
It is encouraged that both parents attend the same sessions because there are joint workshops for the parents. If that is not possible due to work or too much animosity the parties can attend separate sections. In addition children over 5 are usually required to attend.
Parenting classes can even be done before a divorce or custody case is filed.
Be aware that many times your case cannot be finalized by an agreement unless both parents have attended class and received a certificate of attendance. The Order does list fines and penalties for non-attendance.
Make sure that you get your certificate of completion as you will have to file it with the court.
The order generally has all the information. If you have a request for an exception, like attending in another county, or another month, or separate sessions from the other parent, contact your attorney or the court regarding that exception.
BLAINE COUNTY. In Blaine County they are offered once every two months at the courthouse in Hailey and are usually from 6-9 pm for three separate days, a Tuesday, Thursday and next Tuesday. There is a one time fee of $60 payable on the first day. Questions call the court (208) 788-5521.
OTHER COUNTIES. If you are unable to attend the class assigned to you, you can wait until the next class or attend in another county like Jerome((208) 644-2600), Twin Falls ((208) 736-4025) or Ada County ((208) 287-7606). Ada County is sometimes advantageous because it is offered every Wednesday and is done in one day (More Info On Ada County Classes). Call the other counties' courthouses to get on their list and get the information.
OUT OF STATE. If one party lives outside of Idaho he or she can attend parenting classes in his state, most courts offer them and the certificate can be submitted to the court.
SAMPLE ORDER TO ATTEND PARENTING TIME IN BLAINE COUNTY
1. The Plaintiff and the Defendant above named are each ordered to attend the following Parenting Classes directed by the Court-,and their children between the age of 6 and 17 shall attend the Children's Program for children of divorcing parents. There will be three (3), three- (3) hour classes for the parents and each child between the ages of 6 and 17 will attend one- three (3) hour class.
2. Children's Program Classes are divided into two groups by age:
Group I Ages 6-10
Group II Ages ll-17
Children less than 6 years of age cannot attend the Children's Program nor may children attend the Parenting Classes. The Children's Classes will he held at the same time and locations as the Parent Classes. Each child will attend I night. The Custodial Parent is responsible to bring the children to their group Classes.
Group 1 class for Children 6 through 10 years of age will he held on the same night as Parenting Class A.
Group 2 class for Children Ii through 17 will he held on the same night as Parenting Class B.
3. The parties shall attend all three of the following Parenting Classes at the Blaine County Judicial Building, 201 nd Ave South. Suite 106. Hailey, Idaho. in the Magistrate Courtroom starting at 6:00 p.m.. and ending at 9:00 p.m. on the following dates:
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
TUESDAY
4. Each parent shall pay a $60.00 fee at the start of the first session. CASH ONLY!!!!
Failure of the parties, or either of them, to pay the fees or to timely appear in person at the Parenting Classes or failure to bring the children to their assigned Children's Class, and stay for the full session may result in the imposition of sanctions for Contempt, which may include a fine or jail term or both, pursuant to Idaho Code 7-610.
6. At the time a complaint for divorce is filed and a summons is issued, the Clerk of the Court shall file the original and deliver two (2) copies of this Order with the summons. The Plaintiff and Plaintiffs counsel, as appropriate, shall timely serve a copy of this Order upon the Plaintiff. Service of this Order on the Defendant shall be at the time of service of the summons and complaint, which shall be at least five (5) days prior to the Parenting Classes. It is Plaintiffs or Plaintiffs counsel's responsibility to make service of this Order on the Defendant. The Return of Service or Acceptance of Service must indicate that service of this Order to Attend Parenting Classes and Children's Program was made on the Defendant.
7. Except in the case of an emergency or subsequent Court Order for good cause shown, attendance at the Parenting Classes and Children's Program by their children is required before any bearing and before a Decree of Divorce is granted.
The terms of this Order supercede any Order pursuant to the Domestic Violence Prevention Act as it concerns contact of the parties. Contact will be allowed for the purpose of complying with this Order.
9. If a person attending the Parenting Class or Children's Program needs the services of an interpreter, the Court will provide that service. However, IT IS THE PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM THE COURT 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE IF THEY WILL NEED THE ASSISTANCE OF AN INTERPRETER so that the Court can make
appropriate arrangements.
IT IS SO ORDERED
R. Ted Israel, Magistrate Judge