What Happens if One Parent Doesn't Take the Parenting Class in Florida?

Parenting is a challenging journey, especially when you’re going through a divorce or paternity case. To ensure the well-being of both children and parents, Florida Statute 61.21 requires all parents involved in those cases to complete a parenting course.

Because this course is mandatory, if one parent doesn’t take the parenting class, it is considered a violation of a court order, which can lead to significant legal consequences.

In this article, we’ll explain the potential outcomes of not completing the Parenting Education and Family Stabilization Course in Florida. We’ll also outline the procedural steps you should take if you, or your co-parent, do not attend the required class.

What is the “Parent Education and Family Stabilization” Course?

In Florida, the state recognizes the importance of equipping parents with information and resources to navigate parenthood successfully, supporting their children during a divorce or paternity case.

To achieve this, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) established the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, commonly referred to as the “parenting,” “co-parenting,” or “divorce” class.

Under Florida Statute 61.21, this course must be completed by “all parties to a dissolution of marriage proceeding with minor children or a paternity action that involves issues of parental responsibility” (see source).

Parents do not have to take the course together. However, in divorce cases, they must complete the course within 45 days of filing or being served the petition.

In paternity cases, petitioners should complete the course within 45 days of filing the petition. The non-petitioning parent only has to do it within 45 days after an order granting time-sharing to or support, or an acknowledgment/adjudication of paternity.

The course must be DCF-approved, last a minimum of 4 hours, and focus on helping parents minimize conflict, communicate effectively, and keep the child’s well-being at the center of all decisions.

If a child has emotional concerns or special needs, parents may be required to take a specialized parenting course for parents of children with disabilities. These versions address how separation, divorce, or paternity rulings may uniquely affect the child.

What Does a Parenting Class for Divorce Cover?

Most parenting courses focus on the legal and emotional impact of separation on both themselves and their children. Typically, they cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Financial responsibilities. Parents learn that both are expected to contribute to their child’s financial well-being, how essential expenses are calculated, and the importance of transparency and cooperation.

  
  

• Legal aspects of deciding child-related issues. The course explains basic legal concepts, such as parental responsibility, time-sharing, major decision-making, and each parent’s rights and obligations.

  
  

• Effective communication and conflict resolution. Parents are taught strategies for communicating clearly and respectfully, reducing tension, and resolving disagreements.

  
  

• Spousal or child abuse and neglect. The parenting class covers how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, how to seek help, and the legal responsibilities involved when these situations arise.

  
  

• Emotional aspects of separation and divorce. Parents learn about the emotional and psychological effects of separation on children and adults, as well as practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

  
  

• Family dynamics and how to maintain a stable and nurturing environment. The class explores how family dynamics shift after separation and provides tools for creating an environment that promotes healthy child development.

To complete the course, parents must pass a final exam with a minimum score of 70%. Most programs allow unlimited attempts to achieve a passing grade.

Legal Consequences of Not Taking the Parenting Class

Florida Statute 61.21 clearly defines what can happen if a parent doesn't take the Parenting Class within the required timeframe.

To begin with, the parent may be denied shared parental responsibility or time-sharing. The Court may also impose additional sanctions. These can include being held in contempt of court, monetary penalties, or other enforcement measures, such as issuing a bench warrant or suspending the non-compliant parent’s driver’s license.

To help you better understand how these legal consequences may affect you and your family, let’s break them down one by one.

Contempt of Court

In many Florida counties, failing to complete the parenting class is considered an intentional violation of a court order. This means that the non-compliant parent could face legal consequences, such as being held in contempt, paying fines, or covering the other party’s attorney’s fees.

Time-Sharing Denial

Completing the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is a legal requirement in Florida. This gives the judge the statutory authority to limit or temporarily deny time-sharing for parents who do not complete it.

If a parent skips the class, the Court may question whether they have the skills needed to co-parent responsibly. Since the course is designed to support the child’s well-being, failing to attend is typically interpreted as a lack of commitment to the child’s best interests.

