If your divorce in Oakbrook Terrace involves minor children, expect to take a mandatory parenting class. The class can have benefits such as helping your divorce proceed more smoothly, but your mindset about the class makes a difference. You learn about parallel parenting, best practices for child transitions, and other topics. If one of you does not take the parenting class, this could delay the finalization of the divorce.
Erlich Law Office works to help parents meet every requirement for a divorce. Call us at (630) 538-5331 today to find out more.
What to Expect from Illinois’ Mandatory Parenting Class
In Oakbrook Terrace, about 16.2% of households contain at least one person younger than 18 years. If you are a divorcing parent in the state with a minor child, you must take the required parenting class unless you qualify for a waiver.
The state mandates the classes whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Classes are also required in parentage cases, where the parents are not married.
Expect the mandatory parenting class to last four to six hours. You may be able to choose from online and in-person classes, depending on locality and your situation. You do not attend the same class sessions as your spouse. Topics the class covers include:
- How divorce affects children emotionally
- Good communication between the parents
- Basics of child development, discipline, and transitions
- Your guide to an Illinois parenting plan
- Best practices for co-parenting and parallel parenting
Parallel parenting is when the parents have minimal or no direct contact with each other while maintaining their individual relationships with the children. It is a common solution in high-conflict situations.
When you finish the class, you get a certificate to file with the court. This certificate must be in hand before the court can finalize your divorce.
Your Mindset Going Into the Parenting Class
It can help your divorce if you view the mandatory parenting class as more than a box to check. It is an opportunity to better understand how your child may experience the split and to gain practical tools for communicating with your co-parent.
Being proactive about taking the class also shows the court that you are committed to cooperating and doing what is best for your child. This is helpful even in an uncontested divorce, since timing and mutual agreement are major factors.
Enter the class ready to learn. Bring questions. Focus on what your child needs from both parents, and spend time on how structure and calm communication can make all the difference. Afterward, apply what you learned from the class when working on a fair parenting plan or keeping negotiations on track. A small effort on your part with the mandatory parenting class can help your entire divorce go smoother and faster.
How the Class Impacts the Timeline of an Uncontested Divorce
Proactive planning in Oakbrook Terrace may mean that the mandatory parenting class does not affect the timeline of your divorce. Parents should complete the class within 60 days of an initial case management conference. This conference usually occurs soon after the divorce filing. Parents should quickly register so that they can attend the class within the 60-day timeframe.
The court cannot finalize the divorce until both parents turn in their certificates. Even in amicable cases, a delay in completing the class can stall your case.
How much does a divorce cost due to the parenting class? The parenting class may be $40 to $70 per person. This is a relatively small amount on top of an uncontested divorce with minimal needs. However, missing the class can result in extra court or attorney charges due to the divorce delays.
What Happens If One Parent Refuses to Take the Parenting Class?
If one parent forgets to take the mandatory parenting class in Illinois or refuses to, there is little wiggle room legally. The court cannot finalize a parenting plan or allocation of parental responsibilities without both certificates on file.
Also, failure to comply could mean court sanctions. Judges can impose fines, hold a parent in contempt, or even temporarily limit parenting time until the parent completes the class. In contested divorces, courts can require that parents attend further education or counseling sessions.
Waivers are rare. The court grants them only in cases of documented hardship, such as severe physical or mental health issues, or extreme scheduling conflicts. Waivers usually require a written request and supporting evidence, and even with waivers, courts still may mandate alternative education or mediation sessions. With these stakes in mind, an uncontested divorce lawyer can help negotiate timelines, request extensions, or advise on waiver eligibility.
Wider Impacts of the Mandatory Parenting Class in Oakbrook Terrace
Required parenting classes can affect how parents navigate life during and after the divorce. For example, the class sets the foundation for crafting or refining an Illinois parenting plan. It educates parents on considering logistics such as pickups and dropoffs, holiday schedules, medical care, communication modes, and conflict resolution.
If high conflict exists, the sessions introduce parallel parenting. This model encourages minimal direct interaction. Your parenting plan should reflect the parallel parenting approach, if necessary. The main points to keep in mind regarding the mandatory parenting class in Illinois are:
- All divorcing parents must take it, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Waivers are rare.
- Plan to take the class (about four to six hours long) within 60 days of your first case management conference.
- Both parents must complete the class and have their certificates of completion in order for the divorce to become final.
- Not taking the class can delay the divorce and add to costs.
- An Illinois divorce attorney can help parents meet class requirements and deadlines, and minimize divorce costs. An attorney can also help parents use the information they learn in class to develop a parenting plan that fits their family’s needs.
Erlich Law Office can help with parenting plans and mandatory parenting classes. Contact us today.
