A Minnesota mandate requires divorcing parents - at least those involved in custody or visitation disputes - to complete divorce education classes before they can complete a divorce. Unmarried parents in paternity battles also are required to participate. Rules governing who must attend - encompassing children in some cases and childless divorcing couples in others - vary widely from county to county.
Now offered in 55 of Minnesota's 87 counties, the workshops are administered by each county's family courts division. Costs range from $20 to $90 per person, depending on the program provider. Most are adjustable on a sliding-fee scale for families who qualify. Parents may attend separate sessions.
Here are basic requirements and program contact numbers in East Metro counties:
Dakota County: Not only divorcing parents but all divorcing couples, whether or not they have children, are required to attend divorce resolution classes; nonparents must attend only a portion of an initial session. Classes are optional for children. For more information, call program providers Erickson Mediation, (952) 835-3688, or Storefront Youth Action, (612) 861-1675.
Hennepin County: Participation in a four-hour workshop is required for all children ages 6 to 17 whose parents are involved in divorce proceedings. Their parents are required to attend only if they are in a custody or visitation dispute or ordered by the court, but many parents voluntarily attend adult workshops that wrap up in a joint session with children. Those who opt out must watch a 90-minute video. Call Kay Richards, court division supervisor, (612) 348-8606, or program providers Chrysalis, (612) 871- 0118; Fathers' Resource Center, (763) 560-8656; or Storefront Youth Action, (612) 861-1675.
Ramsey County: Only divorcing parents involved in custody or visitation disputes or ordered by the court are required to take workshops. Optional classes are available for other parents and for children. Call Michael Calvert, Ramsey County ombudsman, (651) 266-2811.
Washington County: The same rules apply as in Ramsey County. For more information, call Bill Funari, court liaison, (651) 430-6361; to schedule a class, call the Community Education scheduling office, (651) 770-4745.
For information in other counties, call your county's family courts division.
