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 Maryland

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 Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

10 Resources

1. Maryland Parent Education Program — Paid

Court-required parenting education program for parents with contested custody or access cases in Maryland Circuit Courts. Covers the impact of separation on children, effective co-parenting communication, and reducing conflict. Classes are offered by court-approved providers in each jurisdiction, typically in a single session with a modest fee (fee waivers may be available for low-income parents). Parents receive a certificate of completion to file with the court; check your county's Circuit Court for approved providers.

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

2. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted by Maryland courts for documenting messages, schedules, expenses, and parenting exchanges in contested custody cases. Features include shared calendars, expense tracking, a message ToneMeter, and downloadable court-ready records. Subscription-based with a waived or reduced fee sometimes available for low-income parents. Judges in Maryland Circuit Courts may order its use; parents sign up online and invite the co-parent to join their household.

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

3. TalkingParents — Free

Court-admissible co-parenting communication app used by Maryland families to document messages, shared calendars, and parenting exchanges. All messages are timestamped, uneditable, and retained to create a permanent record that can be certified for court use. Basic messaging is free; upgraded features like PDF records and video calling require a subscription. Useful for high-conflict co-parents or when a Maryland Circuit Court judge orders documented communication in a custody case.

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

4. Howard County Circuit Court - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation program for Howard County parents in contested custody, visitation, and access disputes. Conducted at the Ellicott City courthouse by court-approved mediators and typically offered free or at low cost through the Circuit Court. Cases are usually referred by a judge or family division staff; parents can also request mediation voluntarily. Bring any existing court orders and a proposed parenting schedule. Results can be memorialized in a consent order filed with the court.

410-313-2111 · 8360 Court Ave, Ellicott City, MD 21043 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Anne Arundel County Circuit Court - Mediation — Free

Court-connected family mediation program for Anne Arundel County parents in custody and parenting time disputes. Held at the Annapolis courthouse by court-approved mediators and typically offered free or at low cost to families with active Circuit Court cases. Referrals come from judges, family division staff, or by voluntary request. Parents should bring any existing court orders and a proposed parenting schedule. Agreements reached can be submitted to the court as a consent order.

410-222-1397 · 8 Church Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Harford County Circuit Court - Mediation — Free

Court-connected family mediation services for Harford County parents navigating custody, access, and parenting time disputes. Conducted by court-approved mediators at the Bel Air courthouse and typically offered free or at low cost for cases pending in the Circuit Court. Referrals come from judges or family division staff; voluntary requests are also accepted. Parents should bring any existing court orders and a proposed parenting schedule. Agreements can be entered as a consent order.

410-638-3426 · 20 W Courtland St, Bel Air, MD 21014 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Coparently App — Free

Co-parenting communication app with shared calendar, secure messaging, expense tracking, and document sharing to help separated Maryland parents coordinate schedules and children's needs. Offers basic free features with upgraded options available by subscription. Messages and logs can be exported as records if needed for a custody case. Useful for parents who prefer a centralized tool to reduce miscommunication; not specifically court-mandated but accepted by many Maryland judges as documentation.

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

8. Center for Divorce Education - Online Co-Parenting Class — Paid

Court-approved online parent education program accepted in many Maryland jurisdictions to satisfy the court's parenting education requirement for contested custody cases. Covers the impact of divorce on children, co-parenting communication, and conflict reduction. Self-paced; parents complete the course online and receive a certificate to file with the court. Check with your Maryland county Circuit Court first to confirm acceptance before enrolling. A course fee applies; some providers offer reduced rates.

Online course · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Family Mediation & Juvenile Services (Baltimore County) — Free

Baltimore County program offering family mediation and conflict resolution for parents and families in custody, access, and related disputes. Services are typically referred through the Circuit Court or county agencies and offered at low or no cost to eligible Baltimore County families. Mediators are trained in family conflict and can help draft parenting plans. Bring any existing court orders, a proposed parenting schedule, and photo ID to appointments held at the Towson office.

410-887-6661 · 9 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD 21204 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Children of Separation and Divorce Center (Columbia) — Paid

Howard County nonprofit providing support groups, counseling, and parent education for children and families experiencing separation and divorce. Serves parents and children in central Maryland with evidence-based programs designed to reduce the impact of family conflict on kids. Fees typically apply with sliding-scale options for income-eligible families. Intake is by phone; bring photo ID, insurance information if applicable, and any court papers related to custody when starting services.

410-740-9553 · 8950 State Route 108, Suite 120, Columbia, MD 21045 · 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.