Effective November 1, 2023, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court has reinstated a parent education course requirement for divorcing and other partners (such a paternity matters) with Standing Order 3-2023 (here).

Required parent education courses were the norm pre-covid but prior requirements were withdrawal for the last few years.

The new requirements, which not long, are quite detailed. The course is 4 hours in length and is available to take online (another significant change from pre-covid requirements). Also of important note, is that if the parties settle their case within 60 days of filing a Complaint, the course requirement can be waived.

Information about the Two-Families Now Course can be found here.