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The Courts and Mandating a Co-Parenting Class

It has become policy in recent years for the courts to compel parents to participate in a co-parenting class. While some see this as a positive thing as the end result is that the parent or parents will develop enhanced parenting skills; there are those who feel that the courts overstep their authority in compelling individuals to attending a co parenting class and infringe on their freedoms.

Instances of Court Ordered Attendance

There are numerous instances where the court will make it mandatory for an individual or individuals to attend a co parenting class. These instances include: 1.) After a divorce or annulment of marriage; 2.) A separation; 3.) A custody dispute; 4.) The establishment of visitation rights; and/or 5.) An appeal of custody or visitation

While the precursors that compel someone to attend a co parenting class is detailed, the question remains why do the courts make this compellation? What is the motivation behind the compellation?

What Co-Parenting Classes Provide

Like any type of course, a co-parenting class is designed to empower the individual taking the class with a series of skills that will increase their performance. To put it more clearly, a co parenting class is designed to provide the foundation for a person to become a better parent.

How Do They Provide It?

A co parenting class provides a curriculum that aids in the development of the areas that make a parent a better parent. Empathy, anger control, behavior therapy, role model development are all components that are worked on in these types of classes.

Does The Court Truly Have the Right?

Does the court have the legal right to compel (nee force) an individual to attend a co parenting class? The short answer to that question is yes. It is well within the legal rights of the court to lay down such a mandate.

Does the court have the moral right to compel an individual to attend a co parenting class? That is a question that hinges on an individuals definition of what is moral. In any regard, it is a moot point because the compellation of attending a co parenting class is designed with the best interests of the children in mind. As such, popular support is behind the courts in this regard.

While on the surface, the word mandate sounds harsh. But when one considers the positive results that result from such mandates, it becomes hard to maintain an opposing stance.