It is required by the Probate and Family Court that in the best interest of the child, parents need to receive education about the children’s emotional needs and effects of divorce on the child’s behavior and development.

If there is a minor child in a divorce action, there are specifically approved state parenting education programs for some instances: the judge may require parties in non-divorce action where their children to attend a parenting education program. The parents have to register with the approved program and there can be sanctions if the parent does not take the class in a timely manner and they do receive an Affidavit confirming the Certificate of Attendance. There are also occasional circumstances where a party can file a Motion to Waive Attendance at the Parenting Education Program; providing notice to the other party and an explanation.

It is important to make sure the program is approved by the courts and there a list of programs on the court website along with my website. There is usually an $80.00 fee for attendance of the program that you have to pay in advance in order to offset costs of the program administration, including materials for conciliators and so forth. There are possibilities if you are unable to afford it to pay a reduced fee, if you do an Affidavit of Indingency and I believe it used to be $5.00 the reduced fee.