For the Sake of the Children Course Materials

Take The Course

For the Sake of the Children is an online supportive information program to help parents understand what they are going through during a separation, both legally and emotionally, and to learn more about the needs of their children.

How do I take the course?

You can start the course by clicking on “Introduction” below, which will give you more information about how the course works. You must complete each section listed. At the end of each section, you will answer reflective questions to help you apply what you have learned to your own situation. You can take the course at your own pace—start and stop when you need to. The course takes roughly four hours to complete.

Course topics include:

Relationship Building Blocks
Children Can Cope with Separation and Divorce
Learning Your Way Around the Legal System
Parenting Plans That Work for Your Family

Course Outline

Introduction

Section 1: Relationship Building Blocks

Section 2: Children Can Cope with Separation and Divorce

Section 3: Learning Your Way Around the Legal System

Section 4: Parenting Plans That Work for Your Family

How do I show the court that I completed the course?

If you have an existing court file, a signed copy of the Acknowledgement of Completion Form, digital or original wet ink, is required to demonstrate to the court that you completed the program. See below of filing instructions.

How do I file the Acknowledgement of Completion Form with the court?

If you have an existing court file, you have the following options:

You can email an electronic copy of the Acknowledgement of Completion Form including your digital signature to GetGuidance@gov.mb.ca. In your email, please include both your name, the name of the other parent or guardian, and your court file number.

The Family Resolution Service will provide a hard copy of your digitally signed document to the court on your behalf. This may save you both time and money related to attending the court office in person where your file is located (i.e. public transit or parking, time off work, childcare, etc.) and potential legal service fees if you ask your lawyer to file on your behalf.

If you do not want to file electronically, you can print and wet ink sign the Acknowledgment of Completion Form and file this document in person or send it by mail, with the Manitoba court office where your file is located.

There may be costs related to attending a court office in person (i.e. public transportation or parking, time off work, childcare, etc.). If sending by mail, you will need to pay for postage.
You can provide an original wet ink signed Acknowledgment of Completion Form to your lawyer and have them file with the court. There may be fees related to this option.

What if I don’t have an existing court file?

If you do not yet have an existing court file, Family Resolution Service staff are not able to file the Acknowledgement of Completion Form on your behalf.

If you are considering a court action, please consult with a family law lawyer or contact the Family Resolution Service to speak with a Family Guide.

Is the Acknowledgment of Completion Form required to access mediation through the Family Resolution Service?

Yes, a copy of the Acknowledgement of Completion Form is required and can be sent by email to GetGuidance@gov.mb.ca. In your email, please include your name, the name of the other parent or guardian and let us know you would like to access mediation.

If you have an existing court file and would like us to file your digitally signed Acknowledgement of Completion Form on your behalf for free, please follow the instructions listed above.

You should keep a copy of the Acknowledgment of Completion Form for your records. For more information about how to complete and file this document, please contact a family guide at GetGuidance@gov.mb.ca or call: 204-945-2313 (Winnipeg) or 1-844-808-2313 (toll-free). Please include ‘FTSOTC’ in your email subject line.

How can I give you feedback about the course?

Manitoba Justice is committed to improving family justice services and programs. Your feedback is important. Completing the online survey will help us improve the course as we continue to modernize family law in Manitoba.

Click the link below to access the survey. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You may respond anonymously or register as a site user. If you register, you will be able to participate in all engagement activities available at EngageMB.ca.

We are listening to what Manitobans say. Working together, we can make positive changes in the lives of Manitobans.

Family Law Manitoba is your source for information and support.