Who Needs to Take the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
Florida law requires both parties in a divorce to complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course when minor children or a paternity action is involved. Each parent must complete their own enrollment — one parent's completion does not satisfy the other's requirement.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
Both the petitioner and the respondent must complete the course when the divorce involves minor children. The course must be completed before the court makes a final judgment.
Petitioner: Must complete the course within 45 days of filing the petition.
Respondent: Must complete the course within 45 days of being served the petition.
Paternity Actions
The course is also required in paternity actions involving minor children:
The parent filing the paternity action must complete the course within 45 days of filing.
The other party must complete the course within 45 days of acknowledging paternity, an adjudication of paternity, or an order granting time-sharing or support.
Who Does Not Need to Take This Course?
Parties in a simplified dissolution of marriage — simplified dissolution is not available to parents with minor children, so this course would not apply in that situation.
Parties in a divorce or separation that does not involve minor children.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Required for petitioner | Yes — within 45 days of filing |
Required for respondent | Yes — within 45 days of being served |
Can one parent substitute for the other | No — each parent must complete separately |
Required in paternity actions | Yes |
Required without minor children | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse need to take the same course I did? Your spouse must complete their own enrollment and their own course — they cannot use your completion. Both parents must have individual completion certificates.
What if I have sole custody? Do I still need to take the course? Yes. Florida law requires the course for both parties regardless of custody arrangements, as long as minor children are involved.
What if my spouse refuses to take the course? The court may hold the non-complying parent in contempt, or deny them time-sharing or shared parental responsibility. Contact your attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
What if I am going through a paternity case, not a divorce? The course is required in paternity actions involving minor children, not just divorces. See the deadlines above for paternity actions.