Denial of Shared Parental Responsibility

Courts generally prefer parents who are willing to work together for the benefit of their children. Not taking the class may reflect poorly on a parent's willingness to cooperate and may influence the judge’s decision to deny shared parental responsibility.

If this occurs, the non-compliant parent temporarily loses the right to participate in major decisions related to the child’s education, health care, and overall well-being.

Procedural delays

Finally, failing to attend the parenting class can delay the resolution of a divorce or paternity case. The Court can postpone hearings or rulings until both parents have completed the required class. This extends the legal process and increases the emotional and financial strain on both parties.

Consequence of not attending the class	What does it mean to you?
Contempt of court	Contempt findings, fines, and even paying the other party’s attorney’s fees
Time-sharing denial	Judges limit or temporarily deny time-sharing
Denial of shared parental responsibility	Your right to make major decisions for your children is temporarily removed
Procedural delays	The Court postpones hearings or rulings until the class is completed

What to Do if You (or Your Co-Parent) Fails to Comply

If one parent doesn’t take the parenting class in Florida, the consequences can be serious. However, if the non-compliance was unintentional or if the parent is now willing to correct it, there are steps that can help remedy the situation.

If You Didn’t Attend the Parenting Class

If you did not take the parenting class, the first thing you should do is take action. Continuing to ignore the requirement may be viewed as contempt of court.

1. Contact your attorney or the Court to explain the reason for your non-compliance. If appropriate, the Court may grant an extension or provide alternative options.

   
   

2. Enroll in a DCF-approved parenting course as soon as possible. Self-paced online parenting classes, such as Dr. Liliana Wolf’s course (also available in Spanish), are a practical solution for parents with scheduling or location limitations.

   
   

3. Once you finish the course, submit your certificate of completion to the Clerk of Court who issued the parenting-class order.

   
   

4. Notify your attorney immediately. Even if you finish after the 45 days, the Court may still consider this a failure to comply. Your lawyer can help you address any resulting issues.

If Your Co-Parent Didn’t Attend the Course

If you completed the class, but your co-parent has not, and this is delaying the legal process, here’s a general outline of what to do:

1. First of all, make sure you have completed a DCF-approved parenting course and that your attendance certificate is properly filed with the Court.

   
   

2. Keep a record of attempts to encourage your co-parent to complete the course, as well as any relevant communication.

   
   

3. Ask your lawyer to notify the Court about the situation. If appropriate, file a Motion to Compel requiring your co-parent to take the class, or a Motion for Contempt requesting sanctions for non-compliance.

   
   

Make sure to seek legal advice before proceeding with any legal proceedings, as this situation can escalate to a complex case if not properly handled.

What if I Can’t Take the Class? Waiver Procedure

If you genuinely intend to comply with the parenting-class requirement but find it impossible to attend, you must notify the Court as soon as possible. Parents cannot simply “skip” the class: the Court has to grant an exception.

To request an exception, file a Motion to Waive the requirement and clearly explain why you cannot attend the course. Valid reasons may include:

• Incarceration

• Residing out of state

• Documented physical or mental health conditions that prevent attendance

In many of these situations, the judge may still require you to complete an online parenting course as an alternative, since these programs are accessible regardless of location or mobility.

If the barrier is financial, such as having income below the federal poverty guidelines, you may request a fee waiver or reduced-cost option.

If you're unsure about how to proceed or believe that attending the parenting class is impossible due to your circumstances, speak with your attorney. They will guide you on how to address the issue and work with the Court to find a suitable solution.

Didn’t Attend Parenting Class? Take the First Step to Set Things Right

The parenting class requirement in Florida is not something to be taken lightly. Failing to complete it can have major consequences, potentially affecting child custody arrangements and the overall outcome of your divorce or paternity case.

If you haven't taken the parenting class, it's crucial to take action as soon as possible to rectify the situation and prioritize the well-being of your children.

Explore Dr. Liliana Wolf's Online Parenting Class for Divorce in Florida, a DCF-approved program designed to guide parents through the emotional and legal challenges of separation

Obtain expert guidance and practical tools to help you navigate your family's legal challenges more confidently.

Contact us to learn more about the course, or register today to take the first step toward healthier, more effective co-parenting.