Minnesota Parenting Education Class: What Parents Need to Know
Minnesota law requires parents involved in disputed custody or parenting time cases to participate in a parenting education class. Here is what parents should know about the requirement, timing, and Certificate of Completion.
View the Minnesota CourseWhen parents dispute custody or parenting time in Minnesota court, state law requires them to participate in a parenting education class.
The requirement is intended to help parents better understand the effect that family conflict and court proceedings can have on children while providing useful tools for parenting across separate households.
Is a Parenting Education Class Required in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota Statute § 518.157 requires parents to attend a parenting education program when custody or parenting time is disputed in court.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, a judge may also order that children participate in an appropriate education program.
Official Minnesota Court information
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides information for parents about the state's parenting education requirement, including when participation must begin and what parents should do after completing the course.
Read the Minnesota Judicial Branch parenting education information
When Must Minnesota Parents Begin the Course?
Unless the court orders otherwise, participation in a parenting education course must begin within 30 days of the first filing in the case.
If an Initial Case Management Conference is scheduled, parents must also begin participating in the course before that conference.
Begin within 30 days
Participation generally must begin within 30 days after the first filing in the case, unless the court orders otherwise.
Before your conference
If an Initial Case Management Conference is scheduled, participation must begin before the conference.
Why Does Minnesota Require Parenting Education?
Custody and parenting time disputes can be difficult for both parents and children. Parenting education gives parents information and practical skills that can help them focus on their children's needs while navigating changes in the family.
A co-parenting course may help parents better understand topics such as:
- How parental conflict can affect children
- How children may react to separation and family changes
- Ways to communicate more effectively with a co-parent
- How to keep children out of adult disagreements
- Managing strong emotions before responding
- Supporting children across two households
- Making more child-focused parenting decisions
What Happens After You Complete the Minnesota Parenting Class?
Parents should keep their Certificate of Completion after finishing the parenting education course.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch advises parents to review any recent notices or orders in their case to determine whether the court has instructed them to provide the certificate.
Keep a copy of your certificate
Do not discard your Certificate of Completion after finishing the course. Your court may ask you to provide proof that you satisfied the parenting education requirement.
How to Complete Your Minnesota Parenting Education Course
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Review your court documents
Check your notices and orders for instructions related to parenting education and any deadlines that apply to your case.
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Register for your course
Begin the parenting education process within the timeframe required by Minnesota law or your court order.
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Complete the required course
Work through the lessons and required activities and keep track of your completion information.
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Save your Certificate of Completion
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records after you finish the course.
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Follow your court's filing instructions
Review recent notices and orders to determine whether your certificate must be provided to the court.
Minnesota Parenting Education Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to take a parenting class in Minnesota?
Minnesota Statute § 518.157 requires parents to participate in parenting education when custody or parenting time is disputed in court.
When do I have to start the Minnesota parenting class?
Unless the court orders otherwise, participation must begin within 30 days of the first filing in the case and before an Initial Case Management Conference if one is scheduled.
Can a judge require my child to attend a class?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, a Minnesota judge may also order that children participate in an appropriate education program.
Do I need to give my certificate to the court?
Keep your Certificate of Completion and check recent notices or orders in your case. Those documents should tell you whether you have been asked to provide the certificate to the court.
What if my court order gives me different instructions?
Follow the instructions in your court order. Minnesota's general timing requirement applies unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Complete Your Minnesota Parenting Education Online
Two Families Now provides an online co-parenting education course designed to help parents reduce conflict, improve communication, and focus on the needs of their children.
View the Minnesota CourseThis article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Court requirements and individual orders may vary. Review your current court documents and contact the court or your attorney if you have questions about the requirements in your case.