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What is It?
Parent Education Programs are a 6-8 hour course to help parents cope with a divorce or separation. It is not a course on how to raise children.
Who Must Attend?
- All parents in divorce cases with children under the age of 17
- All parents who are a party to a custody or visitation proceeding
Which Class Should I Attend?
Click here for a list of approved education programs. Parents are responsible for enrolling themselves in a program.
Who Must Attend Domestic Violence Related Classes?
Both parents must go if:
-One parent has a criminal conviction for a crime against the other parent
-There is or ever was a Protection From Abuse Order between the parties
Parents may not attend the same domestic violence class.
What Does It Cost?
Each program sets its own fee, but the fee may not be more than $100 per parent. The programs also offer financial aid.
When Do I Have to Take the Class?
The Court will not schedule a final custody or visitation hearing until the Petitioner and the children have completed the class. If neither parent attends, the Court may dismiss the case. If one parent does not attend, the Court may consider the parent’s failure to attend the class in deciding the case.
How Will The Court Know I Have Completed the Program?
The teachers of each course will give you a certificate when you complete the program. You must give the original certificate to the Court.
Can This Requirement Be Waived?
This requirement may be waived for good reason. The hearing can be scheduled without completing the course if you can show the Court that there is a good reason why you or your children should not have to take the course. If the Petitioner wants the Court to do so, he or she must file a Motion, asking the Court to waive the requirement. Motions are available online and in the Resource Centers.
Questions?
Call Family Court:
New Castle County: (302) 255-0269
Kent County: (302) 672-1000
Sussex County: (302) 855-7400
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