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 Delaware

8 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 Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

8 Resources

1. Catholic Charities Delaware — Family Services — Free

Co-parenting counseling and family support services regardless of religious affiliation, offered from the Wilmington office on West 4th Street. Counselors help parents build healthier communication and reduce conflict in front of children. Fathers can call for intake during weekday hours. Bring photo ID and any relevant custody or mediation paperwork so the counselor understands the family's current structure.

(302) 655-9624 · 2601 W 4th St, Wilmington, DE 19805 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Digital co-parenting platform for managing schedules, expenses, messages, and document sharing between separated parents. Communication logs and calendar entries are timestamped and can be exported for court. Delaware fathers in high-conflict cases often choose this tool to keep records clean. Subscription required; sign up online, verify email, and invite the other parent to create linked accounts.

Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

3. Talkingparents.com — Co-Parenting Communication — Paid

Court-admissible communication platform for co-parents to document exchanges, schedules, and payments. Every message is stored unaltered and available in a certified PDF for court use. Delaware fathers can sign up online, invite their co-parent, and begin logging communications within minutes. Subscription tiers vary in features; basic messaging is available at a low monthly fee with no setup fees.

Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

4. 2Houses Co-Parenting Platform — Paid

Digital tool for co-parents to organize shared custody schedules, track expenses, store documents, and exchange messages in one place. Designed for separated families with school-age children. Delaware fathers can sign up online, add children and the other parent, and begin using the shared calendar and expense log immediately. Paid subscription required after the initial trial period ends.

Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

5. Delaware Conflict Resolution Network — Paid

Mediation and conflict resolution services for co-parents and families statewide, coordinated through the Delaware courts' ADR office in Wilmington. Trained mediators help parents work through parenting plans and post-decree disputes. Fathers schedule by appointment. Bring photo ID, existing orders, and written notes on contested issues so sessions focus efficiently on workable solutions.

(302) 658-5279 · Wilmington, DE · By appointment · Visit Website

6. Cooperative Parenting Institute — Paid

National organization offering online co-parenting courses that are accepted by Delaware Family Court for divorce, custody, and high-conflict cases. Programs teach communication skills, conflict reduction, and child-centered decision-making. Fathers can register online, complete modules at their own pace, and receive a certificate of completion to file with the court. Paid enrollment; available around the clock.

Online program · 24/7 online · Visit Website

7. Up to Parents — Delaware — Free

Free online co-parenting program helping separated Delaware parents keep children out of the middle of adult conflict. Interactive modules guide fathers through communication, scheduling, and reframing disputes. Some Delaware judges accept completion as part of a parenting plan. Register online with an email address and move through the course at your own pace; no fees or ID are required to enroll.

Online program · 24/7 online · Visit Website

8. Delaware Family Transition Center — Free

Resource hub helping separating families in Wilmington access co-parenting classes, counseling, and referrals from the Children & Families First office on Baynard Boulevard. Staff coordinate services for fathers, mothers, and children during divorce or custody changes. Call or walk in during weekday business hours; bring photo ID and any existing custody paperwork to make intake and referrals faster.

(302) 658-5177 · 2005 Baynard Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · 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.