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 Connecticut

16 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 Connecticut

Connecticut's Superior Court handles family matters through regional Judicial Districts and Family Support Magistrate Division locations. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement under DSS. Major cities include Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. Connecticut Legal Services and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut provide civil legal aid, and every courthouse has a court service center offering free forms assistance.

16 Resources

1. CT Judicial Branch – Parenting Education — Paid

Court-mandated parenting education program for Connecticut parents going through divorce or custody cases. The six-hour program covers child development, reducing conflict, and healthy co-parenting practices. Required before most final custody or divorce orders. Register through your filing court; sliding-scale fees and fee waivers available for qualifying low-income parents. Offered at locations across the state.

860-706-5168 · Varies by location

2. CT Family Services Magistrate Mediation — Free

Free court-connected mediation for Connecticut parents in active custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes. Family relations counselors help both parents reach written agreements outside of contested hearings. Referrals come through your filing court; sessions are confidential and non-binding unless signed. Bring existing orders and a draft parenting schedule. Available at Superior Court locations during weekday business hours.

860-548-2700 · 90 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

3. Community Mediation – Hartford — Paid

Family mediation for Hartford-area co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes. Trained mediators help both parents negotiate parenting plans, communication rules, and decision-making. Sliding-scale fees based on income; free options for very low-income parents. Call during business hours to schedule an intake. Bring existing court orders, a draft parenting schedule, and a list of disputed issues to sessions.

860-724-5463 · 20 Huyshope Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. New Haven Mediation Center — Paid

Co-parenting mediation and conflict resolution services for New Haven-area fathers and families. Trained mediators help parents develop parenting plans, resolve communication issues, and document agreements. Sliding-scale fees; referrals accepted from courts and self-initiated. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Bring existing orders and a draft parenting schedule. Sessions are confidential and voluntary.

203-782-3500 · 426 State St, New Haven, CT 06510 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. CT UConn Extension – Family Programs — Free

Research-based parenting and family education programs through UConn Cooperative Extension. Includes workshops, online resources, and Parenting Apart classes for divorcing or separating Connecticut parents. Free or low-cost for state residents. Register online or by phone during business hours. Materials cover child development, co-parenting communication, and managing conflict after separation.

860-486-9228 · Storrs, CT 06269 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Child & Family Agency – New London — Paid

Family counseling, parenting support, and co-parenting programs for southeastern Connecticut fathers and families. Services include outpatient therapy, family counseling, supervised visitation, and parent coaching. Sliding-scale fees and Medicaid/HUSKY accepted. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, and existing court orders. Serves New London, Norwich, and surrounding communities.

860-443-2896 · 255 Hempstead St, New London, CT 06320 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Fairfield County Mediation — Free

Free family mediation for Fairfield County fathers in co-parenting, custody, and visitation conflicts. Court-connected family relations counselors help parents reach written agreements outside of contested hearings. Referrals come through the Bridgeport family court. Bring existing orders, a draft parenting schedule, and a list of disputed issues. Sessions are confidential and held during weekday business hours.

203-579-6527 · 1061 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

8. Wheeler Clinic – Family Programs — Paid

Family counseling, co-parenting classes, and behavioral health services for central Connecticut fathers and families. Outpatient therapy, family counseling, addiction services, and parent support available. Sliding-scale fees and Medicaid/HUSKY accepted. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, and prior treatment records. Multiple locations serving Plainville, New Britain, and Hartford area.

860-793-3500 · 91 Northwest Dr, Plainville, CT 06062 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Catholic Charities – Family Services — Paid

Family counseling and co-parenting support through Catholic Charities of Connecticut, open to all faiths. Services include outpatient therapy, family counseling, parenting classes, and case management. Sliding-scale fees and Medicaid/HUSKY accepted. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, and existing court orders. Multiple offices across the state serving families in need.

860-527-0441 · 467 Bloomfield Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Waterbury Mediation Center — Free

Free court-connected mediation for Waterbury-area parents in custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes. Family relations counselors at the Waterbury courthouse help both parents reach written agreements outside of contested hearings. Referrals come through your filing court. Bring existing orders, a draft parenting schedule, and a list of disputed issues to sessions. Confidential weekday availability.

203-236-8100 · 300 Grand St, Waterbury, CT 06702 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

11. OurFamilyWizard – CT Courts — Paid

Court-recommended online and app-based co-parenting communication platform for Connecticut families. Features include shared calendars, secure messaging, expense tracking, and document storage. Often ordered in high-conflict custody cases to reduce disputes and create records. Subscription required; fee waivers may be available through the courts. Accessible 24/7 from phone or computer for both parents.

24/7 online · Visit Website

12. Stamford Mediation Services — Free

Free court-connected family mediation for Stamford-area parents in custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes. Family relations counselors at Stamford Superior Court help both parents reach written agreements outside of contested hearings. Referrals come through your filing court. Bring existing orders, a draft parenting schedule, and a list of disputed issues. Confidential weekday sessions by appointment.

203-965-5308 · 123 Hoyt St, Stamford, CT 06905 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

13. CT Council for Divorce Mediation — Paid

Professional mediation services for Connecticut fathers negotiating co-parenting, custody, and divorce agreements. Members are trained mediators who help parents develop parenting plans and financial settlements outside of court. Private-pay fees vary by mediator; some offer sliding scale. Use the online directory to find a mediator in your county. Bring existing orders and financial documentation to sessions.

860-258-1800 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Danbury Mediation Services — Free

Free court-connected family mediation for Danbury-area parents in custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes. Family relations counselors at Danbury Superior Court help both parents reach written agreements outside of contested hearings. Referrals come through your filing court. Bring existing orders, a draft parenting schedule, and a list of disputed issues. Confidential weekday sessions available.

203-207-8600 · 146 White St, Danbury, CT 06810 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

15. InterCommunity – Family Counseling — Paid

Co-parenting counseling and family therapy for East Hartford-area fathers and families. Services include outpatient therapy, family counseling, parenting support, and behavioral health. Sliding-scale fees and Medicaid/HUSKY accepted. Call during business hours to schedule intake. Evening hours available for working parents. Bring photo ID, insurance cards, and prior treatment records to your first appointment.

860-569-5900 · 281 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118 · Mon-Fri 8am-8pm

16. New Britain Family Resource Center — Free

Free family support services, parenting workshops, and co-parenting classes for New Britain-area fathers and families. Programs cover child development, parenting skills, and family stability. Walk-in and scheduled appointments during business hours. Bring photo ID to first visits. Open to all New Britain-area families regardless of income. Connects parents to broader community resources and referrals.

860-826-3360 · New Britain, CT 06051 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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.