Attend divorce education classes

NOTE: PEOPLE FROM ANY MINNESOTA COUNTY CAN ATTEND OUR CLASSES AND MEET STATE GUIDELINES. WE GIVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION THAT CAN BE TURNED IN TO YOUR COUNTY.

Regardless of where you live, if you are thinking about a divorce, have filed for a divorce, or have minor children, consider attending Erickson Mediation Institute's, three-part divorce education program.

Most counties require that all couples filing for divorce attend divorce education classes to encourage consideration of alternatives to litigation and reduce associated conflict and expense. To register, call 952-835-3688.

After completion of the three-part educational program, you have the option to attend a free one-hour personal consultation with a divorce mediator.

Frequently asked questions about the courses
Where and when are the classes held?
Do you have to be a resident of Bloomington or Apple Valley?
Do I have to attend if I’ve filed for divorce in Dakota County?
How do I fulfill the Dakota County Court requirements?
Do I have to attend with my spouse?
What if there has been on-going abuse in my marriage relationship?
What is the cost to attend?
What is the 2007 class schedule?
What is covered in the classes?
How do I register?
What have participants said about the classes?

In Apple Valley, the classes are held evenings from 6:00-9:00 PM in The Dakota County Courthouse, Courtroom B. The Courthouse is at 14955 Galaxie Drive, Apple Valley, MN. (2 stoplights East of Cedar Ave. at Co. Rd. 42)

In Bloomington, the classes are held mornings from 9:00AM-12:00 PM. They are held at the Northland Executive Office Bldg., Level C, 3600 American Blvd. W., Bloomington, MN. (Southeast corner of Hwy. 494 & France Ave.)

Your Attorney is responsible for providing you with a copy of the Court Order three (3) days from the date of your Order.

1. Contact Erickson Mediation Institute (952-835-3688) immediately upon receiving the Court Order to register for the classes.
2. Attend the Divorce Education Classes in either Apple Valley or Bloomington.
3. At the completion of the classes, make an appointment for the Divorce Mediation Free Consultation.
4. Attend a free, one-hour, confidential mediation consultation with a professional mediator. Learn about the divorce mediation process and benefits to couples and families.
5. Erickson Mediation Institute will notify the Dakota County Court confirming your fulfillment of the Order.
6. If you have a current Restraining Order or Order for Protection the Mediation Consultation is voluntary.

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Class 1 – Process, Perspective & Emotions of Divorce: Learn about the divorce and settlement process, roles of the professionals, emotional aspects of divorce including understanding divorce from each spouseÍs perspective. Gain valuable information about property, financial support, and available parenting resources.

Class 2 – Children and Divorce: Offered to parents of minor children. Understand the impact of parental behavior on children in divorce. Learn how to avoid the “pain game” and power and control dynamics. Discuss parenting post-divorce, new relationships, blended families, and the damage caused by domestic violence.

Class 3 – Communication: Learn about stress management, conflict resolution in an interactive and skill-building session on communication.

“I was not sure what to expect in this class. My idea was touchy feely lets all get along. But it was so much more than that. It is so much about what is best for the children (which I think it should be).”

“Learning to diffuse the anger I have towards his impairments.”

“Understanding my children and the effects [our divorce] has on them.”

“Replacing emotions and uncertainty and fear with reason calmness, new skills, good ideas, and so forth. Emphasizing both parents working together doing what’s best for the children. Good Job!”

“Identifying with spouse A & B – understanding that cycles are normal – it is so nice to identify with someone.”

“Examples allowed me to see where I need to improve my communication with my co-parent.”

“Thank God for mediation and the people who support it!”

“. . . learning [about] kids’ feelings and how to help the parents and children get through the hard times.”

“I think this is great & hope my husband will seek out and carry through with this class.”

“An additional chance to diffuse tension.”

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