Parents Forever Class Minnesota: What You Need to Know

If your Minnesota case involves contested custody or parenting time, the court requires the parents to complete an 8-hour parenting education course. This is not optional, it is not a recommendation, and skipping it can stall your 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, when parents have not agreed on custody or a parenting-time schedule, the court must order the parents to complete a minimum of 8 hours of court-approved parent education. This applies whether the parents are married or unmarried.

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. Verify with your local court that it is accepted for your case; acceptance should not be assumed statewide.

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 accepted by your local court. The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a list of approved providers on its parent education help page.

Cost

Parents Forever charges $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
• The court may restrict your access to hearings until you comply

Each parent who is ordered to attend must complete the required program. If domestic abuse is alleged, the court must provide a safe way for the parties to participate and may not require them to attend the same sessions.

Filing Your Certificate

After completing the course, you receive a Certificate of Completion. File this certificate with Court Administration 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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