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Parenting classes · Named programs

Parenting Programs Courts Order by Name

Court orders often name a parenting class by its program name rather than just saying “a parenting class.” These are the named programs we have verified in official court or state sources — what each one is, which courts document it, and how to confirm it counts for your case.

Quick answer

If your order names a program, take that exact program. Some are run by the court itself (Between Two Parents in Los Angeles, SMILE in Michigan counties), some are the only course a court approves (Two Families Now in Massachusetts), and some appear on court-approved provider lists (Children in Between, Children in the Middle, Clark County’s COPE seminar providers). Acceptance is always decided by the court handling your case.

ProgramWhat it isWhere courts document itOnline?
Between Two Parents The Los Angeles Superior Court’s own free online co-parenting program — six sessions over about seven weeks, for court-ordered parents only. Los Angeles County, CA (court-run) Online only
Children in Between The Center for Divorce Education’s online co-parenting course — required by name in Cuyahoga County, OH, and on court-approved lists in several other places. Cuyahoga Co. OH; Cook Co. IL; Snohomish Co. WA; Oregon counties Online (some local in-person classes)
Children in the Middle The name Iowa’s judicial districts use for the court-approved course parents must take in custody and visitation cases — taught by many recognized providers. Iowa (district-recognized providers) Often — if the provider is on your district’s list
SMILE Start Making It Livable for Everyone — the parent-education program Michigan county Friend of the Court offices require in divorce cases with minor children. Michigan counties (Friend of the Court) Usually — varies by county
Two Families Now An online co-parenting course — the single course Massachusetts Probate and Family Court approves, and listed by some other courts. Massachusetts (statewide); Clark Co. NV; Multnomah Co. OR Online only
COPE Class (Seminar for Separating Parents) Clark County, Nevada’s Seminar for Separating Parents, still widely called the COPE class — ordered by Family Division judges in custody cases. Clark County (Las Vegas), NV Yes — in person or online

Summary only. Each program page lists the official sources behind it. We are an independent directory — we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any program publisher or court, and none of these links are affiliate links.

Don’t see your program? Check your state’s page for the local program name and the official provider list, or ask the clerk which classes the court accepts.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my court order name a specific parenting program?

Some courts run their own program (Los Angeles Superior Court’s Between Two Parents, Michigan Friend of the Court SMILE programs) or approve a single course (Massachusetts approves only Two Families Now). When the order names a program, take that program — a similar class from another provider may not count.

Can I take a different online parenting class instead of the one named in my order?

Only if the court handling your case says so. Some courts publish a list of approved providers, some accept only one course, and some allow an online substitute only when a judge orders it. Confirm with the clerk or the court office named in your order before you pay.

Written by Michelle Brown, Editor · Last reviewed · Checked against public court, DMV, and government sources. See our editorial standards.