BACKGROUND

As 61.21 of the Florida Statutes says, because of the large number of children each year who experience the separation or divorce of their parents, and the accompanying parental conflict, it is a societal concern.

 

“Children suffer potential short-term and long-term detrimental economic, emotional, and educational effects during this difficult period of family transition. This is particularly true when parents engage in lengthy legal conflict.”  (61.21, Florida Statutes)

 

It has been determined that “parents are more likely to consider the best interests of their children when determining parental arrangements if courts provide families with information regarding the process by which courts make decisions on issues affecting their children and suggestions as to how parents may ease the coming adjustments in family structure for their children.” (61.21, Florida Statutes)

 

As 61.21 of the Florida Statutes goes on to say, providing general information regarding the following is shown to be beneficial to those parents who are separating or divorcing:

 

1. The issues and legal procedures for resolving time-sharing and child support disputes.

2. The emotional experiences and problems of divorcing adults.

3. The family problems and the emotional concerns and needs of the children.

4. The availability of community services and resources.  (61.21, Florida Statutes)

 

Since the greatest benefits for the parents and the children of such a program are seen at the beginning of the mediation or divorce process, the courts require that the person filing for divorce completes the course within 45 days of filing the petition and the other party completes it within 45 days of being served, this holds true for paternity cases as well.

 

The Think CHILDREN First Parent Education & Family Stabilization Course fulfills the requirement of the administrative order for the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course as required by Florida Law.  The courses are a minimum of 4 hours and are designed to educate, train, and assist divorcing parents in regard to the consequences of divorce on parents and children the impact of divorce on parents and children, as required by Section 61.21, Florida Statutes

 

The Think CHILDREN First Parent Education & Family Stabilization Class is offered in a growing number of Florida counties.  Some of the counties LifeAnew Resources, LLC currently provides services in are Pasco, Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Polk.  [The previously mentioned counties are in the following Judicial Circuits 5, 6 10, &13]

 

The courses are a minimum of 4 hours and are designed to educate, train, and assist divorcing parents in regard to the impact of divorce on parents and children, as required by Florida Statute.

 

Completion Certificates will be given the night of class for those who have pre-registered 24 hours ahead of class time.  Individuals who do not make arrangements ahead of time and pay at the door, may have their certificates mailed to them.

 

To receive a certificate of course completion, participants must bring a photo ID to the class.

 

Both parents are required to complete this course. They are NOT required to attend the class on the same day.