Compliance Snapshot
- Legal basis
- Minnesota Statute 518.157
- Who must attend
- Both parents in custody or parenting time cases
- Format
- Online, self-paced
- Languages
- English and Spanish
Why Minnesota requires parent education
Minnesota law recognizes that divorce and custody proceedings are stressful for children. The parent education requirement exists to help parents understand how their actions and communication during and after divorce affect their children.
Under Minnesota Statute 518.157, courts must require parent education in proceedings involving custody or parenting time. The goal is to reduce conflict and help parents focus on the needs of their children through the transition.
Who has to complete the course?
Both parents are required to complete the course. This applies to married couples filing for divorce as well as unmarried parents involved in custody or parenting time proceedings.
Each parent completes the course individually. The court may set a specific deadline, often before the first hearing or within a timeframe stated in the court order.
- Both parents must complete the course, not just one.
- Applies to divorce, legal separation, and custody or parenting time cases.
- Check your court order for the specific deadline.
What the course covers
The course covers the impact of divorce and separation on children at different ages, co-parenting communication strategies, how to reduce conflict in front of children, and how to support children emotionally during family transitions.
The content is designed to be practical. It focuses on what parents can do right now to protect their children from the negative effects of parental conflict.
Where National Course Portal fits
The Minnesota Parent Education course on National Course Portal is an online, self-paced program with a certificate included at completion. It is available in English and Spanish.
Because each judicial district may have its own list of approved providers, parents should confirm with their county court that an online certificate from National Course Portal is accepted before enrolling.
Employer Checklist
- 1Confirm your court requires parent education (check your court order).
- 2Verify with your county court that online completion is accepted.
- 3Complete the course before your court-ordered deadline.
- 4Download your certificate immediately after finishing.
- 5Submit the certificate to the court as directed.
- 6Keep a personal copy of the certificate for your records.
FAQ
Do both parents have to take the course?
Yes. Minnesota requires both parents to complete the parent education program individually.
Can I complete the course online?
Many Minnesota courts accept online completion, but it depends on the judicial district. Confirm with your county court before enrolling.
Is the course available in Spanish?
Yes. The course and certificate are available in both English and Spanish.
What if I already took a parent education course for a previous case?
Some courts may accept a prior completion certificate. Contact your court to find out if you need to retake the course for a new case.
Official Sources
This guide is general information for employer planning. It is not legal advice, and employers should confirm requirements with counsel, the regulator, or the requesting agency before relying on any course for a specific obligation.