SD Extension — Strengthening Families Program

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).

More Co-Parenting in South Dakota

• OurFamilyWizard — Digital co-parenting platform designed for managing shared custody schedules, expenses, messaging, and documentation. Court-admissible commu
• Catholic Family Services — Co-Parenting — Counseling and co-parenting support for families in the Sioux Falls diocese, open to people of any faith. Licensed counselors offer individu
• Black Hills Parent Education — Co-parenting classes and workshops for families in western South Dakota offered in partnership with Behavior Management Systems in Rapid Cit
• Talkingparents.com — Court-admissible communication platform for co-parents to document messages, shared calendars, and parenting exchanges. All communication is
• 2houses.com — Co-Parenting App — Digital platform for managing co-parenting schedules, finances, journal entries, and communication between separated parents. Shared calenda
• Cooperative Parenting Institute — Research-based co-parenting education programs and resources for separated and divorcing families. The institute publishes curricula used by

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.