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Court-ordered course5 min read

Minnesota Parent Education Course: What Divorcing Parents Need to Know

A guide for Minnesota parents going through divorce, separation, or custody proceedings who need to complete the court-required parent education program.

Quick answer

Minnesota Statute 518.157 requires parent education in all proceedings involving custody or parenting time. Each judicial district sets its own rules for approved providers and completion deadlines. Parents should confirm their specific court's requirements, including whether online courses are accepted in their district.

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.

Action Checklist

  1. 1Confirm your court requires parent education (check your court order).
  2. 2Verify with your county court that online completion is accepted.
  3. 3Complete the course before your court-ordered deadline.
  4. 4Download your certificate immediately after finishing.
  5. 5Submit the certificate to the court as directed.
  6. 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.