divorce

First of all, if the court ordered you to take these courses, then you are obligated by law to take them or otherwise stand in contempt of the court order.  Violations of court orders relating to visitation, child support custody, alimony, and other family law and divorce issues can result in a finding of contempt of court and even jail time for the offending party.

Raising children between two homes is a challenging task. And when families experience transitions, children especially need and deserve the love, care and support of both their parents. Parent Education classes are designed to help parents keep their children safe and happy throughout the transition. Furthermore, by taking these classes, you too will benefit.  Knowing that you are doing the right thing is a great stress reducer.

 authorized the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) to establish an educational program for parents who are parties to a custody or visitation action and to administer any parent education though family court programs that were established by Section 25 of Session Law 1998-202.

What are they?

Parent education programs educate and sensitize divorcing parents or parents living in separate homes about the needs of their children during and after the divorce process and when children are parented in separate homes divorce. The video entitled Mending Hearts provides guidance for parents from professionals as well as from the child’s perspective.

Family court districts provide this type of education locally as prescribed by their local rules. The two most common models for parent education are:

§  A one-hour parent information session presented by family court staff; and

§  A four-hour parent education class taught by local professionals from the community who have contracted with the NCAOC to provide this service.

Both education models provide “an opportunity for parents and other caregivers involved in a custody lawsuit to learn about the court process and align their motivation and resources for resolving their dispute with the court’s mandate to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child(ren).” [2009 Annual Report on NC's Unified Family Court Programs, Page 9]

These courses provide many helpful resources for parents to ensure the health and well being of their children.  They will teach you how to keep your kids healthy and safe throughout the divorce process.

As you seek to navigate the challenges of divorce, child custody, visitation and other  divorce-related issues, you need trusted, caring legal counsel. today and learn first hand why we’ve been had such tremendous success advocating on behalf of our clients in the North Carolina Family Courts. Our experienced divorce attorneys can assist you through your divorce process.  Few divorces are “simple.”  Divorce for children is particularly difficult and steps that either parent can take to ease this pain should be undertaken.  Let walk with you every step of the way.