FAQ - Parent Education Class
Do I have to attend the Parent Education Class with the other parent?
No, in fact it is strongly recommended that you and the other parent attend separate classes. Attending separately encourages an open exchange among participants and instructors regarding parenting and issues you are experiencing and helps you take full advantage of this opportunity.
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What is a Parent Education Class?
The class (called the Parent Information Program in some counties) has been designed for the purpose of sharing information with parents about the impact that family litigation, the restructuring of families and the involvement of the court in your case can have on you and your child. The class provides parents with an opportunity to explore the following topics:
Common reactions by children and parents to divorce or other legal proceedings between the parents such as paternity
Options available as alternatives to divorce
Resources available to improve or strengthen marriage
The legal process and options available for mediation
Resources available after your case has concluded
Harmful effects of parental conflict on children, including domestic violence
Factors that contribute to the healthy adjustment of the child, including the value of parenting plans
Basic Arizona Family Court or Domestic Relations Court procedures
Helpful and harmful parent behaviors
Communication and co-parenting skills
The reactions to divorce and separation of children at different stages
Warning signs of children having serious problems
Emotional and financial responsibility of parents
Issues surrounding continued access to maternal and paternal relatives
Notification requirements
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Notification requirements - ARS 25-403.05
Why does the court require people to attend a Parent Education class?
The period of divorce or separation is often a very difficult time for children as well as parents. Studies conducted by nationally renowned researchers indicate that parents who attend a Parent Education class are better able to work cooperatively for the benefit of their children, and that such classes may keep them from having to return to court in the future. Both parents and courts around the country report Parent Education classes are helpful and appear to be of great benefit to children and parents.
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Why does the court require people to attend a Parent Education class?
The period of divorce or separation is often a very difficult time for children as well as parents. Studies conducted by nationally renowned researchers indicate that parents who attend a Parent Education class are better able to work cooperatively for the benefit of their children, and that such classes may keep them from having to return to court in the future. Both parents and courts around the country report Parent Education classes are helpful and appear to be of great benefit to children and parents.
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I am not interested in communicating with the other parent and therefore do not need to build communication skills. Why must I still take the class?
Not communicating with the other parent may make you feel better. However, it can create an uncomfortable situation for your child. Children are aware of unspoken tension. When there is absolutely no communication between parents, children become messengers delivering messages from one parent to another. Even if you do not like the other parent, the class teaches you ways to develop a business relationship with that parent - the business of raising healthy children. Putting your child in the middle of parental conflict adds more stress to their lives.
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I have been ordered to attend a Parent Education Class. Where do I go to attend?
To learn about the various locations and the times when the Parent Education class is held, contact the Superior Court in your county. Often counties offer online or remote service classes for those who cannot attend in person.
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Is this a class that teaches parenting skills?
This is not a parenting skills class. The focus of this class with be on how children and adults react to separation, divorce, and changes in the family. It will also help you understand what you can do to make those changes easier for you children.
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I am already a good parent. Do I have to attend this class?
Yes. Having to attend this class does not mean that you are not a good parent, or even a great parent. The court wants you to attend the class in order to get as much information as possible to assist you in helping your child through what may be a very difficult period of adjustment.
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What if a parent does not attend the class as ordered?
State law provides that the court cannot grant the request of a parent who does not attend the class. For example, if you are the parent seeking a divorce, you must attend the class in order to obtain your divorce decree. If the other parent does not attend, the divorce may still be granted. However, if the other parent later requests a new or modified order from the court, that parent must first attend the class. In some instances the court may hold a party in contempt of court or impose other sanctions for refusal to take the class.
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I do not know where the other parent lives and have served the other parent by publication. Do I still need to take the class?
Yes. Even parents seeking a default divorce must take the Parent Education class.
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My time is limited as I work two jobs. How will I be able to fit the class into my schedule?
The class usually takes 4-6 hours to complete and has a minimum length of two hours. It is offered early in the divorce process and is available at different and flexible times, including evenings and weekends. If the judge assigned your case permits, you may also be able to take an online course approved by the court.
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The other parent does not currently reside in Arizona. Does the other parent have to come back to Arizona to take this class?
If the other parent no longer lives in Arizona, they may be able to satisfy the requirements of the Parent Education class by attending a comparable class in the area where the other parent lives. There are hundreds of such parent education classes around the country. The other parent may contact the court where they reside about programs available there.
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I have a good working relationship with the other parent, and we agree completely about legal decision making and parenting time. Do we still have to attend?
The law requires all parents to a case, unless waived by the court, to attend a class. The class is not just for those parents who are fighting over legal decision making and parenting time. Working together is just one of several topics covered by the class. There are many other topics discussed in the class that even parents who are getting along can benefit from when raising their children.
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The other parent has never been involved in the life of my child and does not want to be. Do I still have to attend the class?
Yes. The situation of an uninvolved parent can pose problems for children as well as unique challenges for you. The Parent Education class will provide information and suggestions that may be useful to you in raising your child.
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My child and I have been going to counseling about my divorce. Do I still have to go to this class?
Yes. The importance of counseling is one of the topics discussed in a Parent Education class. Although your counselor might help you with some of the issues mentioned in the class, the Parent Education class may provide you with information not provided in counseling and may complement whatever information you are given during your counseling sessions.
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Who teaches the classes and what are their qualifications?
The Arizona Supreme Court has established standards for Parent Education classes, including minimum qualifications for program presenters. The program must be conducted by at least one presenter who possesses a graduate degree in a related field and has relevant experience working in the areas of family law, family protective orders, child welfare, family dynamics, and domestic violence issues.
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Will I be required to pay for this class?
State law permits the court or program to charge a class fee of not more than $50.00 for attending a Parent Education class. If you cannot afford the class, you may file an application with the Clerk of Superior Court requesting the fee not be charged or that it be paid in installments. Application forms for fee waiver or deferral are available at the office of the Superior Court in each county.
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Fee Waiver or Deferral Forms
How do I show the Court that I have taken the class?
In most counties, the instructor of the class will have forms that verify your attendance. You return this form to the Clerk of the Superior Court in your county, where it will be filed. In a few counties, the instructor forwards the forms to the Clerk directly. Check with your instructor about the process they use. The form must contain your court case number, the day or days you attended, your name and the name, address, and telephone number of your instructor.
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