Is the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course a Co-Parenting Class?
The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is commonly called a co-parenting class, and co-parenting is a significant part of what the course covers. However, the official course covers much more than co-parenting alone — it addresses the full range of topics that divorcing parents need to navigate, from the emotional impact of divorce on children to Florida legal concepts and parenting plans.
What "Co-Parenting Class" Usually Refers To
In Florida divorce proceedings, attorneys, court staff, and parents often use the term "co-parenting class" informally to refer to the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. If your court order or attorney has told you to take a "co-parenting class," this is almost certainly the course they mean.
Other informal names include Florida Parenting Class, Divorce Parenting Class, Parenting Course for Divorce, and Parent Education Class. All of these refer to the same DCF-approved course.
What the Course Actually Covers
The 8 modules cover:
The emotional impact of divorce on children and parents
Shared parental responsibility and how Florida courts approach it
Child development and how children of different ages understand divorce
How to communicate with your children during the process
How to communicate effectively with the other parent — the co-parenting module
Domestic violence, child abuse, and false reporting
Florida legal concepts: definitions, court issues, financial responsibilities
Parenting time and developing a parenting plan
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Is it a co-parenting class | It covers co-parenting, plus much more |
Official name | Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course |
Common informal names | Co-Parenting Class, Florida Parenting Class, Divorce Parenting Class |
Required by | Florida Statute § 61.21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
My court order says "co-parenting class." Will this course satisfy that requirement? In most cases, yes. Confirm with your court or attorney that a DCF-approved certificate will satisfy the specific language in your order. The Divorce Parenting Class certificate can be verified at myflfamilies.com.
Is this course the same as a voluntary co-parenting program? No. This is a court-mandated educational requirement under Florida law, not a voluntary program. Completing it on time is a legal obligation.