion reflects poorly on your parenting priorities
As your Tampa divorce lawyer, I will ensure you meet all deadlines related to the parenting course and that your certificate of completion is filed with the court correctly.
How Much Does It Cost?
Course fees vary by provider but generally fall between $25 and $50. Some providers offer financial hardship discounts or payment plans. Many online courses allow you to register and pay immediately via credit card.
Cost should never be a barrier to compliance. If you have financial concerns, let your Tampa divorce lawyer know—they may be able to direct you to a subsidized or sliding-scale program.
Online vs. In-Person: Which Should You Choose?
Both online and in-person options have advantages. Which one is best for you may depend on your learning style, schedule, and court preferences.
Online Course Benefits:
- Complete at your own pace
- Available 24/7
- Ideal for busy parents or those with work conflicts
- Often includes downloadable resources
In-Person Course Benefits:
- More interactive and discussion-based
- Facilitated by professionals with real-time feedback
- Preferred by some judges for high-conflict cases
Ask your Tampa divorce lawyer if your judge has a known preference or if your specific situation would benefit from one format over the other.
Filing Your Certificate of Completion
Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This document must be filed with the court and entered into the record. Many online providers allow you to download or email the certificate immediately.
However, don’t assume that emailing the certificate to your lawyer is enough. Your Tampa divorce lawyer will take the additional step of filing it with the Clerk of Court and verifying that it has been recorded.
Make sure to:
- Double-check the certificate for your name and case number
- Keep a personal copy for your records
- File early to avoid last-minute complications
How the Course Impacts Your Divorce Case
Although the parenting course itself doesn’t assign blame or decide custody, your completion (or lack thereof) can influence the court’s perception of your commitment to co-parenting. It may also affect:
- The judge’s willingness to approve your parenting plan
- The credibility of your parenting proposals
- How the court views your cooperation and compliance
In high-conflict cases, your Tampa divorce lawyer may reference your participation in the course as evidence of your efforts to support your child’s well-being.
What Happens If Only One Parent Completes the Course?
If one parent refuses or fails to complete the course, the court can still move forward—but not without consequences for the non-compliant party. Judges may:
- Delay time-sharing decisions
- Assign make-up requirements or sanctions
- Reduce that parent’s credibility in custody disputes
- Limit parenting time until the course is completed
A Tampa divorce lawyer can request enforcement actions if your co-parent is non-compliant and it’s affecting your child’s stability.
Can the Course Be Used Against Me?
While the parenting course is primarily educational, it’s important to take it seriously. Negative behavior during an in-person class (e.g., arguing with the instructor, refusing to participate) can be documented and brought to the court’s attention—especially if your case involves allegations of parental unfitness.
In online formats, cheating, skipping sections, or having someone else take the course for you may also be discovered. Fraudulent behavior related to the course can result in:
- Court sanctions
- Denial of parenting plan approval
- Damage to your credibility
As your Tampa divorce lawyer, I recommend treating the course as an opportunity to strengthen your parenting case—not as a hoop to jump through.
Best Practices to Get the Most Out of the Course
Here’s how to make the most of your time in the parenting class:
- Approach it with an open mind: Even seasoned parents can learn helpful tips.
- Take notes: You may want to refer back to strategies discussed during the course.
- Think about your child’s perspective: Use the course to develop empathy and insight.
- Reflect on how you communicate with your co-parent and how you could improve.
- Ask questions during live sessions or follow up with your lawyer if anything is unclear.
The more engaged you are, the more useful the course will be—not just for your divorce case, but for your ongoing co-parenting relationship.
FAQ: Florida’s Mandatory Parenting Course
Is the parenting course required for all divorces in Florida?
No. It’s required only for divorces or paternity actions involving minor children. If there are no children, the requirement doesn’t apply.
How long is the course?
Most courses are four hours long. You can usually complete online versions in a single sitting or over multiple sessions.
Can I take the course with my spouse?
No. Florida law requires each parent to take the course independently.
Do I have to take the course in person?
No. Online options are widely accepted, but you must ensure the provider is DCF-approved and accepted in Hillsborough County.
What if I miss the 45-day deadline?
You may face delays in your case or judicial sanctions. Let your Tampa divorce lawyer know immediately so they can explain the delay to the court and help you catch up.
Does completing the course affect custody decisions?
Not directly. But failure to complete it may affect how the court views your commitment to parenting responsibilities.
What happens if the other parent doesn’t complete the course?
The court can still move forward but may limit that parent’s time-sharing or impose sanctions. Your lawyer can request appropriate remedies.
Can I be excused from the course?
Rarely. Exemptions are limited and typically require proof of extraordinary circumstances, such as severe illness or incarceration.
Do I get a certificate at the end?
Yes. It must be filed with the court before final judgment can be entered.
How do I find a DCF-approved provider in Tampa?
Your Tampa divorce lawyer can direct you to a court-approved list of local and online providers that are regularly accepted by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
Florida’s mandatory parenting course isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s an opportunity. For parents in the midst of divorce, it provides valuable tools for managing co-parenting conflict, supporting your children, and navigating the emotional challenges of post-divorce family life. A Tampa divorce lawyer can help ensure you complete the course correctly, on time, and with a mindset that enhances your legal strategy and your child’s future.
The McKinney Law Group: Divorce Representation That Respects Your Privacy in Tampa
Some divorces require extra care, especially when careers, reputations, or sensitive financial matters are at stake. At The McKinney Law Group, we provide confidential, respectful divorce representation for Tampa clients who value discretion and professionalism.
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Call 813-428-3400 or email [email protected] today.