What Can I Expect From Parenting Classes in a Divorce?

 Posted on July 30, 2024 in Children of divorce

Parenting children is known to be an exceedingly difficult task. It requires energy, selflessness, an open mind, a listening ear, and extreme patience. Many parents work on themselves to do the best they can, and some manage fairly well. But even those parents might find themselves overwhelmed trying to parent a child after divorce. The coordination and communication required to co-parent with your ex-spouse can be extremely stressful and confusing. Learning to follow the parenting schedule alone can be a major source of frustration.

That is why parents who file for divorce in Illinois must attend parenting classes, which are designed to help prepare them for post-divorce parenting. This article will discuss what to expect from a parenting class in a divorce. Consult an Illinois child custody attorney about how to sign up for parenting classes.

What Are Parenting Classes?

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 924 requires all divorcing parents to attend parenting classes before a court can issue a divorce decree. The aim is to give parents a sense of what to expect after divorce and teach them important parenting skills and methods. Parenting classes can help parents adjust to post-divorce life and help their children do so as well. Parents can also learn how to follow a parenting plan, which is a document that lays out provisions for co-parenting after divorce. Every divorcing parent is required to submit a parenting plan to the court for approval.

What Can I Expect From a Parenting Class?

Your attorney can help you sign up for a parenting class, which must be done through a program designated by the court. Here are a few things you can expect:

• It may cost between $40 and $75 per person.

• It will likely be conducted in person, though some counties allow parents to attend online classes.

• The parents are not allowed to attend the same class.

• A class will usually consist of a group of 25-30 parents, last four hours, and will be conducted by a moderator.

• The moderator will show videos and facilitate a discussion among the parents. 

• The content will focus on issues like parental obligations, how divorce affects children, how to communicate with your child about divorce, how to communicate with your co-parent, changes in your child that might occur in the coming months, and how to follow the parenting plan.

• Once you complete the course, you will receive a certificate that you will give to your attorney. You will need that certificate to be granted a divorce.

All parents are required to attend parenting classes in Illinois and there are very few exceptions. A parent can only be exempted from parenting class by a court if a judge feels it is in the child’s best interest.

Contact a Yorkville, IL Child Custody Attorney

Parenting after divorce can be difficult, but parenting classes are designed to help with the transition. The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. will help you enroll in a court-approved parenting class and guide you through the rest of your divorce as well. We offer premium legal representation and compassionate guidance. Call 630-409-8184 to speak with an Oswego, IL child custody lawyer today.