Minnesota Fathers & Families Network

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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

More Co-Parenting in Minnesota

• Parent Aware – Co-Parenting Resources — Free statewide information on quality-rated child care, co-parenting programs, and early childhood education, administered by Child Care Awa
• Up2Us Mediation & Facilitation — Mediation services for co-parenting conflicts, parenting plan development, and family communication at the East Franklin Avenue office in Mi
• Conflict Resolution Center — Mediation and facilitation for co-parenting disputes, family conflicts, and neighborhood disagreements from the Hennepin Avenue office in Mi
• Minnesota Court – Parenting Plan Guide — Free official templates, guidelines, and instructional videos for creating effective parenting plans in Minnesota family court, available st
• Children's Home Society – Family Programs — Family support programs that strengthen co-parenting and parent-child bonds from the Eustis Street office in St. Paul. Offers parenting educ
• Relate Counseling Center — Family, couples, and individual counseling focused on improving co-parenting relationships and communication from the St. Louis Park office.

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.