Beginning November 1, 2023, it will become mandatory for divorcing parents, as well as parties to annulment, parentage, and modification actions involving custody or parenting time to undertake a four-hour online parenting course known as “Two Parents Now”.
This mandate, brought about by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, is highlighted in Standing Order 3-23. The intent behind this order is to empower parents with improved parenting skills, enhance co-parent communication, reduce co-parent conflicts, and help them comprehend the negative impacts of their disputes on their children.
The “Two Parents Now” program has been devised to focus on the changing needs and specifications of parents going through the convoluted process of separation or divorce. It seeks to offer a practical approach, by equipping them with the necessary tools and techniques to ensure a smooth transition for their children.
From the beginning of November 2023, a failure to complete the course for those required might result in legal penalties. Legal professionals are advised to take note of these updates while advising their clients in these sensitive affairs.
As reported by Burns & Levinson LLP, this decision by the Massachusetts court is a step towards prioritizing the welfare of children in divorce proceedings. It echoes the sentiment of other legal systems worldwide trying to mitigate the potentially damaging effects of parental divorce on children.