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 Missouri

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 Missouri

Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.

10 Resources

1. Missouri Parent Education Program — Paid

Court-required parent education for divorcing parents with minor children in most Missouri counties, covering the impact of divorce on children and basic co-parenting strategies. Fathers filing for divorce or custody are typically ordered to complete the class before the case is finalized. Class availability and fees vary by county. Contact your local circuit court or check the Missouri Courts website for approved providers and current session schedules.

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

2. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted by Missouri courts, featuring shared calendars, expense tracking, a secure message board, and a ToneMeter that flags inflammatory language. Fathers use the app to maintain a clear record of communication, parenting time, and expenses that can be introduced as evidence if needed. Subscription-based with fee waivers possible by court order. Customer support is available by phone Monday through Friday.

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 where all messages are timestamped, uneditable, and create permanent court records that can be downloaded as PDFs for attorneys and judges. A free tier supports basic messaging, while premium tiers add calling, records, and accountable payments. Fathers managing high-conflict custody situations use it to document interactions. Available online around the clock with no in-person meeting required to set up.

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

4. Midwest Mediation (Kansas City) — Paid

Community mediation center providing family mediation for custody and co-parenting disputes in the Kansas City area, helping parents reach agreements outside of courtroom litigation. Fathers can schedule mediation sessions through the office. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and proposed parenting schedules to the session. Fees vary based on income, with sliding-scale options available. The office operates Monday through Friday during business hours.

816-235-5596 · Kansas City, MO · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. St. Louis Mediation Project — Paid

Nonprofit mediation center providing family mediation for custody and co-parenting disputes in the St. Louis region at affordable rates, with sliding-scale fees based on income. Fathers can schedule sessions to resolve parenting plan disagreements before or during litigation. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and proposed schedules to the session. The Tucker Boulevard office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-533-6800 · 10 N Tucker Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63101 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Children in the Middle (Co-Parenting Course) — Paid

Court-approved co-parenting education course teaching parents skills for effective communication and reducing children's exposure to parental conflict, accepted by Missouri courts for divorcing and separating parents. Fathers can complete the course online at their own pace and receive a certificate of completion to submit to the court. The course is available around the clock online. Fees are paid directly through the course platform.

Online course accepted by MO courts · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Cozi Family Organizer — Free

Free family calendar and organizer app used by co-parents for scheduling children's activities, school events, and shared family to-do lists, with color-coded calendars for each family member. Fathers can sync with their co-parent to coordinate custody schedules, practices, and appointments. The app works on iOS, Android, and web. A free tier covers core features, with a paid Gold tier unlocking extras. Available online around the clock.

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

8. AppClose Co-Parenting App — Free

Co-parenting app with shared calendar, expense tracking, messaging, and check-in features that creates records suitable for court documentation. Fathers can use the free core features for scheduling and messaging, with in-app purchases for additional tools. The app supports iOS and Android and is commonly accepted by family courts. Sign up online to create an account; customer support handles basic questions through the email listed.

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

9. Conflict Resolution Center of St. Louis — Paid

Provides mediation and facilitation services for family conflicts including co-parenting disputes at affordable sliding-scale rates, helping parents resolve issues outside of court. Fathers can schedule sessions to address custody, visitation, or parenting plan disagreements. Bring photo ID, any court orders, and proposed parenting arrangements to the session. The Lindell Boulevard office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

314-454-0110 · 4144 Lindell Blvd, Suite 326, St. Louis, MO 63108 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Heartland Mediation (Independence) — Paid

Mediation center serving eastern Jackson County and Independence area with family mediation for custody and co-parenting arrangements, helping parents resolve disputes without courtroom litigation. Fathers can schedule sessions by phone. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and proposed parenting schedules to the mediation. Fees are set by the provider and may offer sliding-scale options. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-833-2090 · Independence, MO 64050 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.