Parent Education Program in Minnesota

Last reviewed November 3, 2026

The parent education program in Minnesota is a court-approved class for parents involved in a divorce, custody, or parenting time case. In contested cases, attendance is mandatory, and the program must last at least eight hours. The requirement comes from Minn. Stat. § 518.157. This page explains who must attend, when, what the program covers, and how confidentiality and fees work. It is part of the site’s guide to custody and parenting in Minnesota.

Purpose of the Program

Each judicial district must offer one or more parent education programs (§ 518.157, subd. 1). The statute sets three goals. The program teaches parents about:

• how divorce, family restructuring, and court proceedings affect children and families;
• ways to prevent conflict over parenting time; and
• options for resolving disputes outside of court.

A district may also require children to attend a separate program designed for them. In addition, each district must post information about its programs on its website. Programs follow minimum standards set by the Minnesota Supreme Court (subd. 2).

Who Must Attend

Contested Custody or Parenting Time

In a chapter 518 case where the parents have not agreed on custody or a parenting time schedule, the court must order both parents to complete at least eight hours of orientation and education (§ 518.157, subd. 3(a)). The program may be taken in person or online.

Other Cases

In other cases involving custody, support, or parenting time, the court has discretion to order attendance (subd. 3(b)). That includes paternity and post-decree matters.

Voluntary Attendance

Parents do not need a court order to participate. People who are separated, or who are considering a dissolution, paternity, custody, or parenting time case, may enroll on their own (subd. 3(c)). Early attendance can help parents prepare a parenting plan under § 518.1705 before positions harden.

When to Complete It

Unless the court orders otherwise, participation should begin before the initial case management conference. It should also begin within 30 days after the first court filing, or as soon as classes are reasonably available (§ 518.157, subd. 3(d)). Programs must allow participation at any stage, including after a decree.

Before the initial case management conference in a contested case, the court must also tell the parties about the option of private mediation (subd. 3(f)). See Mediation and Early Neutral Evaluation. For the order of events in a typical case, see Initial Case Management Conference.

Exceptions and Safety Protections

A party may ask to be excused. The court may grant the request on a showing of good cause (§ 518.157, subd. 3(e)).

The statute also protects parents in abusive situations. When past or present domestic abuse is alleged, the court may not require the parties to attend the same sessions. Instead, it must enter an order describing how each party can participate safely. The definition of domestic abuse comes from chapter 518B; see Orders for Protection.

Confidentiality

The program is designed to be a safe place to learn. Its confidentiality rules are strong (§ 518.157, subd. 5):

• Statements a party makes during the program are inadmissible for any purpose, including impeachment, unless all parties agree in writing.
• No record may be made of a party’s participation, except attendance and completion.
• Instructors may not disclose information about individual participants.
• Instructors may not be subpoenaed or called as witnesses.

As a result, parents may ask questions and discuss concerns without worrying that their words will be used in court.

Fees

Participants generally pay a fee to cover the cost of the program. Providers must use a sliding fee scale (§ 518.157, subd. 6). A party who qualifies for a waiver of court filing fees under Minn. Stat. § 563.01 is exempt from the program fee. For other case costs, see filing fees and court costs.

Consequences of Not Attending

The program must report to the court the names of people who fail to attend as ordered (§ 518.157, subd. 3(c)). In turn, the court may impose sanctions on a parent who does not attend or complete the program (subd. 4). Beyond formal sanctions, failing to attend may reflect poorly on a parent’s willingness to cooperate. That willingness is relevant to several best-interests factors under Minn. Stat. § 518.17.

Practical Tips

1. Register early. Classes can fill, and the 30-day target begins at the first filing.
2. Keep the certificate. Proof of completion is often needed before a hearing or settlement conference.
3. Use the material. Ideas from the program often help in drafting a schedule. See Parenting Time in Minnesota.
4. Raise safety concerns promptly. A parent who fears the other parent should ask for separate sessions or other safeguards.