Is a parenting class required for divorce?

In most states, yes — a short court-approved co-parenting course (4–6 hours, 5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list.

What's the difference between mediation and court?

Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party helping both parents agree on a parenting plan. It's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. If mediation fails or one parent refuses, the court decides. Court-based mediation programs are usually free or sliding-scale.

Which co-parenting apps do courts accept?

OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are court-admissible in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and documentation judges will read if conflict escalates.

What is a parenting plan?

A written document (required in every custody order) detailing where the child lives, when each parent has parenting time, how decisions are made, how holidays are handled, how to resolve disputes, and how to handle changes. Courts provide templates; customized plans are stronger than boilerplate.

Co-Parenting in Alabama

15 verified resources.

About Co-Parenting for Fathers

Co-parenting programs help separated and divorced parents share custody constructively, minimize conflict, and raise children across two households. Most states require court-ordered parent education (often called 'parenting classes' or 'children first' programs) before finalizing a divorce or custody order involving minor children. These classes are usually four to six hours, available online or in person, and cost 5–$75. Private co-parenting mediation is available through court-based mediation programs (often free or sliding-scale) and through private mediators certified by state mediation councils. Digital tools like OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses provide court-admissible communication logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging — many family courts now encourage or require their use in high-conflict cases. This directory includes all three: state-required classes, mediators, and co-parenting apps.

Co-Parenting in Alabama

Alabama family law runs through circuit courts in each of its 67 counties, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources handling child support enforcement. Major population centers include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. Fathers can access free family court help through the Alabama Access to Justice Commission and Legal Services Alabama.

15 Resources

1. Better Way Foundation – Family Mediation — Paid

Private family mediation services for co-parenting disputes in the Birmingham area, helping fathers and mothers reach workable parenting plans outside of court. Dads can call to schedule a mediation session; fees vary and may be shared between parties. Bring photo ID, any current court orders, and a summary of disputed parenting issues. Office on 1st Avenue North open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm by appointment.

205-945-1175 · 2030 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

2. Mediation Center of Alabama — Paid

Statewide family mediation helping fathers and co-parents resolve custody, visitation, and parenting plan disputes without litigation. The Montgomery-based center offers in-person and virtual sessions; fees vary and are often shared by the parties. Dads can call to schedule; bring photo ID, existing court orders, and a list of disputed issues. Office open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for scheduling and case coordination.

334-269-0409 · PO Box 4421, Montgomery, AL 36103 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

3. Family Guidance Center – Montgomery — Paid

Counseling and family support services for Montgomery-area fathers looking to strengthen co-parenting relationships and build healthy family dynamics. Services include individual, couples, and family therapy. Dads can call to schedule intake; sliding-scale fees and some insurance accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and proof of income. Office on Forest Avenue open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for scheduled appointments.

334-270-4100 · 925 Forest Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Jefferson County Mediation Services — Free

Court-connected mediation for Birmingham-area family disputes and co-parenting plans at the 2nd Court North courthouse. Dads referred by the court or filing in Jefferson County can participate in mediation to resolve custody, visitation, and parenting disagreements. Bring photo ID, current court documents, and a summary of disputed issues. Mediation sessions scheduled Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; usually free for court-referred cases.

205-325-5346 · 120 2nd Ct N, Birmingham, AL 35204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

5. Alabama Cooperative Extension – Family Programs — Free

Auburn University's research-based parenting education and family strengthening programs for fathers statewide, including co-parenting workshops and resources. Dads can access online materials, attend local workshops, or contact Duncan Hall for referrals to county extension offices. Programs are typically free; some workshops may have modest materials fees. Main office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with workshops scheduled throughout the year.

334-844-4444 · Duncan Hall, Auburn, AL 36849 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. OurFamilyWizard – Co-Parenting App — Paid

Court-approved co-parenting communication platform used by Alabama fathers to manage custody schedules, messages, expenses, and documents with a documented record accepted in Alabama courts. Dads sign up online; subscription fees apply, with fee waivers sometimes available through local courts. No in-person visit required. Available 24/7 online; mobile apps for iOS and Android keep co-parents connected and accountable.

24/7 online · Visit Website

7. Huntsville Mediation Center — Paid

Family mediation services helping Huntsville-area fathers build co-parenting agreements and resolve custody disputes without court. Sessions are conducted in person or virtually; fees vary and are often shared by the parties. Dads can call to schedule; bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and a summary of disputed parenting issues. Office on Memorial Parkway open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm by appointment.

