Co-Parenting in Indiana

10 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 Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

10 Resources

1. Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines — Free

Official Indiana Supreme Court parenting time guidelines providing detailed schedules for holidays, school breaks, summers, and regular parenting time. Used by Indiana courts as the default starting point in custody cases unless parties agree otherwise. Dads can read the guidelines free online and reference specific sections when preparing motions, mediating disputes, or drafting proposed schedules. Bring a printed copy to court if needed.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Marion County - Court-Connected Mediation — Free

Mediation services for Marion County parents in custody, parenting time, and visitation disputes. Trained neutral mediators help parents reach agreements without trial, reducing time and cost. Dads can self-refer or be court-ordered. Bring any existing court orders, a proposed schedule, and relevant child information to sessions. Fees may be reduced or waived based on income. Contact the court directly to schedule or ask questions.

317-327-4740 · 200 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Indiana Parent Education Program — Paid

Court-required parent education for divorcing parents in most Indiana counties. The class covers the impact of divorce on children, age-appropriate communication, and practical co-parenting strategies. Dads can register online or through the county court and may attend in-person or online sessions depending on the provider. Bring payment for the course fee (sliding scale may be available) and any court order requiring attendance.

Available through Indiana courts statewide · Class sessions vary by county · Visit Website

4. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted by Indiana courts. Features include a shared calendar, messaging with ToneMeter, expense tracking, and documented exchanges suitable as evidence. Dads involved in high-conflict cases often use OFW to keep communication civil and create a reliable record. Subscription-based; check the site for current pricing and possible fee waivers through participating court programs.

866-755-9991 · App/web-based · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm CT · Visit Website

5. TalkingParents — Free

Court-admissible co-parenting communication app widely used by Indiana parents. All messages are timestamped, uneditable, and create permanent records that courts can accept as evidence in custody and parenting time disputes. Dads can use the free tier for basic messaging, or upgrade for call recording, shared calendars, and PDF records. Download on iOS or Android, or use the web portal. No attorney signup required.

App/web-based · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Community Mediation Center of Indiana — Paid

Nonprofit mediation center providing family mediation for custody, parenting time, and co-parenting disputes in central Indiana at affordable sliding-scale rates. Dads can self-refer or receive court referrals. Trained neutral mediators meet with parents jointly or separately to help them reach agreements on parenting schedules and related issues. Call to schedule intake and discuss current fees; bring existing court orders if any.

317-423-9999 · 615 N Alabama St, Suite 316, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

7. Kids' Turn Indiana (Indianapolis) — Paid

Program helping children and parents cope with separation and divorce through age-appropriate workshops and co-parenting education held in Indianapolis. Dads and their children attend separate but parallel groups to learn communication tools, understand the other's perspective, and adapt to new family structures. Call for current session schedules, fees, and eligibility. Bring any existing court orders or referral paperwork to intake.

317-423-9999 · Indianapolis, IN · By session schedule

8. Allen County Mediation Program (Fort Wayne) — Free

Court-connected mediation services for Fort Wayne and Allen County parents in custody, parenting time, and visitation disputes. Trained neutral mediators help parents reach agreements without trial. Dads can self-refer or be court-ordered. Bring any existing court orders, a proposed schedule, and relevant child information to sessions. Fees may be reduced or waived based on income. Contact the court clerk to schedule.

260-449-7245 · 715 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. AppClose Co-Parenting App — Free

Free co-parenting app with shared calendar, secure messaging, expense tracking, and check-in features accepted in Indiana courts. Dads can log parenting time exchanges, split and track child-related expenses, and export records for court use. Available on iOS and Android. No premium subscription required for core features; optional in-app services like payments carry small fees. Useful for low- to moderate-conflict cases.

App/web-based · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Indiana Association of Mediators — Paid

Professional association providing a searchable directory of certified mediators across Indiana specializing in family, custody, and co-parenting mediation. Dads can search by county and specialty to find a neutral mediator. Mediator fees are set individually; some offer sliding scale or pro bono services. Have existing court orders, a proposed schedule, and a brief summary of the dispute ready when calling to book an initial consult.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · 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.