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 Maine

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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

6 Resources

1. Maine Court Mediation Service — Free

Court-connected mediation for custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes, helping parents reach agreements without prolonged litigation. Fathers with a case pending in Maine district or family court can call 207-822-4200 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm for scheduling. Bring photo ID, existing court paperwork, and proposed schedules. Mediation sessions are often scheduled through the court at reduced or no cost for income-eligible parents.

207-822-4200 · Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

2. UMaine Cooperative Extension – Family — Free

Research-based parenting education, workshops, and publications through the University of Maine statewide Extension system. Fathers can call 207-581-3188 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or browse extension.umaine.edu for classes on child development, co-parenting, positive discipline, and family finances. Many programs are free or low-cost and held in county Extension offices. Online courses allow dads in rural areas to participate remotely.

207-581-3188 · Orono, ME 04469 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Family Crisis Services – Portland — Free

Family support, parenting, and crisis response programs in the Portland area, including education for parents navigating separation, co-parenting, and healthy communication. Fathers can call 207-874-1973 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to learn about current class schedules and enrollment. Bring photo ID and any court orders referencing parenting classes. Many programs meet court-mandated parent education requirements.

207-874-1973 · Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Maine Children's Trust — Free

Statewide organization strengthening families through parenting education, home visiting support, and prevention programming. Fathers can call 207-623-5120 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to learn about local classes, resource kits, and co-parenting workshops. Programs are offered through community partners across Maine, often free of charge. Participation helps new and expecting fathers build communication skills, child development knowledge, and community connections.

207-623-5120 · 88 State St, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Parents as Teachers – Maine — Free

Evidence-based home visiting program supporting parents of young children from pregnancy through kindergarten with child development information and parenting strategies. Fathers can call 207-623-5120 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to find a local affiliate. Certified parent educators visit regularly at no cost, and topics include attachment, language development, and school readiness. Families across Maine can self-refer without income limits.

207-623-5120 · Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Community Concepts – Parenting Education — Free

Co-parenting education, family support, and early childhood programs serving western Maine from the Lewiston office. Fathers can call 207-795-4065 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to enroll in parenting classes, home visiting, or family coaching. Bring photo ID and any court orders requiring parent education. Many services are free to income-eligible residents of Androscoggin, Oxford, and surrounding counties.

207-795-4065 · 240 Bates St, Lewiston, ME 04240 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.