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HF 348

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 02/04/2021 04:15pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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A bill for an act
relating to family law; requiring the court to provide certain notices; modifying
requirements for parent education program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020,
section 518.157, subdivisions 1, 3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 518.157, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Implementation; administration.

new text begin (a) new text end By January 1, 1998, the chief
judge of each judicial district or a designee shall implement one or more parent education
programs within the judicial district for the purpose of educating parents about the impact
that divorce, the restructuring of families, and judicial proceedings have upon children and
families; methods for preventing parenting time conflicts; and dispute resolution options.
The chief judge of each judicial district or a designee may require that children attend a
separate education program designed to deal with the impact of divorce upon children as
part of the parent education program. Each parent education program must enable persons
to have timely and reasonable access to education sessions.

new text begin (b) The chief judge of each judicial district shall ensure that the judicial district's website
includes information on the parent education program or programs required under this
section.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 518.157, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Attendance.

new text begin (a) new text end In a proceeding under this chapter where new text begin the parties have not
agreed to
new text end custody or new text begin a new text end parenting time deleted text begin is contesteddeleted text end new text begin schedulenew text end , the parents of a minor child
shall attend a minimum of eight hours in an orientation and education program that meets
the minimum standards promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

new text begin (b)new text end In all deleted text begin otherdeleted text end proceedings involving custody, support, or parenting time the court may
order the parents of a minor child to attend a parent education program.

new text begin (c)new text end The program shall provide the court with names of persons who fail to attend the
parent education program as ordered by the court. Persons who are separated or contemplating
involvement in a dissolution, paternity, custody, or parenting time proceeding may attend
a parent education program without a court order.

new text begin (d)new text end Unless otherwise ordered by the court, participation in a parent education program
must begin new text begin before an initial case management conference and new text end within 30 days after the first
filing with the court or as soon as practicable after that time based on the reasonable
availability of classes for the program for the parent. Parent education programs must offer
an opportunity to participate at all phases of a pending or postdecree proceeding.

new text begin (e)new text end Upon request of a party and a showing of good cause, the court may excuse the party
from attending the program. If past or present domestic abuse, as defined in chapter 518B,
is alleged, the court shall not require the parties to attend the same parent education sessions
and shall enter an order setting forth the manner in which the parties may safely participate
in the program.

new text begin (f) Before an initial case management conference for a proceeding under this chapter
where the parties have not agreed to custody or parenting time, the court shall notify the
parties of their option to resolve disagreements, including the development of a parenting
plan, through the use of private mediation.
new text end