Parenting classes by state · Washington
Court-Ordered Parenting Classes in Washington
In Washington, the court-ordered parenting / parent-education requirement is the Court-approved parenting seminar (parent education seminar), overseen by Washington Courts (state judicial branch), authorized by RCW 26.12.170 and 26.12.172; the requirement is imposed and administered by each county Superior Court through its local family law rules.. 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 Superior Court will accept.
Quick answer: parenting classes in Washington
Online classes accepted. Washington has no single statewide class or provider list — most (effectively nearly all) county Superior Courts require an approved "parenting seminar" by local family-law rule, an authority the Legislature granted courts in RCW 26.12.170/.172 rather than a uniform statewide mandate, so the class name, deadline, fee cap, and approved providers vary by county. Approved online seminars are widely accepted (King County currently offers its seminar only online via Zoom), but you must use a provider your county's court approves; some counties (e.g., Pierce) accept online courses only from their own approved providers, so confirm before you enroll or pay. your county Superior 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 | Both parents in a divorce (dissolution), legal separation, parentage, or major parenting-plan modification case involving minor children — generally to be completed within 60 days after the petition is served on the responding party and always before a final parenting plan is entered. |
| Typical length | Typically about 4 hours (varies by county) |
| In person or online? | Online classes accepted |
| Program name | Court-approved parenting seminar (parent education seminar) |
Washington-specific rules to know
- The requirement is set by each county Superior Court's local family-law rules (e.g., King County LFLR 13, Pierce County PCLSPR 94.05) under RCW 26.12.170/.172 — not a single statewide supreme-court rule — so names, deadlines, and fees differ by county.
- Both parents must complete it, but never together: 'In no case shall opposing parties be required to attend a seminar together' (RCW 26.12.172).
- Common deadline is completion within 60 days after the petition is served, and the certificate of completion generally must be filed before the court will enter a final parenting plan.
- Courts may waive it for good cause and must waive or modify it where there is domestic violence, abuse, or safety concerns; cases filed as minor guardianships under chapter 11.130 RCW are exempt (RCW 26.12.172).
- Provider fees are court-approved and capped by local rule (commonly around $60 per seminar; some counties differ — King County charges about $80), with fee waivers available for low-income parties.
Find an approved parenting class in Washington
Start with the official state or court list — that's the one your county Superior Court is most likely to accept — then confirm the specific course with your court or clerk:
Washington doesn't publish one central approved-course list — your county Superior Court, your clerk of court, or your county's family-law self-help center will tell you which courses are accepted for your case.
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for parenting classes in Washington — then check any provider against the official guidance above and your court's order before enrolling.
Can you take it online? Washington generally accepts approved online parenting courses. An approved online course can be the fastest way to finish — but confirm your county Superior Court accepts your specific course first. How court-approved online parenting classes work →
Source & accuracy: compiled from Washington Courts (state judicial branch), authorized by RCW 26.12.170 and 26.12.172; the requirement is imposed and administered by each county Superior Court through its local family law rules. and official Washington court sources. Requirements change and vary by county and case — always confirm the course, format, hours, and deadline with your court before enrolling. Sources: app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.12.170, app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.12.172, kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja/courts-jails-legal-system/superior-court-local-rules/local-family-law-rules/lflr-13, kingcounty.gov/en/court/superior-court/courts-jails-legal-system/court-programs-children-families/divorce-custody-adoption/register-parent-seminar, piercecountywa.gov/2382/Impact-on-Children-Seminar-Details.