Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Parenting Class
The Probate and Family Court requires Parties appearing in Court with minor child(ren) to attend a MA parenting class/education course called Two Families Now. The Court has found that it is in the best interest of the child(ren) for parents to have positive co-parenting communication, be able to find ways to reduce co-parent conflict, and to understand the negative impact parental conflict can have on the child(ren).
If you fail to complete the co-parenting course the Court may impose a penalty against you.
What is “Two Families Now”?
“Two Families Now” is the Court approved co-parenting education course for unmarried and married parents appearing before the Probate and Family Court. The “Two Families Now” course is a four (4) hour, online, co-parenting course that parents may take at their own pace, using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Is there a fee to take the course?
Yes. Each parent must pay the $49.00 USD course fee to the provider when registering for the course unless the fee is first waived by the Court. If a waiver of the fee is allowed by the Court, you must upload a copy of the approved waiver to the course provider when registering.
If the Court fees in your case have already been waived, you are eligible to have this course fee waived.
If the Court fees in your case have not already been waived and you are unable to afford the $49.00 USD fee, you must file with the Court a “Affidavit of Indigency and Request for Waiver, Substitution or State Payment of Fees and Costs.” The form can be found at each local Probate and Family Court’s Registry or online here.
Timeframe:
Parents must register for the “Two Families Now” course within thirty (30) calendar days of service of the Complaint. If you are the Plaintiff, this means you must register for the course within thirty (30) days of serving a copy of your Complaint and the Summons to the Defendant. If you are the Defendant, that means you must register for the course within thirty (30) calendar days of being served with a copy of the Complaint and Summons.
Once you have registered for the course, you must complete the course within thirty (30) days of registering.
What to Do When You Have Completed the Course?
Once you have completed the “Two Families Now” course, the program will provide you with a downloadable and printable Certificate of Completion. When you receive the Certificate of Completion you must immediately send it to our office. We will file the Certificate of Completion with the Court within fourteen (14) days.
