In contested custody cases, the court will order that both parents attend a workshop on parenting while separated. In other counties/states, the name of the class and the specific requirements may vary, but the general focus is to help parents make decisions for their children in such a way as to limit the negative effects on the children. Needless to say, some parents "get" this more than others. The classes often share with parents resources to help them in their parenting journey.
While these classes tend to be court-ordered and limited to litigation issues, there are many other resources for parents available as well. One such option here is the Parent Encouragement Program. Many of my client have used these programs to give them tools to improve. Taking such a class does not mean you aren't a good parent...rather, it means you are striving to be the best you can be! For more information on the Parent Encouragement Program, click here. You just may see me at the workshop on taking responsiblity for school stuff very soon!
A distinction must be made between forms of divorce that are based in a court system administered under a system of law, and divorces that take place in quasi- or extrajudicial setting, i.e. without any formal supervision from the local court system. In both cases, once jurisdiction has been established, the lex fori will be applied to determine whether the local ground(s) of divorce have been satisfied and, if so, the marriage will be terminated with or without ancillary orders being made.
Posted by: Chris | October 08, 2012 at 07:12 PM