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 California

14 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 California

California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.

14 Resources

1. California Family Court Services — Statewide Mediation — Free

Under Family Code §3170, all parents with contested custody must attend free mediation before any court hearing in California. Professional mediators help both parents develop parenting plans that focus on children's best interests. Available at every CA Superior Court through Family Court Services. Sessions are confidential. If domestic violence is an issue, parties are seen separately. Contact your county court to schedule.

(916) 263-1900 · Varies by county · Mon-Fri, varies by county · Visit Website

2. LA Superior Court — Family Court Services — Free

Mandatory mediation for all LA County custody and visitation disputes before any court hearing. Mediators are licensed mental health professionals trained in child development and conflict resolution. Free of charge for all parties. Call (213) 974-5524 to schedule your orientation. Bring documentation of any domestic violence history if applicable — parties with DV concerns are seen in separate sessions for safety.

(213) 974-5524 · 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Mon-Fri 8-4:30 · Visit Website

3. California Courts Self-Help — Parenting Plan Resources — Free

Free guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for creating a court-approved parenting plan in California. Covers joint vs. sole custody distinctions, sample visitation schedule templates, holiday schedules, and how to request modifications. Available in multiple languages at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov. Includes FL-341 series forms and explanations of what judges look for in parenting plan submissions.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. OurFamilyWizard Co-Parenting App — Paid

Leading court-accepted co-parenting app widely used in California custody cases. Features shared calendars, documented messaging, expense tracking, and an info bank for storing important documents. Many CA courts recommend or order its use. All communications are timestamped and stored securely. Call (866) 755-9991 or visit ourfamilywizard.com to start. Fee waivers available for low-income parents through the court.

(866) 755-9991 · Support 7 days/week · Visit Website

5. TalkingParents Co-Parenting App — Paid

Tamper-proof co-parenting app that creates unalterable records of all messages, calls, documents, and exchanges. All communications are court-admissible and accepted by California family courts. Features include a shared calendar, payment tracking, recorded calls, and secure document storage. Call (888) 896-7936 or visit talkingparents.com. A valuable tool for high-conflict custody situations where documentation matters.

(888) 896-7936 · Mon-Fri 9-5 CT · Visit Website

6. California Parenting — Court-Ordered Classes — Paid

State-approved court-ordered co-parenting and high-conflict parenting classes accepted by California family courts statewide. Available both online and in-person. Completion certificates provided for court submission. Call (805) 710-5477 or visit californiaparenting.com to enroll. Classes cover reducing parental conflict, child-centered communication, and co-parenting strategies. Complete at your own pace online from any device.

(805) 710-5477 · 2150 Pickwick Drive #2466, Camarillo, CA 93011 · Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website

7. LA County Supervised Visitation Monitor Registry — Paid

Directory of vetted, court-approved supervised visitation monitors throughout LA County for court-ordered supervised visits and exchanges. All monitors are trained, registered, and have passed background checks. Find monitors by location and language at lacosvm.org. Call (323) 412-4200 or email info@lacosvm.org for referrals. Essential resource for fathers transitioning from supervised to unsupervised custody arrangements.

(323) 412-4200 · Los Angeles County (multiple locations) · Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website

8. 1st Choice Supervised Visitation — San Diego — Paid

Professional court-approved supervised visitation services in San Diego and Orange County. Available 365 days per year including weekends and holidays for court-ordered parent-child visits. Call (858) 663-5456 or email firstchoicevisitation@gmail.com to schedule. Reports provided to court if required. Monitors are trained and background-checked. Both daytime and evening appointment slots available.

(858) 663-5456 · San Diego, CA 92126 · 7 days/week including holidays · Visit Website

9. AFCC California — Parenting Coordinator Resource — Paid

California chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts providing standards, training, and a directory of qualified parenting coordinators for high-conflict custody cases. Parenting coordinators help parents resolve disputes without returning to court. Visit afcc-ca.org for the professional directory and to find a certified coordinator in your area. AFCC members include judges, attorneys, mediators, and mental health professionals.

Contact via website · Visit Website

10. San Bernardino County Family Court Services — Free

Mandatory mediation for contested custody and visitation cases in San Bernardino County. Free professional mediation services provided by trained Family Court Services mediators before any custody hearing. Located at the main courthouse on Arrowhead Avenue. Call (909) 521-3500 to schedule. Parties with domestic violence history seen separately for safety. Bring documentation of any protective orders or DV history.

(909) 521-3500 · 351 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415 · Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website

11. Fresno County Family Court Services — Free

Mandatory mediation for contested custody and visitation cases in Fresno County required before any court hearing. Bilingual mediators available in English and Spanish. Located at the Fresno County Superior Court on O Street downtown. Call (559) 457-1600 to schedule. Mediators are trained mental health professionals focused on child-centered outcomes. Parties with domestic violence concerns are seen in separate sessions.

(559) 457-1600 · 1130 O St., Fresno, CA 93721 · Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website

12. Putting Kids First — CA Court-Approved Parenting Class — Paid

Online parent education course accepted by California family courts for court-ordered parenting classes. Focuses on reducing parental conflict and protecting children during separation and divorce. Complete on your own schedule from any device. Completion certificates issued for court submission. Visit puttingkidsfirst.org to enroll. Approved by California judges and frequently recommended by family law attorneys and mediators.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Kern County Family Court Services (Bakersfield) — Free

Free mediation for custody and visitation disputes in Kern County provided by court-connected Family Court Services. Mediators assist parents in developing parenting plans focused on children's best interests. Located at the Kern County Superior Court on Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. Call (661) 868-5393 to schedule. Mediation is required before any custody hearing. Bilingual services available for Spanish-speaking families.

(661) 868-5393 · 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 · Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website

14. Ventura County Family Court Services — Free

Mandatory custody mediation for all contested custody cases in Ventura County required before any court hearing. Free professional mediation services provided by trained Family Court Services staff for all parties. Located in Oxnard on East Vineyard Avenue. Call (805) 289-8732 to schedule. Mediators help parents create parenting plans that serve their children's best interests. DV protocols available if needed.

(805) 289-8732 · 4353 E. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard, CA 93036 · Mon-Fri 8-4:30 · 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.