Court-Ordered Parenting Classes: What to Expect

Almost Every Court Requires This

If you're going through divorce or custody proceedings, there's a good chance the court will order you to complete a parenting education class. Many states require it by law. Here's what to expect and how to knock it out efficiently.

What Parenting Classes Cover

• Impact of divorce and separation on children at different ages
• How parental conflict affects child development
• Effective co-parenting communication
• Helping children adjust to two homes
• Age-appropriate ways to discuss the situation with your kids
• Conflict reduction techniques
• Building a child-centered parenting plan

Duration and Format

• In-person: 4–8 hours, usually over 1–2 sessions
• Online: 4–12 hours, self-paced (complete on your schedule)
• Some programs are a single full-day session; others spread across multiple weeks

Cost

• Online programs: $25–$100
• In-person programs: $30–$150
• Fee waivers: Some programs offer reduced rates for low-income participants

Court-Accepted Online Options

These are accepted in most states (always verify with your court clerk before enrolling):

OnlineParentingPrograms.com

onlineparentingprograms.com

• Accepted in most states
• Self-paced, complete from home
• Certificate provided upon completion
• Multiple language options

UpToParents.org

uptoparents.org

• Free — yes, actually free
• Accepted in many jurisdictions
• Created by a retired judge
• Focus on putting children's needs first
• Check with your court clerk to confirm acceptance

Kids in the Middle

kidsinthemiddle.org

• Co-parenting education program
• Both online and in-person options
• Evidence-based curriculum

How to Verify Acceptance

Before paying for any program:

1. Call your court clerk's office
2. Ask: "Which parenting education programs do you accept?"
3. Many courts have a specific list of approved providers
4. Some courts require the program to be completed through a local provider

Completion Certificates

After finishing the program:

• You'll receive a certificate of completion
• File a copy with the court
• Give a copy to your attorney
• Keep the original for your records
• Complete the class as early as possible — it shows initiative and prevents delays

Pro Tip: Complete It Early

Don't wait for the court to order it. Many fathers complete parenting education voluntarily before it's required. This:

• Shows the judge initiative and cooperation
• Removes a potential delay in your case
• Provides genuinely useful skills for co-parenting
• Looks good in your case file

Next Steps

1. Check with your court clerk about which programs are accepted
2. If you can do it online, register for UpToParents.org (free) or OnlineParentingPrograms.com
3. Complete the program and get your certificate
4. File the certificate with the court
5. Apply what you learned — this stuff actually helps