Parents Forever Class Minnesota: What You Need to Know

If you are going through a divorce or custody case in Minnesota and you have children, the court requires you to complete an 8-hour parenting education course. This is not optional, it is not a recommendation, and skipping it can stall your entire case.

Here is what the requirement involves, how to complete it efficiently, and what the class actually teaches.

The Legal Requirement

Under Minn. Stat. Section 518.157, parents in contested custody, parenting time, or divorce proceedings must complete a minimum of 8 hours of court-approved parent education. This applies whether you are married, unmarried, divorcing, or seeking custody for the first time.

Enrollment deadline: Within 30 days of the first filing in your case.

Completion deadline: Before your Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC), which is typically scheduled three to four weeks after filing.

This creates a tight window. In practice, many courts enforce the requirement before proceeding with substantive hearings — meaning if you have not completed the class, your case timeline slows down.

Approved Providers

The most widely recognized program is Parents Forever, offered through the University of Minnesota Extension. It is approved by the Minnesota Supreme Court and accepted in all 87 counties.

Parents Forever is available:

• Online: Self-paced, accessible 24/7 from any device. Most people complete it in two to three sittings.
• In-person: Offered in select counties, usually as two 4-hour sessions.

Other approved providers exist — private counseling groups, community organizations, and online education companies offer court-approved alternatives. Before enrolling in any program, verify that it is approved by your specific county's judicial district. The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a list of approved providers on its parent education help page.

Cost

Parents Forever charges approximately $89 per person. Fee waivers are available for parents who receive public assistance or meet income guidelines.

Private providers typically charge $50 to $100. Online-only programs may charge less, but always verify they meet the 8-hour requirement and are accepted in your county.

What the Class Covers

Parent education courses are not therapy sessions or co-parenting counseling. They focus on:

How divorce affects children at different developmental stages. A five-year-old processes parental separation differently from a fourteen-year-old. The class covers age-specific reactions, warning signs, and healthy coping strategies.

Communication strategies between co-parents. Practical techniques for reducing conflict in front of children, handling exchanges without arguments, and keeping children out of the middle of adult disputes.

The long-term effects of parental conflict on children. Research showing that ongoing parental conflict — not the divorce itself — is the primary driver of negative outcomes for children. Children adapt to two homes far better than they adapt to constant fighting.

Supporting your child's relationship with the other parent. Why badmouthing, gatekeeping, and loyalty conflicts harm children, and concrete strategies for encouraging a healthy bond with both parents.

What Happens If You Do Not Complete It

If you fail to complete the class by the court's deadline:

• The court may delay your ICMC and any subsequent hearings
• The judge may impose sanctions
• Your requests regarding custody and parenting time may be deprioritized
• In extreme cases, the court can restrict your access to hearings until you comply

Both parents must complete the course independently. You cannot attend together, and completing the class does not require the other parent's cooperation.

Filing Your Certificate

After completing the course, you receive a Certificate of Completion. File this certificate with the District Court Administrator in the county where your case is pending. Some courts accept electronic submissions; others require a physical copy. Check with your county's clerk.

Making the Class Practical

The 8-hour course teaches concepts. Turning those concepts into a parenting plan for your family is a separate step. The Minnesota Child Custody and Parenting Plan Guide picks up where the class leaves off — providing worksheets, schedule templates, and decision frameworks that help you apply what you learned to your specific custody situation.

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