According to local reports, there is bipartisan support for a new bill that would require all parents to take a parenting class upon getting a divorce. Minnesota legislators will decide whether to limit the law to parents only in contested cases, as the law sits today, or whether to expand the requirement to all divorcing couples. The law would apply to all parents irrespective of the child custody arrangements.
A local expert suggested that it is simply too easy for negativity toward another spouse to leak out during a divorce onto the children. The hope is that the mandatory class teaches all parents that their children are at risk of being thrown in the middle.
There are so many things to consider when getting a divorce. Property division, child support and alimony are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things that can seriously affect your pocketbook in a divorce. Above all of these monetary concerns, though, is the welfare of the children. For many divorcees, the kids are the most important stakeholder in a split.
While the parenting class may be beneficial for children, there are other ways for parents to secure the best interests of their children in a divorce. Local St. Paul attorneys take great pride is representing parents who are trying to protect their child’s welfare whether a contentious child custody dispute exists or not.
These professionals can help a divorcing spouse with working out or enforcing a child custody order or with negotiating a simple parenting plan. Parents can also seek assistance with other matters pertaining to their children. Given the importance of the subject, it’s important for parents to get help with setting their kids up for success.
Source: kstp.com, “Parenting Classes Could Be Required After Divorce in Minn.,” Mark Saxenmeyer, March 29, 2013