If you are contemplating a divorce and you have children of the marriage it is MANDATORY that you and your spouse attend a Court approved parenting class prior to your final hearing date. Your certificate of completion must be filed with the court, once you receive it bring it to your divorce attorney’s office so it can be filed. It is best to attend the course in person rather than taking it online. To locate a program in your area you can call EducationPrograms toll-free at 1-800-767-8193.
In addition to the mandatory parenting course, you must also complete a parenting plan. The parenting plan is not a way to ‘trick’ the other parent; it is a form that the Florida Supreme Court approved. It consists of 17 pages and details how the parents will raise their children after the divorce is finalized. Some of the items discussed in the parenting form consist of time sharing, medical care, schooling, extra circular activities, and religious matter. When you have to create this plan before you decide to get divorced, it will make the parents think ahead of the issues that may result in conflicts, encourage each to work together and avoid litigation which can be costly. Remember, when you have children and are in the process of getting divorced, it is in the best interests of the children A copy of the parenting plan can be viewed at: https://www.flcourts.org/gen_public/family/forms_rules/995a.pdf
David Anton of the Anton Legal Group, Ybor City. David Anton is a third generation Tampa Bay attorney who handles all aspects of dissolution actions.
FOR FAMILY LAW LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT DAVID ANTON OF THE ANTON LEGAL GROUP AT 813-443-5249.