Required Classes for Parents (Divorce, custody, & temporary separation cases)

You can take the classes online at https://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.

Calendars of dates and times

• September 2024 - PDF
• October2024 - PDF
• November 2024 - PDF
• December 2024 - PDF

Class locations 

If you have questions, call 801-447-5528

Things to know:

• You do not need an appointment. Registration takes about 15 minutes, so please arrive early. 
  
• Have your court case number with you so you can give it to the teacher.
  
• Bring the money for class or if the court waived the fee bring your signed Order on Motion to Waive Fees.
  
• You may bring a support person with you. 
  
• If a class is held in a courthouse, you will have to pass through airport-type security to enter the building, so do not bring anything that might be considered a weapon or contraband.
  
• Children are not allowed
  
• Late arrivals will not be admitted 
  
• Intoxicated and disruptive people will not be admitted.
  

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.

Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-907

The divorce orientation class educates parents about divorce and its alternatives. The class informs parents about:

• Resources to improve or strengthen the marriage.
  
• Resources to resolve custody and support issues without filing for divorce.
  
• The positive and negative consequences of divorce.
  
• Procedural options in a divorce, including mediation, collaborative law, and litigation.
  
• The divorce process.
  
• Post-divorce resources.
  

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:

• How children experience change. What to expect from a child based on the child's developmental age, and how to help a child adjust.
  
• Helpful ways to communicate with a child. What children need to know and what they don't need to know.
• Parental behavior that promotes good self-esteem in children. Encouraging and supporting expression of your child's feelings.
• How and why conflict between parents creates stress for children. How to decrease the conflict children are exposed to.
• Best practices for meaningful relationships with both parents. Helpful ways to share parenting responsibilities and encourage cooperative behavior with both parents.
• Financial responsibilities of the parties to the child.
• Domestic violence has a harmful effect on children and family relationships.