Family & Safety

Parents with minor A person under 18 years old children may be in a court case involving custody or visitation Time spent between a child and a person who is not the parent . In these cases, the parents must complete a parent education program.  Parents may also need to complete the program in post-decree litigation. This happens when modification of a parenting plan A document that divides up each parent's significant decision-making responsibility or parenting time. Can also be both. or allocation judgment An official decision by a court that ends the dispute between parties is sought.

The standard parenting education class teaches parents how to improve communication skills. It takes at least 4 hours to complete. It also teaches parents how to avoid hurting their children during the court case. It's recommended that parents complete the education class before any mediation When a neutral person, called a mediator, works to help the parties in a case reach an agreement . The parenting education class may be taken online or in person.  A parent cannot take the class with the other parent or their children. The cost of the course varies by location. The cost may be reduced based on a parent’s income or fee waiver A document that lets someone file court papers for free or at a reduced cost. . To waive To give up a legal right or pardon a fee the class fee, you need a court order waiving the class fee. 

After completing the education course, you'll get a certificate of completion. It must be e-filed with the circuit clerk. Contact the local circuit clerk to find court-approved parenting education programs. The circuit clerk can also show you how to prove course completion.