Every once in a while, I have a divorce that involves children and when we are nearing the end of the process, it sometimes comes as a surprise to people that they have to complete a parenting course and turn in a certificate of completion to the Court before their divorce will be allowed.

Yes, completion of a 5 hour parent education course is required. It’s usually spread out over two consecutive nights and are offered in different languages as well.

So if you are in the process of getting a divorce or contemplating one, know that you will have to make time for this course.

Sometimes the judges will allow a divorce and give the parties a month to turn in their certificates and sometimes they can be waived if the children are college aged.