Frequently asked questions about Parents Forever |
What is Parents Forever? |
Parents Forever is a series of classes designed for parents of children birth through 18 who are going through divorce. It is also intended for unmarried parents who are having custody and parenting time issues. |
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Who should take a Parents Forever Course? |
Current law required that parents with contested issues are required to take Parents Forever or another parent education program approved by the Minnesota Supreme Court. We have found that all parents going though family transitions such as divorce can benefit from Parents Forever. |
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Do you need to be court ordered to take Parents Forever? |
No, in fact, we encourage parents to take the classes before they go to court or as early in the divorce process as possible. Click here to see comments from parents about the timing of taking the classes. |
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What will I learn in Parents Forever? |
Parents Forever will help you learn skills to minimize the negative effects of divorce on your children. Parents Forever consists of 12 hours of classes. Click here to see the class outline and descriptions of the units. |
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Why am I required to take this class? |
It is part of the divorce process in most counties. Court officials were concerned about the number of issues related to divorce and custody that were affecting children. In 1998, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law that required judges to court order parents with contested custody and parenting time issues into a court approved parent education class. Click here to see the statute. |
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I am a good parent, so why do I need to take the class? |
The court order is not a reflection on the quality of your parenting. When you go through a family change such as divorce, it can be very difficult for your child or children. Even the best parents need ideas for parenting during these times. Parents Forever will give you information that will help you make this transition less difficult for your children and for yourself. |
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Why do I need 12 hours of classes? |
Parents Forever classes cover many topics – communication, anger issues, what children need at different ages, money issues, legal issues and what lies ahead after divorce. We know that this is a big investment of time for you, but we have found that taking a comprehensive approach gives you the best tools to help your children through this difficult time. |
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Do I attend the classes with the other parent? |
| In many communities, steps are taken to have parents attend different class sessions. You will both receive the same information, but when the other parent is not in the same room, we have found that everyone is better able to listen and ask their questions |
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What if I don’t attend the classes? |
It is up to the judge to enforce the court order. |
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I don’t have time to do this. Can I get excused from this requirement? |
Classes are offered in the evening and on weekends. Your Parents Forever coordinator will work with you to help you schedule the classes so you can meet the requirement. |
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Who teaches the class, and what are their qualifications? |
Parent Forever instructors come from a variety of professional backgrounds. In some communities, you will have different instructors depending on the topic. In other places, there will be a male and female instructor team that teaches the entire series. All instructors have a professional degree in areas such as parent education, social work, counseling, law, or mediation. In addition, they have received training in the Parents Forever curriculum from the University of Minnesota Extension Service and have been interviewed by the agency offering the class. |
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Do I have to complete the classes before my court hearing? |
This is up to the judge – carefully read your court order to see what is required. We have found from experience, the sooner you complete the classes, the more information you have about your children’s needs and the value of reducing conflict. |
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My court order says I need to sign up in 10 days and complete in 90 days. What if I can’t do that? |
Check with your local court administrator. |
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What if I miss a class? How can I make it up? |
Contact your Parents Forever program coordinator to make arrangements to take the class you missed. In some places, they may charge a fee to reschedule a session. |
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What if I don’t have the money to pay the fee? |
If you have an IFP (in forma pauperis), you are not required to pay for the class. Many Parents Forever programs offer a sliding fee scale. Contact your local program for more information. |
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Do I need to bring anything with me to the class? |
You may want to bring paper and pen to take notes. All other class materials are supplied. |
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