Parenting classes by state · Michigan
Court-Ordered Parenting Classes in Michigan
In Michigan, the court-ordered parenting / parent-education requirement is the SMILE (Start Making It Livable for Everyone) — the Friend of the Court parent-education program, overseen by County Friend of the Court (a function of the circuit court's family division); overseen statewide by the State Court Administrative Office, Friend of the Court Bureau. Here's who has to take it, whether you can do it online, how long it takes, and how to find a course your county's circuit court (the Friend of the Court) will accept.
Quick answer: parenting classes in Michigan
Varies by court / county. There is no single statewide course — each county's Friend of the Court runs its own SMILE session, so the format and length vary by county. Many counties now offer it online (a live Zoom session or a self-paced video), while others still require in-person attendance, so confirm the accepted format with the Friend of the Court in the county where the case is filed. your county's circuit court (the Friend of the Court) decides what counts — confirm the course and format before you enroll or pay.
At a glance
| Is a parenting class required? | Often — required by many counties/courts (not uniformly statewide) |
|---|---|
| Who takes it & when | Parents with minor children in a divorce, custody, or paternity case are ordered by their county circuit court (through the Friend of the Court) to complete the SMILE parent-education session, generally before the final judgment of divorce is entered. |
| Typical length | Varies by county — commonly about 2 hours; some counties use a shorter ~40–90 minute video or Zoom session. |
| In person or online? | Varies by court / county |
| Program name | SMILE (Start Making It Livable for Everyone) — the Friend of the Court parent-education program |
Michigan-specific rules to know
- Imposed by local circuit-court order through each county's Friend of the Court, not by a uniform statewide statute — so availability, format, length, cost, and deadlines differ from county to county.
- Both parents are ordered to attend (each parent completes their own session), and a certificate of completion must be filed with the Friend of the Court.
- Completion is generally required before the court will enter the final Judgment of Divorce; failing to complete it can delay the judgment, and some counties set a deadline (for example, within a set number of days after filing/service).
- Delivery ranges from in-person sessions to live Zoom classes to self-paced online videos depending on the county; cost is typically low or free (around $25 per parent in some counties).
Find an approved parenting class in Michigan
Start with the official state or court list — that's the one your county's circuit court (the Friend of the Court) is most likely to accept — then confirm the specific course with your court or clerk:
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for parenting classes in Michigan — then check any provider against the official guidance above and your court's order before enrolling.
Can you take it online? Whether an online parenting course is accepted in Michigan depends on your court or county. An approved online course can be the fastest way to finish — but confirm your county's circuit court (the Friend of the Court) accepts your specific course first. How court-approved online parenting classes work →
Source & accuracy: compiled from County Friend of the Court (a function of the circuit court's family division); overseen statewide by the State Court Administrative Office, Friend of the Court Bureau and official Michigan court sources. Requirements change and vary by county and case — always confirm the course, format, hours, and deadline with your court before enrolling. Sources: courts.michigan.gov/administration/offices/friend-of-the-court-bureau, courts.michigan.gov/trial-court-directory, legislature.mi.gov/Publications/FriendofCourt.pdf, branchcounty.gov/courts/foc/smile, eatoncounty.org/659/SMILE-Program.