Parents with children under 18 years old are required to take classes as part of these cases:
These classes are sometimes called "Mandatory Parenting Course" and "Divorce Orientation Course."
Be sure your are taking the classes from a court-approved provider or they will not count. The court will not sign a final order in the case unless both parents have taken the classes or tthe court has waived the requirement.
Parties that do not have minor children are not required to take the classes. Parties in a dviroce or temporary separation case can choose to take the Divorce Orientation class even if they do not have minor children.
Do you have more questions? Choose from the options below to learn more.
If you and the other party in a divorce case have children together that are under 18 you both have to take these two classes:
If you do not have minor children together you can still take the Divorce orientation class if you want but it is not required.
Utah Code 30-3-4, 30-3-11.3 and 30-3-11.4, and Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-907
If you have a custody case (sometimes called a parentage case) or a paternity case that includes custody or parent-time then both parents have to take the Parenting class.
This is a new requirement for cases that started on May 1, 2024 or after.
For cases started before May 1, 2024, the judge may order the parents to take the class in certain situations.
Utah Code 30-3-11.3, 78B-15-610, and Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-907
If you and the other party in a temporary separation case have children together that are under 18 you both have to take the Divorce Orientation class.
If you do not have minor children together you can still take the Divorce orientation class if you want but it is not required.
You can take the classes online at http://www.divorce.usu.edu/. The online classes are available in English with closed captions and also in Spanish.
You will pay online by credit card. If the court has waived the fee for the classes, there are instructions on the link above for how to submit the waiver.
The online class can be taken anytime.
USU Extension is the only court-approved online provider.
When you finish a class, you will be able to download a Certificate of Completion. You will need to file the certificate with the court as your proof that you took the class. File it with the court - be sure to write your case number on your certificate when you file it.
You can take the classes in person at scheduled times and locations. It does not matter where your case is filed, you can take the classes at any of the locations. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash.
If you have questions, call 801-447-5528
| City | Address & Important Information |
|---|---|
| Provo | Provo City Library at Academy Square 550 North University Avenue, Room 308 Free parking |
| Salt Lake | Redwood Recreation Center 3060 S. Lester St., West Valley City Free parking |
| Salt Lake | Matheson Courthouse 450 South State St. Free parking may be available in the underground parking at the courthouse which you access from the eastbound right lane on 400 south. Limited metered street parking is available nearby. |
When you attend the class, the teacher will submit the Certificate of Completion to the court for you.
Is English not your primary language? You can ask for an interpreter (Spanish or other languages).There is no cost for the interpreter but one must be arranged in advance of the class. For information and forms, see our page Request a Court Interpreter.
In cases where a parent may be incarcerated or there are extenuating circumstances, a DVD can be requested and purchased to view the classes. The DVD contains both English and Spanish versions of the class. To request a DVD, please call 801-238-7181.
Must take the classes within 60 days after filing the Petition with the court.
Must take the classes within 30 days after receiving the Notice of Required Classes.
For divorce and temporary separation cases, the cost of the Divorce Orientation class is discounted for the in-person class if it is taken early. See the details in the “How much do the classes cost?” section of this page.
The court cannot hold a hearing on a motion in a divorce or temporary separation case unless the party that filed the motion has taken the required classes. For example, if you file a motion for a temporary orders you will need to make sure you have taken the classes before the hearing. There is an exception for temporary restraining orders.
The court will not sign a final order in the case unless you and the other parent have taken the classes or had them waived.
The Parenting class fee is $35 per person.
The Divorce Orientation class fee is $30 per person.
The fee for the in-person Divorce Orientation course will be discounted $15 for a petitioner who attends an in-person class within 30 days of filing the petition, and will be discounted $15 for a respondent who attends an in-person class within 30 days of being served with the petition. The fee for the online Divorce Orientation course will not be discounted.
Are you unable to pay for the fees? If you cannot afford to pay the fees you may ask the judge to waive them. If the judge grants the request to waive the fees, you must give a copy of the signed order to the person teaching the class. For more information and forms to waive fees, see our page on Fees and Fee Waiver.
The divorce orientation class educates parents about divorce and its alternatives. The class informs parents about:
The parenting class teaches parents to understand their children's reactions to transitions and to help their children adjust. Parents learn how children of different ages express their pain and loss and the best parenting methods for helping them cope. Some of the topics discussed are:
If attending a live course or completing an online course is not appropriate or is not feasible or is not in the best interest of the parties, the judge can waive the requirement. Either party can ask that the requirement be waived by filing a motion. For more information about motion procedures, see our page on Motions, but use the Forms below.
https://extension.usu.edu/divorce/contact-us
Call 801-447-5528
John Bowers
Education Coordinator
Phone: 801-578-3823
Email: johnizanb@utcourts.gov
The Divorce Education for Children Class is taught online and is free of charge for children ages 6-17. Children and teens need support getting through a divorce, just like adults do. The class provides children and teens with skills they can use to better communicate their feelings to parents and is designed to minimize the adverse effects divorce has on both children and teens. Classes are taught by licensed mental health professionals and currently offered online throughout the state of Utah. To register for an upcoming Divorce Education for Children Class go to www.utcourts.gov/divorceedforchildren/.
Information about filing documents in existing cases by email
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