Parenting Consultant (PC) Training 2026

Become a Parenting Consultant

In Minnesota, a Parenting Consultant (PC) is a court-appointed neutral who helps parents resolve child-related disputes outside the courtroom. PCs facilitate communication, guide problem-solving, and—when necessary—make binding decisions to support children’s best interests.

If you have completed the 40-hour family mediation training required under Rule 114 and are considering serving as a Parenting Consultant – or if you are an experienced PC seeking to strengthen and refine your current practice – this course is designed for you.

This 4-day, 20+ hour training satisfies the educational requirements under Rule 114.12 to apply for the Minnesota Family Law Hybrid Neutrals Roster.

What This Training Covers

This comprehensive program provides a start-to-finish overview of the PC role, with an emphasis on practical skills, standards, and best practices.

Core Areas of Focus

1. Emotional and psychological dynamics of separation and divorce;

2. Developmental needs of children;

3. Addressing domestic abuse in the parenting consulting process;

4. Appointing orders;

5. Fee agreements and billing;

6. Managing the parenting consulting process;

7. Standards and best practices;

8. Statutes and rules, including the Code of Ethics for Court-Annexed ADR Neutrals;

9. Issues and techniques;

10. Drafting summaries and decisions; and

11. Avoiding and handling complaints.

Participants will also gain insight from experienced professionals within the family law community who work with high-conflict families.

Continuing Education (Pending)

Applications have been submitted to:

• MN Board of CLE

• MN Board of Psychology

• MN Board of Social Work

• MN Board of Marriage & Family Therapy

• MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (LADC, LPC/LPCC)

• State Court Administrator ADR Program (23 hours of ADR training pending)

  
  

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for professionals who:

• Have completed the Rule 114 family mediation prerequisite

• Are seeking qualification as a Parenting Consultant

• Want advanced training in hybrid neutral and high-conflict family work

Training Faculty

Jennifer E. Joseph, JD

Jennifer E. Joseph is an attorney in Saint Paul, MN. Her private practice is limited to Alternative Dispute resolution (ADR), and other neutral services in family law matters. Ms. Joseph specializes in helping parents resolve parenting and co-parenting disputes through her work as a mediator, parenting coordinator, parenting coach, custody evaluator, early neutral evaluator, and Special Master. She also provides training and continuing education to family law professionals through local, regional and national organizations. She is a former president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC-MN), and currently serves on the board of directors of the International Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). 

Kent Kodalen, PhD, LP

Dr. Kent Kodalen is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Eagan, Minnesota. He provides therapy for individuals and families, and ADR services as a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114. He serves as a parenting consultant, parenting coach, child specialist for child inclusive mediations, and SENE provider. A graduate of the University of Victoria, Dr. Kodalen is a past President of AFCC-MN and former chair of the ADR Training Committee. He applies his expertise in lifespan development, individual and family systems assessment, parenting skills, and mindfulness-based interventions to provide treatments to help individuals and families navigate high conflict situations.