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 Kentucky

6 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 Kentucky

Kentucky family courts hear custody, visitation, and child support cases in most counties; the remaining counties use district or circuit court. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Child Support administers enforcement. Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Covington are the major metros. Legal Aid Society (Louisville/western), Kentucky Legal Aid, and Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) cover the state.

6 Resources

1. Mediation Center of Kentucky — Paid

Nonprofit mediation service providing neutral facilitators for co-parenting, custody, and family disputes in the Louisville area. Fathers can schedule joint sessions to work through parenting plans, visitation schedules, and communication ground rules without going to court. Fees are based on a sliding scale. Call or visit the downtown office to arrange an initial appointment. Bring any existing court orders and a list of topics you want to discuss.

502-585-4472 · 416 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY 40202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Bluegrass Conflict Resolution Center — Paid

Mediation and conflict resolution services for family disputes, co-parenting plans, and neighborhood conflicts in the Lexington area. Fathers can schedule mediation with trained neutrals to build parenting schedules, resolve visitation conflicts, and reduce litigation. Call to discuss fees, which are often on a sliding scale. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and a written list of the parenting issues you want to address.

859-255-6056 · 155 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

3. Jefferson County Family Court Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation program for custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes filed in Jefferson Family Court. Fathers in an open case may be referred by a judge or request mediation directly through the court. Sessions are typically free or low cost and conducted by trained mediators. Contact the court's family services office for scheduling. Bring photo ID, your case number, and any existing orders to the first session.

502-595-4348 · 700 W Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Kentucky Cooperative Extension – Family Programs — Free

Parenting education, co-parenting classes, and family strengthening programs delivered statewide through University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension agents. Fathers can enroll in workshops on communication, discipline, and child development at county extension offices across Kentucky. Most programs are free or low cost. Call the Lexington office or your county extension agent to find upcoming classes and required registration details.

859-257-4302 · Lexington, KY 40546 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. OurFamilyWizard – Co-Parenting App — Paid

Court-recommended online platform and mobile app for co-parenting communication, shared calendars, expense tracking, and document storage. Fathers often use it under court order to keep a clear, tamper-resistant record of exchanges with the other parent. Subscription-based with options for attorneys to view accounts. Sign up through the website and invite the other parent. No in-person visit required; available to users anywhere in the U.S.

24/7 online · Visit Website

6. Children's Law Center – KY — Free

Nonprofit legal advocacy organization focused on the wellbeing of children in custody, co-parenting, and dependency cases across northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Fathers may receive representation or referrals when a child's best interests are at stake. Contact the Covington office for intake and eligibility screening. Services are typically free for qualifying families. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court paperwork involving your children.

859-431-3313 · 104 E 7th St, Covington, KY 41011 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-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.