Browser Compatibility Notice:

        WHEREAS, the Court believes that all parties in Family Law cases should consider the perspectives of minor children and that participation in an appropriate program will help parties foster stronger, more stable relationships with their children, and

        WHEREAS, the efficient and proper adjudication of Family Law cases involving parents with minor children necessitates the establishment of certain guidelines regarding these programs;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, LEAH R. CASE, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, hereby order as follows:

1. Pursuant to § 61.21(4), Florida Statutes, all parties to a dissolution of marriage proceeding with minor children, or a paternity action that involves issues of parental responsibility, must attend and complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization course approved by the Department of Children and Families in accordance with § 61.21(2), Florida Statutes. These course(s) are designed to assist parents with children’s issues as they make transitions during and after a divorce or separation.

2. In Family Law cases involving issues of shared parental responsibilities and/or time-sharing of minor children, both parties must attend and complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization course prior to the entry of a final judgment. Parties who have previously completed a parenting education course and have filed Certificates of Completion are exempt from this requirement.

3. In cases affected by this Order, the Clerk of Court is to provide Petitioners and/or Petitioners’ attorneys with physical or electronic copies of instructions and information on how to access a provider list when the case is filed. The Clerk will document the provision of these materials in the case file. It is the Petitioner’s and/or Petitioner’s attorney’s responsibility to provide the Respondent with copies of the instructions and information by including them with the petition at the time of service. In cases where the Clerk forwards the petition to the Sheriff for service, they are to include copies of the referenced instructions and information. The Court Administrator’s Office will provide the Clerk with the requisite instructions and information.

4. In dissolution of marriage cases, the Petitioner must enroll in a program of his/her choosing within twenty (20) days after filing the petition and complete said program within forty-five (45) days. The Respondent must enroll in a program of his/her choosing within twenty (20) days after service of the petition and complete said program within forty-five (45) days. Parties must complete the chosen program(s) before participating in court-ordered mediation or before the scheduled trial date, whichever is sooner. Upon successful completion of the selected program(s), each party must file a Certificate of Completion supplied by the program provider.

5. In paternity actions, the Petitioner must enroll in a program of his/her choosing within twenty (20) days after filing the petition and complete said program within forty-five (45) days. The Respondent must enroll in a program of his/her choosing and complete said program within forty-five (45) days after an acknowledgment of paternity by him/her, an adjudication of paternity as to him/her, or issuance of an order granting visitation to, or support from, him/her. Upon successful completion of the selected program(s), each party must file a Certificate of Completion supplied by the program provider.

6. Each party ordered to attend will pay his/her cost of attending the program. The respective program providers set the cost of the program(s), but it should be based on each party’s ability to pay, as determined by the program provider.

7. Parties may attend any Parent Education and Family Stabilization course approved by the Department of Children and Family Services.

8. Nothing in this Order requires parties to attend an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization course together.

9. Nothing in this Order prohibits judges from referring parties to Parent Education and Family Stabilization courses in cases not subject to this Order.

10. Nothing in this Order prohibits judges from waiving the requirements of this Order upon presentation of a proper motion in individual cases.

11. Failure to comply with the terms of this Order may result in appropriate sanctions against the offending party.

TO BE RECORDED in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties.

DONE AND ORDERED in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida, this 3^rd day of April 2024.