Parent Education Classes In Tampa
Dealing with a breakup is never easy. Sadly, in cases involving parents, children can get caught in the middle. Florida parent education classes are designed to help during this difficult time, educating parents about some of the challenges that likely lie ahead and constructive ways of dealing with the situation. Our Tampa child custody lawyer explains more about parenting classes and some of the topics that are typically covered throughout the process.
Parenting Education Classes Required In Tampa Child Custody Cases
Child custody is one of the most contentious issues dealt with by judges in the Hillsborough County Family Court. Disputes over parenting rights and responsibilities are common during divorce and paternity proceedings. Child time-sharing arrangements are generally encouraged and are considered to be in the child’s best interests.
This involves negotiating a parenting plan that details the amount of time the child spends with each parent, rights to weekends, holidays, school breaks, or other special occasions, pick-up and drop-off arrangements, and who is entitled to make important decisions on behalf of the child.
Your parenting plan forms the basis for any final child custody orders. However, before an order can be issued by the judge in your case, Section 61.21 of the Florida Statutes requires that both parents attend a Parent Education and Family Stabilization course:
- Parent education classes are designed to educate and assist parents in dealing with the impacts of divorce or paternity actions on their children;
- Court-approved parenting classes are available either online or in person;
- Parent education classes typically last four hours and feature lesson plans and a final exam you must pass;
- State statutes recommend taking these classes at the earliest opportunity, such as when filing a divorce petition or immediately after paternity testing.
Parent education classes in Tampa are not optional. Failure to take the class in a timely manner could result in contempt of court charges. It could also negatively impact your parental rights in Tampa child custody proceedings.
What Topics Are Covered In Tampa Parent Education Classes?
Tampa parent education classes are required in all Hillsborough County child custody cases. The course must be approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and should include topics such as:
- The potential emotional, social, and financial impact of divorce or paternity proceedings on each of the parents;
- The emotional, social, and financial impacts it is likely to have on their child;
- Ways in which children often struggle or ‘act out’ in coming to terms with the situation;
- How to foster healthy communication both between the parents and in dealing with their children;
- Common conflicts that arise and constructive ways of dealing with them;
- Where to find additional help and resources in the community.
Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Tampa Child Custody Lawyer
When going through child custody proceedings in Tampa, Bubley & Bubley, P.A. provides caring support, trusted guidance, and the professional legal representation needed to protect your rights. To find out more about the process, give us a call or contact our office online. Schedule a consultation today with our experienced Tampa child custody lawyer.
Sources:
hillsclerk.com/court-services/family-law
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.21.html
myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being/parent-education-and-family-stabilization
