Home > Self-Service Center > Child Support and Family Law > Parent Education Program

Parent Education Program
Attending a program focused on the children's needs.

All parents who are newly involved in a dissolution of marriage, separation, or annulment, or unmarried parents, that have requested the court to determine custody, specific parenting time or child support will be court-ordered to attend an educational program focused on their children’s needs.

The purpose of the class is to educate persons about the impact of divorce on adults and children. The Supreme Court has adopted minimum standards for these programs that address the length and nature of the program, the qualifications of program providers and the means by which the program will be evaluated and maintained.
 
 
Each county administers the parent education programs and offer in-person classes or online programs. Contact your court for registration and payment information for the parent education program.
 
Minimum Required Standards for Education Programs
✔ Instruction related to the emotional, psychological, financial, physical and other short-term and long-term effects of divorce on adults and children ✔ Options available as alternatives to divorce
✔ Resources available to improve or strengthen marriage ✔ Legal process of divorce and options available for mediation
✔ Resources available after divorce ✔ Each program also includes information regarding notification to the other parent about a convicted or registered sex offender or a person who has been convicted of a dangerous crime against children as defined in ARS § 13-705 may have access to the child
 
Authorities
 

AO 2013-66 - Amending AO 2012-8 (technical correction)

AO 2012-8 - Changes to Education Program Requirements for Parent Education Programs

AO 96-52 - Adoption of Minimum Standards for Domestic Relations Education on Children's Issues Programs

Arizona Revised Statutes - Title 25 - Marital and Domestic Relations

ARS §§ 25-351 through 25-355 - Domestic Relations Education on Children's Issues

ARS § 25-403.05(B) - Parent Education Program Requirements

ACJA § 3-202 - Parent Education Programs - Minimum Standards