Why Do I Have To Go To Parent Class?

Here's a sampling of questions asked last week about the parent education class:

Q: We started a divorce last year and took the class, but then we reconciled. Now we're going to get divorced. Do we have to take the class again?

A: It is up to the judge. You will need to file a motion to waive the class requirement and explain the situation. Aside from their own beliefs, judges will likely consider how long it has been since you graduated and whether you attended online or in person. Be sure to attach a copy of your class certificate to the motion.

Q: My wife is pregnant but it's not my baby. Do have to take the class? I won't be having any contact with the child after the divorce.

A: Florida law presumes that during a marriage, any pregnancy is the result of the married couple. To avoid that presumption, the biological father has to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity or there must be a Judgment of Paternity that declares the other man the child's father. Neither of these can really be done before the child is born. Again, you will need to file a motion and request that the class requirement be waived based on your situation.

Q: My husband and I divorced 2 years ago but remarried shortly after the divorce. Now we are divorcing again. Do we have to take another class?
A: Once again, it will be up to judge. If you don't want to take the class again, you'll have to file a motion to waive the class requirement.

As you noticed, the answer is the same for all questions. Why? Because the law says the parents in every case shall take the class. If there are circumstances that make it unfair to impose the class requirement and both parties agree to the waiver, the judge has the authority to enter an order waiving the requirement, but you'll have to file a motion if you want to avoid Florida's parent education class.