Divorcing Parents Need to be Schooled…in Parenting

If you are the parent of a child under the age of 19 and you are heading for a divorce, you already know that the process can be disruptive to the family at large, and particularly for children. That’s why in Springfield and throughout Missouri parents are required to attend a divorce education program before the divorce can be finalized.

Divorce Does Impact Children 

While some children seem to comprehend and adjust to divorce with few visible issues, others tend to have difficulty with it. It can affect kids’  social connections, school performance, behavior, sleep habits, and overall health. That’s why it’s so important for parents and other adults who play a significant role in a child’s life to do what they can to help kids acknowledge & address their emotions during this turbulent time.

 Adult Classes 

The classes are mandatory for both spouses, though they needn’t attend together. There are a number of locations with approved classes, including on-line classes, and they last from 75 minutes to two hours. Offered both in person and online, the classes are geared toward helping parents understand the importance of working together on behalf of their children. The goal is to help parents assist their kids as they adapt to the changes in their lives. Parents will come away with ideas on how to cooperate with their ex and other strategies to help reduce trauma for their children. Topics including legal separation, divorce, paternity determination, custody issues, modification of prior orders, coping strategies, and anticipating changes will be touched on.

Children’s Classes 

Children aged five-17 are also required to enroll in a class with their parents. FOCIS—Focus on Children in Separation—is a three-hour course that addresses the upcoming changes divorcing families may experience and offers coping strategies. Program goals include effective conflict resolution for parents, while developing competencies to deal with  sorrow, anxiety, fear, anger, and other emotions for kids.

If We’re Not Interested in Classes… 

Classes are mandatory. Failing to attend could mean your divorce will not be finalized in a timely manner.  In some cases, parents may be found in contempt of court, which has its own set of consequences.

Your Advocate 

The compassionate, experienced Springfield family attorneys at Courtney & Mills always work toward the best possible outcomes for you in divorce. For a confidential consultation, contact our Springfield office today.

Source:

stlcountycourts.com/courts-departments/family-court/supplemental-family-court-summon/mandatory-parent-education-class/#:~:text=The%20Petition%20(i.e.%20the%20parent,after%20service%20of%20the%20petition