Things You Should Know About

Parent Education Class

This booklet is designed to give you generalinformation about the state of Arizona’s

mandated Parent Education Program.

Questions & Answers

Helpful Tips for Parents

Superior Court Locations

Contained in this Booklet

Page 1

Page 10

Page 13

Parent Education Classes

On April 18, 1996, the Governor of Arizonaapproved a law to establish Domestic RelationsEducation on Children’s Issues Programs through-out the state. This law (Arizona Revised Statutes §25-351 et seq.) requires every parent of a natural oradopted unemancipated minor child who files fordivorce, separation, parenting time/custody, or anypaternity proceeding in which a party has requestedthat the Superior Court determine custody, specificparenting time or child support to attend a ParentEducation class. The Court may order attendancewhen parents are involved in a child support case orseek to change an order for custody or parentingtime. This booklet answers commonly asked ques-tions about the class.

NOTE: This booklet is intended to provide generalinformation about Parent Education classes inArizona. It is not a complete nor authoritativereview of this subject and reflects the law of theState of Arizona only as of the date of its publica-tion.

Other available booklets in this series include:

• Child Support Payments• Covenant Marriage• Custody and Parenting Time• Divorce in Arizona• Establishing Paternity for Your Child in Arizona• Protective Orders• Child Support Modification in Arizona

Questions & AnswersBelow is a list of commonly asked questions regard-ing the Parent Education class.

Q. What is a Parent Education Class?

The class (called the Parent InformationProgram in some counties) has been designedfor the purpose of sharing information withparents about the impact that divorce, therestructuring of families and the court’sinvolvement in your case can have on yourchild. The class provides parents with anopportunity to explore the following topics:

• What parents can do to help their childadjust to a divorce or separation

• Emotional effects of divorce or separationon parents and their child

• Harmful effects of parental conflict on chil-dren, including domestic violence

• Ways parents can reduce parental conflict• Avoiding and dealing with problems• Factors that contribute to a child’s healthy

adjustment, including the value of parent-ing plans

• Family court procedures and available community resources

• Common reactions by children and parentsto divorce or other legal proceedingsbetween the parents such as paternity, cus-

A.

1

tody and parenting time (formerly calledvisitation)

• Helpful and harmful parent behaviors• Communication and co-parenting skills• Children’s reactions to divorce and separa-

tion at different stages• Warning signs of children having serious

problems• Emotional and financial responsibility of

parents

Q. Why does the court require people to attenda Parent Education class?

The period of divorce or separation is often a very difficult time for children as well as par-ents. Studies conducted by nationallyrenowned researchers indicate that parentswho attend a Parent Education class are betterable to work cooperatively for the benefit oftheir children, and that such classes may keepthem from having to return to court in thefuture. Both parents and courts around thecountry report that Parent Education classesare helpful and appear to be of great benefit tochildren and parents.

2

Questions & Answers

A.

Q. I am not interested in communicating withmy child’s other parent and therefore do notneed to build communication skills. Whymust I still take the class?

Not communicating with the other parentmay make you feel better; however, it can cre-ate an uncomfortable situation for your child.Children are aware of unspoken tension.When there is absolutely no communicationbetween parents, children become messengersdelivering messages from one parent to theother. Even if you do not like your child’sother parent, the class teaches you ways to

develop a business relation-ship with that parent ... the

business of raisinghealthy children.Putting your child inthe middle of parentalconflict adds more

stress to their lives.

Questions & Answers

3

A.

Q. My child’s other parent and I were nevermarried. Do we have to attend the ParentEducation class?

Yes. If a paternity case has been filed in shicha parent has requested the court to determinecustody, parenting time or child support, theparents must attend the class.

Q. Is this a class that teaches parenting skills?

This is not a parenting skills class. The focus ofthis class will be on how children and adultsreact to separation, divorce, and changes inthe family. It will also help you understandwhat you can do to make those changes easierfor your children.

Q. I’m already a good parent! Do I have toattend this class?

Yes. Having to attend this class does not meanyou are not already a good parent, or even agreat parent. The court wants you to attendthe class in order to get as much informationas possible to assist you in helping your childthrough what may be a very difficult period ofadjustment.

