These classes are mandatory for divorcing parents of children under the age of 18. The petitioner spouse must attend these courses within 60 days of filing the Petition for Divorce, and the respondent spouse must attend the courses within 30 days of being served the petition. No temporary orders will be considered by the court until the requesting party completes this course.
If you are a parent in a temporary separation case, only attendance at the divorce orientation course is mandatory within the established timelines. For divorcing parents, both the divorce orientation and divorce education courses must be completed by both parties before the court will issue a divorce decree.
Course descriptions
Divorce orientation course
This course educates parents about divorce and the alternatives. Includes discussion of resources to help improve the marriage, options for the divorce process, resolving custody and support issues without filing for divorce, and resources for divorced individuals, amongst other things
Divorce education course
This course helps parents to understand what their children go through during a divorce. Topics include the grieving process for children in a divorce, how the conflict between parents affects children, and the financial and legal aspects of divorce, as well as other points.
Divorce education for children 9-12 years of age
It might be helpful for your child to attend a free one-hour divorce education course led by a mental health professional. This course helps young kids understand that divorce isn't their fault, shows them they're not alone, and offers them communication and coping skills to use.
Related: Create a Thoughtful Divorce Co-Parenting Plan Worksheet
For more information, you can find the Court's site here. Have questions about the process? Schedule a free 15-minute call with us.
