MN SF596

Parents involved in marriage dissolution or legal separation proceedings with minor children must complete a four-hour education program prior to first court appearance or within 60 days of filing, whichever is sooner.

Court administrator cannot accept marital termination agreements or stipulated judgments unless accompanied by a certificate of course completion or a waiver signed by a judicial officer.

Education programs must meet scientific evidence standards for reducing parental conflict and improving children's adjustment, either by listing on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices or approval by the Minnesota couples on the brink project.

Programs must cover domestic violence assessment, constructive parenting skills, and an overview of the legal dissolution process including mediation and alternative dispute resolution options.

Statements made during parent education programs are confidential and inadmissible as evidence; parties qualifying for fee waivers are exempt from program fees, and providers must implement sliding fee scales.