Questions & Answers

A.

A.

A.

4

Questions & Answers

Q. Will I have to attend the class with theother parent?

No. The court recognizes that for some peoplethis would be an uncomfortable situation. Ifyou do not wish to attend class with the otherparent, steps can be taken to ensure that youare not scheduled to attend the same class. Inmost counties, parents may attend the classtogether only with approval by the court.

Q. What if a parent doesn’t attend the class asordered?

State law provides that the court cannot grant the request of a parent who does not attendthe class. For example, if you are the parentseeking a divorce, you must attend the class inorder to obtain your divorce decree. If theother parent does not attend, the divorce maystill be granted; however, if the other parentlater requests a new or modified order fromthe court, that parent first must attend theclass. In some instances the court may hold aparty in contempt of court or impose othersanctions for refusal to take the class.

A.

A.

5

Questions & Answers

Q. I do not know where the other parent livesand have served the other parent by publi-cation. Do I still need to take the class?

Yes. Even parties seeking a default divorcemust take the Parent Education class.

Q. My time is limited as I work two jobs. Howwill I be able to fit the class into my sched-ule?

The class usually takes up to 4-6 hours to com-plete and has a minimum length of two hours.It is offered early in the divorce process and isavailable at different and flexible times includ-ing evenings and weekends.

Q. I have a good working relationship with mychild’s other parent, and we agree complete-ly about custody and parenting time. Do westill have to attend?

The law requires all parents to a case (asdescribed earlier in this booklet), unless waivedby the court, to attend a class. The class is notjust for those parents who are fighting over par-enting time or custody. Working together isjust one of several topics covered by the class.There are many other topics discussed in theclass that even parents who are getting alongcan benefit from when raising their children.

A.

A.

6

A.

Questions & Answers

Q. My child’s other parent currently does notreside in Arizona. Do they have to comeback to Arizona to take this class?

If you or the other parent no longer live inArizona, you both may be able to satisfy therequirements of the Parent Education class byattending a comparable class in the areawhere you each reside. There are hundreds ofsuch parent education classes around thecountry. You may wish to contact the court inyour jurisdiction for information about pro-grams available in your area.

Q. The other parent has never been involvedin my child’s life and does not want to be.Do I still have to attend the class?

Yes. The situation of an uninvolved parentcan pose problems for children as well asunique challenges for the custodial parent.The Parent Education class will provide infor-mation and suggestions that may be useful toyou in raising your child.

A.

A.

7

Questions & Answers

Q. My child and I have been going to counsel-ing about my divorce. Do I still have to goto this class?

Yes. The importance of counseling is one ofthe topics discussed in a Parent Educationclass. Although your counselor might helpyou with some of the issues mentioned in theclass, the Parent Education class may provideyou with information not provided in coun-seling and may complement whatever infor-mation you are given during your counselingsessions.

Q. Who teaches the classes and what are theirqualifications?

The Arizona Supreme Court has establishedstandards for Parent Education classes,including minimum qualifications for pro-gram presenters. The program must be con-ducted by at least one presenter who possess-es a graduate degree in a related field and hasrelevant experience in a number of areas,including child welfare and family dynamics.Each presenter must have experience work-ing in the areas of family law, family protec-tive orders, child welfare, family dynamicsand domestic violence issues.

A.

8

A.

Q. Will I be required to pay for this class?

State law permits the court or program tocharge a class fee for attending a ParentEducation class. Class fees range by county,but cannot exceed $50. Persons of limitedfinancial means may file an application withthe Clerk of Superior Court requesting the feenot be charged or that it be paid in install-ments. Application forms for fee waiver (for-giveness) or deferral (postponement) areavailable at the office of the Clerk of SuperiorCourt in each county.

Questions & Answers

9

Q. Where are these classes taken, and at whattimes are they scheduled?

There are Parent Education classes located ineach county. Classes are offered at varioustimes of the day or evening, during the weekand on weekends in some counties. For a listof class locations, as well as the days andtimes the classes are offered, please contactthe Clerk of Superior Court in your county.

