Florida Divorces and Parenting Class Requirement
Parents filing for divorce in Florida are required to complete parenting class. Florida law requires parents who are divorcing and who have children under the age of 18 to take a parenting class in an effort to educate the parents on how to minimize the collateral damage to children. Parental conflict, especially in lengthy and high conflict divorce and child custody cases can be detrimental to the best interest of the children, and can affect them financially, emotionally, and educationally. The purpose is to help parents realize those effects and to provide the tools and resources to avoid potential long and short term effects of divorce.
Florida Statutes 61.21 (b) states:
Parents are more likely to consider the best interests of their children when determining parental arrangements if courts provide families with information regarding the process by which courts make decisions on issues affecting their children and suggestions as to how parents may ease the coming adjustments in family structure for their children. (Source: Online Sunshine Florida Statutes)
Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
All parties to a dissolution of marriage proceeding with minor children or a paternity action that involves issues of parental responsibility shall be required to complete the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course prior to the entry by the court of a final judgment. The court may excuse a party from attending the parenting course, or from completing the course within the required time, for good cause. (Source Online Sunshine The 2015 Florida Statutes)
*It is important that you adhere to the requirements of attendance of the court ordered parenting classes. Failing to do this may result in being held in contempt. If you are wishing to file for divorce in Tampa Bay, contact divorce lawyer Nilo J Sanchez & Associates for a consultation. Hiring an experienced family law attorney in Tampa who can represent you in divorce, paternity and child custody cases can be beneficial to the outcome of your case.
Tampa Family Law Attorneys on High Conflict Divorces
Lengthy divorce proceedings, especially in high conflict divorces can be hard on the family as whole, and particularly the children. Most couples just want their divorces finalized as quickly as possible. But, due to the high number of cases, laws regarding discovery and absence of successful mediation, some cases can take some time. It’s important that your divorce lawyer is thorough to avoid future litigation, which can result in additional stress on your children. Remember, once your final judgment is signed by a family court judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court or in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Pinellas or Pasco County, you must have proof of substantial and permanent changes in circumstances to obtain modifications in the following areas:
Time Sharing, Custody Modifications
Hiring the best Tampa family law attorneys for YOU begins with a consultation. Nilo J Sanchez & Associates PA Family Law & Divorce Attorneys have decades of experience and extensive knowledge of Florida Family Law & Florida Family Law Statutes and will provide you with an honest case evaluation.
It is always beneficial in the long term to make sure that your final judgment is clear, concise and in your future best interests. If you have had substantial and permanent changes since your final judgment has been entered, reach out to Nilo J Sanchez & Associates to explore your options. We represent clients in multiple jurisdictions in Tampa Bay.
If you are in need of an aggressive divorce or child custody attorney near Tampa or surrounding locales in Hillsborough, Pinellas Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee, call (813) 879-4600 or send us a secure message.