Parenting Classes Required in Colorado

Summary:  The court will not enter final divorce orders unless a parenting class has been completed. Make sure that your parenting class is completed early, to avoid any delay in the completion of your case. If you are unable to attend a class, you may be able to take the class on-line.

Parenting Class if Minor Children

Under CRS §12-10-123.7, Colorado courts now require each parent in a divorce or other family law proceeding to attend a parenting class before final orders are entered. Anytime the parties will be co-parenting at least one child under the age of 18.

The court will not enter final orders to conclude the case unless the parenting classes have been taken by both parties.

The classes focus on co-parenting skills. How to share parenting time and responsibilities, in order to protect and act in the best interest of the child(ren). How to avoid disputes. How to avoid using the children as a go-between or using children to gain advantage in a dispute.

The classes are offered several times each week. Some are held during the evening hours Monday through Saturday and some are on Saturday. They last about 3 and 1/2 hours. If you are unable to attend, you may be able to complete the attendance requirement on-line.  (Some courts do not allow the on-line class.)

The cost is about $65 each. Generally the parties each pay for their own attendance.

The instructors will provide a certificate of completion, which must be filed with the court.