Tarrant County Parenting Classes in Divorce and Custody Cases

When parents are embroiled in a divorce or child custody case in Tarrant County, a judge may order them to attend parenting classes. These classes are designed to help parents understand the impact of their divorce or custody case on their children and provide them with the skills needed to successfully co-parent in the future.

In this article, we’ll discuss the various types of parenting classes and what you can expect if you are required to attend. We’ll also provide resources and answer some frequently asked questions about parenting classes in Tarrant County.

Types of Tarrant County Parenting Classes

In Texas, there are numerous types of parenting classes available for families who are going through a transition. These classes are typically designed to help parents develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively co-parent their children.

The focus of these classes is on communication skills, co-parenting techniques, and strategies for minimizing conflict between them and their children. Parents also receive guidance on how to best support their child’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being during the divorce or custody process. Some of the types of parenting classes offered in Texas include:

Basic Parenting Class

Basic parenting classes are designed to teach parents the fundamentals of parenting, including child development, discipline strategies, and effective communication with their children.

Co-Parenting Class

Co-parenting classes are designed to help divorced or separated parents create a healthy co-parenting environment. The focus is on helping parents learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and make joint decisions that are in the best interests of their children. Tarrant County has a Co-Parenting Education website that offers excellent information and resources on co-parenting, including articles and videos.

Divorce Parenting Class

Divorce can be extremely hard on parents and children, which is why judges sometimes order parents to take a divorce parenting class in Texas – also known as a parenting education and family stabilization course. This class is designed to help divorcing or separating parents understand and address the emotional, financial, and legal issues related to their situation. The goal of the class is to minimize the negative impact of the divorce or separation on the children involved.

Child Custody Parenting Classes

Custody parenting classes are designed for parents involved in a child custody dispute. These classes provide education on child development, the impact of parental conflict on children, and strategies for resolving disputes in a healthy and cooperative manner.

Parenting After Domestic Violence Class

This class is for parents who have experienced domestic violence. The focus is on helping parents understand the effects of domestic violence on children and learn strategies for promoting healing and recovery.

Blended Family Class

A blended family class is intended for parents who are blending families through remarriage or other circumstances. The focus is on helping parents create a positive and healthy family dynamic that supports the well-being of all members.

Most parenting classes in Texas can be taken in-person or online, depending on the specific course provider. Some classes may be free, while others may require a fee. Upon completion of the course, parents are usually provided with a certificate of completion, which can be submitted to the court as proof of attendance.

Are Tarrant County Parenting Classes Mandatory in Divorce or Child Custody Cases?

Tarrant County parenting classes are not mandatory in every divorce or child custody case. It is at the discretion of the judge. However, section 105.009 of the Texas Family Code authorizes a judge to order parents to attend a “parent education and family stabilization course” if the court determines that it is in the best interest of the child.

It’s important to understand that if a judge does order you to attend a parenting class, then it is mandatory that you attend – or you could be held in contempt for violating a judge’s order. The judge will want to see proof of completion of the class.

What does a Texas Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course Entail?

By law, a Texas Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course must be at least four hours, but not more than 12 hours, and designed to educate and assist parents on the consequences of divorce on parents and children. The course must cover the following information:

•  the emotional effects of divorce on parents;
• the emotional and behavioral reactions to divorce by young children and adolescents;
• parenting issues relating to the concerns and needs of children at different development stages;
• stress indicators in young children and adolescents;
• conflict management;
• family stabilization through development of a coparenting relationship;
• the financial responsibilities of parenting;
• family violence, spousal abuse, and child abuse and neglect; and
• the availability of community services and resources.

Can I Voluntarily Attend Tarrant County Parenting Classes?

Even if a judge doesn’t order you to attend a Tarrant County parenting class, it could be beneficial to your child custody case or family law case to voluntarily attend a class. The court may view your willingness to attend a parenting class as evidence of your commitment to your child’s well-being and your ability to co-parent effectively. This can influence the court’s decision when determining custody and visitation arrangements.

Overall, parenting classes aim to equip parents with the knowledge and skills they need to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for their children. By improving their parenting skills, parents can help their children thrive and develop to their full potential.

Tarrant County Parenting Classes and Resources

There are numerous resources and classes available for parents in Tarrant County, including but not limited to:

• Tarrant County Co-Parent Education – Tarrant County website offers a wealth of information and resources about child custody litigation and co-parenting
•  Up to Parents – Free Online Co-parenting Class (Also in Spanish)
• Children in the Middle – Live and Online Co-parenting Education (also in Spanish)
• The Parenting Center Programs – Co-parenting Essentials Classes
• Our Family Wizard – Co-Parenting Scheduling Tool
• Online Parenting Programs
• Course for Parents – Texas Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course

Additionally, there are other local organizations that offer parenting classes and support, such as:

1. The Parenting Center: The Parenting Center provides a variety of parenting classes, workshops, and support groups for families in Tarrant County. Their programs focus on building strong families, promoting healthy communication, and addressing common parenting challenges.
2. Catholic Charities Fort Worth: Catholic Charities offers parenting classes and resources designed to help parents develop the skills needed to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. Their programs cover topics such as communication, discipline, and child development.
3. SafeHaven of Tarrant County: SafeHaven offers parenting classes for families affected by domestic violence. These classes are designed to help parents develop healthy relationships with their children and break the cycle of violence.
4. Tarrant County College: Tarrant County College offers various parenting classes and workshops through its Continuing Education program. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including child development, discipline, and co-parenting.
5. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers parenting classes and workshops focused on healthy child development and effective parenting strategies. Programs are available for parents of children at different ages and stages of development.

Parenting classes can be an invaluable resource for families in Tarrant County, especially those going through a divorce or custody dispute. These classes provide education and support to help parents navigate the challenges of co-parenting and ensure the best possible outcomes for their children. By attending parenting classes and utilizing available resources, parents can foster a supportive and healthy environment for their children during difficult times.

Divorce or Child Custody Issue? Contact Us.

If you need help navigating a divorce or child custody dispute in Tarrant County, contact the experienced family law attorneys at Varghese Summersett Family Law Group. Our team has helped hundreds of people through life’s most difficult challenges and we can help you, too. Call 817-900-3220 to schedule a consultation