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 South Dakota

12 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 South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

12 Resources

1. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Digital co-parenting platform designed for managing shared custody schedules, expenses, messaging, and documentation. Court-admissible communication logs make the service popular with attorneys handling contested cases. Fathers can track parenting time, log shared expenses, and keep exchanges civil and on the record. Subscriptions are paid, with fee waivers available in some cases. Available on web and mobile for both parents.

Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

2. Catholic Family Services — Co-Parenting — Free

Counseling and co-parenting support for families in the Sioux Falls diocese, open to people of any faith. Licensed counselors offer individual, couples, and family sessions that can help separated parents communicate, plan schedules, and reduce conflict. Fathers can schedule an intake by phone and should bring photo ID, insurance, and any existing court orders to the first appointment at the Duluth Avenue office.

(605) 988-3775 · 523 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Black Hills Parent Education — Paid

Co-parenting classes and workshops for families in western South Dakota offered in partnership with Behavior Management Systems in Rapid City. Sessions cover communication skills, child-centered decision making, and managing high-conflict transitions. Fathers ordered by the court to complete a parenting class can confirm whether this program meets local requirements. Call for current schedule, fees, and enrollment details before attending.

(605) 343-7262 · 650 Cathedral Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701 · Varies

4. Talkingparents.com — Paid

Court-admissible communication platform for co-parents to document messages, shared calendars, and parenting exchanges. All communication is recorded, timestamped, and exportable, making it useful in contested custody proceedings. Fathers can use the free tier for basic messaging and upgrade for calendar, accountable payments, and video calling. Records can be printed or ordered as certified PDFs for court use when needed.

Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

5. 2houses.com — Co-Parenting App — Paid

Digital platform for managing co-parenting schedules, finances, journal entries, and communication between separated parents. Shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging keep both households aligned. Fathers can use the app on web or mobile and invite the other parent to collaborate. Subscription-based pricing covers both parents under one plan. Useful for documenting agreements and reducing day-to-day scheduling conflicts.

Online platform · 24/7 online · Visit Website

6. Cooperative Parenting Institute — Paid

Research-based co-parenting education programs and resources for separated and divorcing families. The institute publishes curricula used by courts and counselors and offers online courses parents can take at home. Fathers required to complete a parenting class should confirm acceptance with the South Dakota court handling their case. Content focuses on reducing conflict, protecting children, and building workable parenting plans.

Online resource · 24/7 online · Visit Website

7. Sioux Empire United Way — Family Services — Free

Family stability programs and referrals supporting co-parenting, basic needs, and early childhood initiatives in the Sioux Falls area. Staff connect fathers with local partner agencies for counseling, parenting classes, and financial assistance. Visit the Phillips Avenue office weekdays or call to discuss available programs. Having a brief description of your situation and household details helps staff match you with the right resource.

(605) 336-2405 · 300 N Phillips Ave Suite 304, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. SD Collaborative Law Process — Paid

Alternative dispute resolution helping South Dakota parents create co-parenting plans without traditional litigation. Trained collaborative attorneys, and sometimes mental health or financial professionals, work with both parties to negotiate settlements. Fathers considering this path should have existing orders, a summary of parenting issues, and financial records ready when contacting a participating attorney through the State Bar.

(605) 224-7554 · Statewide service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Family Connections — Brookings — Paid

Family counseling and co-parenting support services in eastern South Dakota affiliated with Brookings Health System. Licensed therapists help separated parents improve communication, manage transitions, and support children through divorce. Fathers can call the main line to schedule intake at the 22nd Avenue office. Bring photo ID, insurance, and any existing court orders. Medicaid and private insurance are commonly accepted.

(605) 696-4949 · 300 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Kids' Turn — Online Co-Parenting Program — Paid

Research-based program helping children and parents navigate divorce and co-parenting through online workshops and guided activities. Content addresses common reactions kids have to family transitions and gives fathers concrete tools to ease them. Self-paced enrollment lets busy parents complete modules when time allows. Confirm with the South Dakota court whether the online format satisfies any ordered parenting class requirement.

Online resource · 24/7 online

11. Avera McKennan Family Counseling — Paid

Licensed counselors at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls provide co-parenting therapy, family mediation, and individual counseling services for parents managing divorce or separation. Fathers can schedule an intake by phone and should bring photo ID, insurance, and prior treatment records. The 26th Street campus offers outpatient behavioral health alongside full-service medical care, and Medicaid and private insurance are accepted.

(605) 322-5200 · 1901 E 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. SD Extension — Strengthening Families Program — Free

SDSU Extension program building family resilience and co-parenting skills through workshops delivered in partnership with county offices across South Dakota. Evidence-based curricula cover communication, child development, and stress management for parents. Fathers can contact the statewide office or a local extension office to find upcoming classes. Many sessions are free or low cost and scheduled evenings to fit working parents.

(605) 688-4792 · Statewide through county offices · 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.