Next Step Counseling

Court-required classes

Court-Required Divorce & Parent Education Classes Explained

If you are divorcing and have minor children, many family courts ask you to complete a short divorce- or parent-education class before the judge signs the final decree. These classes are built around the children — not the marriage — and they are usually quick, affordable, and available online. Here is what they cover, how long they take, and how Next Step Counseling connects you with a licensed, court-approved program and confirms your court accepts it.

Is a divorce/parent-education class required before a divorce is final?

In many states, yes — when minor children are involved, parents must complete an approved parent-education class before the court will finalize the divorce. But this is not a single national rule. Whether it applies, who has to attend, and when it is due all vary by state and often by county. Some courts order it in every case with children; others only require it in contested or high-conflict matters. The fastest way to know is to check your state's court self-help portal or call the clerk handling your case. You can find your state court system through USA.gov's state courts directory.

What do these courses cover?

Court-accepted curricula concentrate on protecting children through the transition. Common topics include:

This child-focused design reflects the same research-based approach used in many court parent-education programs — the kind of curriculum described in materials from the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) — which courts rely on to support children during a family change.

How long is a divorce-education class and when is it due?

Most accepted classes are short — often around four hours total — and many can be completed online at your own pace or in a single sitting. The deadline is tied to your case rather than a fixed calendar date: you typically must finish before a specific hearing or before the judge will sign the final decree. Your order, or the court clerk, will tell you the exact cutoff, so start early enough to file your certificate on time.

Does one class satisfy both divorce-education and co-parenting requirements?

Sometimes a single approved course covers both the divorce-education and co-parenting requirements, and sometimes the court orders two separate classes. It depends entirely on how your order is written and what your county accepts. Read your order carefully and check with the clerk before enrolling — confirming this first can save you from paying for a class that does not count.

Which states require divorce/parent education?

Many states require parent education in divorces involving minor children, but the details — hours, approved curricula, and who must attend — differ from state to state and county to county. Because requirements change and are set locally, treat any nationwide list as a starting point only and verify your own court's rule directly through your state court self-help portal or the clerk of court.

How much does it cost and how do I submit the certificate?

Court-accepted divorce-education classes commonly cost about $25 to $60, and many courts offer fee waivers if cost is a hardship — ask the clerk before you pay. When you finish, the provider issues a certificate of completion. Most courts want that certificate filed with the clerk or brought to your hearing; some approved providers file it electronically for you. Confirm the filing method so your completion is on record before your deadline.

What to confirm before enrolling

Item to confirm Why it matters
Is a class actually required in your case? Not every divorce triggers it; requirements vary by court and case type.
Approved provider or curriculum Many counties accept only specific programs — an unapproved class may not count.
Number of hours required Courts set a minimum (often a few hours); a shorter class may be rejected.
Deadline for completion Usually tied to a hearing or the decree — missing it can delay your case.
Whether both parents must attend Some orders require each parent to complete the class separately.
How to submit the certificate Filing rules differ; the court must receive proof before it acts on your case.

Confirm before you enroll. Whether a divorce- or parent-education class satisfies your order, and which curriculum is accepted, is decided by your specific court and jurisdiction. Requirements vary by state and county, so Next Step Counseling helps you confirm your court accepts a licensed, court-approved program before you enroll or pay.

Get help finding an accepted class See Parenting Classes

Frequently asked questions

Is a divorce-education or parent-education class required before a divorce is final?

In many states, when minor children are involved, a parent-education class must be completed before the court will finalize the divorce. This is not universal — requirements vary by state and even by county, and some courts only order it in contested or high-conflict cases. Check your state court self-help portal or ask the clerk handling your case to confirm whether it applies to you.

What do divorce-education classes cover?

Most accepted curricula focus on the children: how divorce and separation affect kids at different ages, how to reduce conflict in front of them, how to communicate with a co-parent, and how to build a workable parenting schedule. The goal is to help parents protect children during the transition rather than to assign blame.

How long is a divorce-education class and when is it due?

Many court-accepted classes run only a few hours — often around four hours total, available in person or online. The deadline is usually tied to your case: completion before a specific hearing or before the judge will sign the final decree. Your order or the court clerk will state the exact deadline.

Does one class satisfy both a divorce-education and a co-parenting requirement?

Sometimes a single approved course covers both, and sometimes the court orders two separate classes. It depends on how your order is written and what your county accepts. Read the order carefully and confirm with the clerk before enrolling so you do not pay for the wrong class.

Which states require divorce or parent education?

Many states have some form of parent-education requirement in divorces involving minor children, but the specifics — who must attend, how many hours, and which curricula are approved — vary by state and county. Because the rules differ so widely, verify your local requirement directly rather than relying on a general list.

How much does a divorce-education class cost?

Court-accepted classes commonly cost roughly $25 to $60, and many courts offer fee waivers or reduced fees for people who cannot afford them. If cost is a barrier, ask the clerk about a waiver before enrolling.

How do I submit the completion certificate to the court?

After you finish, the provider issues a certificate of completion. Most courts want it filed with the clerk or presented at your hearing, and some accepted providers file it electronically for you. Confirm the exact filing method with your court so the completion is recorded before your deadline.

Last reviewed: · Written and reviewed by the Next Step Counseling editorial team against public court, DMV, and government sources. See our editorial standards.