256-534-2848 · 3322 S Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35801 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

8. Tuscaloosa County Family Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation for co-parenting plans and family disputes at the Tuscaloosa County courthouse on Greensboro Avenue. Fathers referred by the court can participate in facilitated mediation to resolve custody, visitation, and parenting issues. Bring photo ID, current court orders, and a summary of disputed issues. Mediation scheduled Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; typically free for court-referred cases, with modest fees for private use.

205-349-3870 · 714 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Madison County Mediation Services — Free

Family mediation and co-parenting conflict resolution services at the Madison County courthouse in Huntsville. Fathers referred by the court or filing privately can participate in facilitated sessions to resolve custody and parenting disputes. Bring photo ID, current court documents, and a summary of disputed issues. Sessions scheduled Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; court-referred mediation is typically free.

256-532-3330 · 100 Northside Sq, Huntsville, AL 35801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Shelby County Mediation Program — Free

Co-parenting mediation services for Shelby County fathers and families at the Columbiana courthouse. Services include facilitated sessions to resolve custody, visitation, and parenting plan disputes. Dads can access mediation by court referral or self-referral; bring photo ID, existing court orders, and a summary of disputed issues. Mediation scheduled Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; typically free for court-referred cases.

205-669-3760 · 112 N Main St, Columbiana, AL 35051 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Baldwin County Mediation Services — Free

Family mediation for co-parenting disputes at the Baldwin County courthouse in Bay Minette, serving fathers throughout Baldwin County and the Eastern Shore. Dads can participate via court referral or private scheduling; bring photo ID, existing court documents, and a summary of disputed parenting issues. Mediation sessions are scheduled Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, and court-referred mediation is typically free for qualifying parties.

251-937-0260 · 312 Courthouse Sq, Bay Minette, AL 36507 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Talking Parents – Co-Parenting Communication — Paid

Documented co-parenting communication platform accepted by Alabama courts for tracking messages, parenting schedules, and expenses. Fathers sign up online to create a secure account; free basic tier available, premium features via subscription. No in-person visit required; records can be exported for court use. Available 24/7 online with mobile apps that help dads maintain a clear, time-stamped co-parenting record.

24/7 online · Visit Website

13. Alabama Dispute Resolution Center — Paid

Statewide mediation services including family, custody, and civil disputes based in Montgomery. Dads can call to schedule sessions or find a certified mediator through the center's referral network. Fees vary and are often shared by the parties; sliding-scale and court-referred options available. Bring photo ID, existing court orders, and case summary. Office on Dexter Avenue open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for scheduling and referrals.

334-269-0409 · 415 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Children's Aid Society of Alabama – Co-Parenting Support — Free

Family support programs and parenting education for separated Alabama fathers and families statewide, including workshops and co-parenting classes. Services are typically free for qualifying families. Dads can call to enroll; bring photo ID and any court-ordered referral documentation. The Valley Avenue office in Birmingham serves walk-ins and appointments Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with program schedules posted online.

205-251-7148 · 181 W Valley Ave #300, Birmingham, AL 35209 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Houston County Mediation Services — Free

Family mediation and co-parenting conflict resolution for fathers in the Dothan area at the Houston County courthouse on North Oates Street. Dads can access services via court referral or private scheduling; bring photo ID, existing court orders, and a summary of disputed parenting issues. Mediation sessions are scheduled Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, with court-referred mediation typically free for qualifying parties.

334-677-4841 · 462 N Oates St, Dothan, AL 36303 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

Co-Parenting — Common Questions

Is a parenting class required for divorce?: In most states, yes — a short court-approved co-parenting course (4–6 hours, 5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list.
What's the difference between mediation and court?: Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party helping both parents agree on a parenting plan. It's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. If mediation fails or one parent refuses, the court decides. Court-based mediation programs are usually free or sliding-scale.
Which co-parenting apps do courts accept?: OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are court-admissible in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and documentation judges will read if conflict escalates.
What is a parenting plan?: A written document (required in every custody order) detailing where the child lives, when each parent has parenting time, how decisions are made, how holidays are handled, how to resolve disputes, and how to handle changes. Courts provide templates; customized plans are stronger than boilerplate.