Massachusetts Requires Two Families Now for Co-Parenting Education
The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court identifies Two Families Now as its court-approved, four-hour online co-parenting education course for qualifying cases involving custody or parenting time of minor children.
Register for Two Families NowMassachusetts Standing Order 3-23 requires parents in certain Probate and Family Court cases involving custody or parenting time of minor children to complete the Two Families Now co-parenting education course, unless attendance is waived by a judge.
This is not a general requirement to choose any parenting class. Two Families Now is the specific court-approved course named by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.
Is Two Families Now Required in Massachusetts?
Yes, in the case types covered by Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Standing Order 3-23. The order identifies Two Families Now as the court-approved co-parenting education provider for married and unmarried parents appearing before the Probate and Family Court.
The course is four hours long, completed online, and can be taken at the parent's own pace using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Official Massachusetts court information
The Massachusetts Court System provides a notice specifically describing mandatory attendance at the online co-parenting education course Two Families Now.
Who Must Take Two Families Now in Massachusetts?
Unless the requirement is waived, parents are ordered to attend when their case involves disputed custody or parenting time of minor children and is one of the case types covered by the standing order.
- A Complaint for Divorce, except certain joint petitions filed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, Section 1A
- A Complaint for Separate Support
- A Complaint to Establish Paternity
- A Complaint for Custody, Support, or Parenting Time
A judge may also order parents to attend in post-judgment cases involving disputed custody or parenting time, including some modification or contempt cases.
What if the parents already agree?
The court may waive attendance when the parents have a written agreement resolving custody and parenting time issues and file that agreement with the court. A waiver is not automatic. Follow the court's instructions and submit the required waiver request when applicable.
Massachusetts Registration and Completion Deadlines
Register for the course
Both parents generally must register for Two Families Now within 30 calendar days of service of the complaint.
Complete the course
After registering, each parent must complete the course within 30 days.
File the certificate
Each parent must file their Certificate of Completion with the court no later than 14 calendar days after completing the course.
Follow the court order
Failure to register and complete the required course may result in sanctions unless attendance has been waived.
How Much Does Two Families Now Cost in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts course fee is $49 per parent. Each parent registers separately and receives an individual course record and Certificate of Completion.
Once purchased, the course is available for 30 days.
Fee waivers are available
Parents who cannot afford the course may request a fee waiver from the court. If court fees in the case have already been waived, the parent may be eligible to have the Two Families Now course fee waived as well.
After the court approves the waiver, upload the approved waiver document when registering for the course.
What Does the Massachusetts Course Cover?
The goals of the Massachusetts co-parenting education requirement include strengthening parenting skills, improving co-parent communication, reducing conflict, and helping parents understand the effect that parental conflict can have on children.
- Understanding how conflict affects children
- Managing stress and strong emotions
- Communicating more effectively with the other parent
- Keeping children out of adult disagreements
- Listening and responding more constructively
- Supporting children through family changes
- Managing transitions between households
- Making more child-focused parenting decisions
How to Complete Two Families Now in Massachusetts
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Register online
Register through the Two Families Now Massachusetts page within the deadline established by the court.
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Receive course access
Follow the access instructions sent after registration to sign in to the online course.
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Complete the four-hour course
Work through the lessons and required activities at your own pace within the 30-day access period.
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Download your certificate
After completing all course requirements, download and print your Certificate of Completion.
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File the certificate with the court
File your certificate within 14 calendar days after course completion. The Massachusetts notice states that it may be filed in person, by mail, or through the court's electronic filing system.
Can the Two Families Now Requirement Be Waived?
A parent may ask the court to waive attendance by filing the required motion and providing notice to the other parent. The judge decides whether a waiver should be granted.
Circumstances that may support a waiver include:
- Communication between the parents would be unsafe because of actions or patterns of behavior
- A language barrier
- Incarceration or another form of unavailability
- A written agreement resolving custody and parenting time issues has been filed with the court
- The parent previously completed the course
- Other circumstances where the court determines that justice requires a waiver
A waiver for one parent does not automatically cover both
The court may waive attendance for one parent without waiving the requirement for the other parent. Each parent should follow the orders that apply to them individually.
Massachusetts Two Families Now FAQs
Can I take a different online parenting course?
The Massachusetts standing order specifically identifies Two Families Now as the court-approved co-parenting education course. Do not assume that another online parenting class will satisfy the requirement.
Is Two Families Now required for every Massachusetts divorce?
No. The requirement applies to the case types and circumstances covered by Standing Order 3-23. Certain joint divorce cases under Chapter 208, Section 1A are excluded, and attendance may also be waived by the court.
Do both parents have to register?
When the requirement applies, both parents generally register separately, complete the course individually, and receive their own Certificate of Completion.
How long is the Massachusetts course?
Two Families Now is a four-hour online co-parenting course. It may be completed at the parent's own pace during the course access period.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes. Two Families Now can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
What happens after I finish?
Download your Certificate of Completion and file it with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court within 14 calendar days after completing the course.
What happens if I do not register or complete the course?
Unless attendance has been waived, failure to register and complete the course may result in sanctions ordered by the court.
Complete the Required Massachusetts Course Online
Two Families Now is the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court's approved four-hour online co-parenting education course. Complete the course at your own pace and download your Certificate of Completion when finished.
Register for Two Families NowThis article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Requirements may depend on the case type, filing date, court order, and whether a waiver has been granted. Review your court documents and contact your attorney or the Probate and Family Court when you have questions about your case.