Required class for parties to a divorce with minor children: Children In the Middle

The Flathead County Court is the Eleventh Judicial District Court.  This Court requires parties to a divorce and/or parenting dispute that involve a minor child to complete an approved educational program that will discuss the effects of divorce and parenting time on children in accordance with MCA Section 40-4-226.

Family Court Services of the Eleventh Judicial District Court requests the following topics be addressed:

• Divorce Impact on the Family- Dynamics of Divorce, Separation, and/or loss of a relationship.
• Parenting Strategies- Adversarial versus Cooperation.
• Children's Reactions to Separation and Divorce- Developmental and Emotional.
• Maintaining Attachment with Children.
• Children's Responses to Conflict.
• Conflict Resolution.
• Characteristics of Parents who Succeed with Shared Parenting Arrangements.
• Mediation-- when it may be appropriate.
• When counseling may be necessary.

This is so that divorcing parents can better understand how a divorce will impact their children, and how to (hopefully) make the changes in the child's life easier for them.

Once you begin the process of a divorce or parenting dispute through the Court system in the Eleventh Judicial District Court, you  are required to contact The Nurturing Center , located at 146 Third Avenue West, Kalispell, Montana 59901.  Their number is: (406) 756-1414.  The fees and costs of the program must be paid by the parties.  You can call them directly to register for the program.
The link I have provided to the Nurturing Center will link you to the list of programs available.

It is important that parties comply with this requirement, because failure to comply may result in contempt of Court proceedings, and a finding of contempt is punishable by a fine and/or incarceration.  It is also important to comply because this requirement is in place to help parents help their children through this difficult time and adjustment.