Q. How do I show the Court that I have takenthe class?

In most counties, the instructor of the classwill have forms which verify your attendanceavailable for you to return to the Clerk ofSuperior Court for filing in your county. In afew counties, the instructor forwards the formsto the Clerk of Superior Court directly. Checkwith your individual instructor about themethod which is used by your county. Theform must contain your court case number,your date(s) of attendance, your name andthe name, address and telephone number ofthe instructor.

10

Children whose parents are separating or who arealready divorced must make a big adjustment. Theyneed lots of special attention. The good news is thatit is possible to protect, love, and nurture your childeven though you are no longer together with theother parent! Here are a few tips to help you identi-fy your child’s particular needs. With a little extra“know how,” you can personally help your childsucceed now and after your separation or divorce.

• Listen To Your Child

Always remember: Your child’s statementsare important. Children’s feelings of fear, con-fusion and anger during a separation ordivorce are often reflected in their statements.

Be sure to listen when your child talks to you.Let your child know they can share theirhappy, sad, or angry feelings with you.Children won’t share their feelings if they areafraid of hurting one of their parents.

• Talk To Your Child

Your child may not understand that a separa-tion or divorce was not his or her fault. In fact,some children blame themselves for the prob-lems that parents experience with each other.Help your child understand that the divorce

Helpful Tips For Parents

11

or separation is not their fault, and that yourchild is not being “divorced” by the parents.

• Be There To Comfort

There will be times when your child will dis-play behavior that may appear disruptive.Remember that your children will need toknow they are loved, they will be cared for,and that both parents will still be their momand dad.

• Protect Your Child From Disagreements

If you include your child in conversations ordisagreements about the other parent, yourchild will become insecure and uncomfortablearound you. Children should never be placedin the middle of a disagreement between par-ents or made into messengers, or overhear youmaking derogatory remarks about the otherparent.

Helpful Tips For Parents

12

• Praise Your Child

Praising your child will help them grow upfeeling very good about themselves. Whenchildren feel good about themselves, it is easi-er to understand that although their parentsare no longer together, both parents still lovethem.

• Have Fun With Your Child

Your child needs to spend quality time withyou regardless of how difficult your divorceor separation may be. Having fun allows par-ents and children to feel good about their rela-tionship.

Helpful Tips For Parents

13

Apache County70 West 3rd SouthSt. Johns, AZ 85936(928) 337-7550

Cochise CountyCounty CourthouseBisbee, AZ 85603(520) 432-9364

Coconino County200 N. San FranciscoFlagstaff, AZ 86001(928) 779-6535

Gila County1400 E. AshGlobe, AZ 85501(928) 425-3231

Graham County800 Main St.Safford, AZ 85546(928) 428-3100

Greenlee CountyCounty CourthouseClifton, AZ 85533(928) 865-4242

La Paz County1316 Kofa Ave., Suite 607Parker, AZ 85344(928) 669-6131

Maricopa County201 W. JeffersonPhoenix, AZ 85003(602) 506-3676www.superiorcourt.mari-copa.gov/conciliation/info/parent.asp

Mohave CountyCounty Courthouse401 E. Spring St.Kingman, AZ 86402-7000(928) 753-0713

Navajo CountyCounty Courthouse100 E Carter Rd.Holbrook, AZ 86025(928) 524-4188

Pima County110 W. CongressTucson, AZ 85701(520) 740-3201

Pinal CountyCounty CourthouseFlorence, AZ 85232-2730(520) 868-6296

Superior Court Locations

14

Santa Cruz CountySanta Cruz County Complex2150 North Congress DriveNogales, AZ 85621(520) 375-7700

Yavapai CountyCounty CourthousePrescott, AZ 86301(928) 771-3312

Yuma County168 S. 2nd Ave.Yuma, AZ 85364(928) 329-2164

Superior Court Locations

15

Presented by theArizona Supreme Court

Administrative Office of the CourtsCourt Services Division

Court Programs UnitCoordinating Council Subcommittee.

This publication can be provided in an alternative format or otherassistance may be provided upon request by a qualified individual

with a disability under the provision of The Americans withDisabilities Act.

© 2003 Arizona Supreme Court