Q: Can the court make you take classes over one incident between the parents?

A: Mother had been drinking and while intoxicated, mother and father had a fight, resulting in the police being called to your home. As a result of their observations/complaint by the father or another who was present, the mother was arrested - presumably for assault. I don't know if a domestic violence complaint was filed in addition to the criminal assault charge, but as a result of their observations / the details of the assault complaint, DCPP may have been contacted and now Mother and Father are being told that there is concern being voiced by the prosecutor's office or DCPP about the incident and the behavior taking place in the home and its impact on your child[ren]. As a result of their concerns, mother and father are told that they want both to go to either an anger management or parenting type class. My sense is that if mother/father fails to attend the classes, a DCPP file will be opened (if one is not already open) and both of you will find yourselves in a DCPP court proceeding. I would attend the classes because it sounds like the police / DCPP have a very different view of the conflict between mother and father and its impact of the child[ren].

A: Thank you for your question. I am sorry the Court is being involved. Yes, a Court can compel you to take classes in that a refusal to do so can lead to the Court removing the children from the home. You should immediately consult with a Family law attorney to recognize and protect your rights and to assist you.