Co-Parenting in Utah

3 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 Utah

Utah district courts handle family law in each of its eight judicial districts; juvenile courts handle parentage and some custody matters. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) operates child support enforcement. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan are the largest cities. Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake provide free civil representation.

3 Resources

1. Utah County Mediation Services — Free

Family mediation for separating and divorced parents in the Provo and Utah Valley area, helping resolve custody, visitation, and parenting plan disputes outside of court. Fathers can call the Provo office weekdays to request a mediator referral. Utah courts often require mediation before a custody hearing, and many sessions are free or low-cost. Bring any filed pleadings and a proposed schedule to the first meeting.

801-429-1000 · 125 N 100 W, Provo, UT 84601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. USU Extension – Family Programs — Free

Utah State University Extension offers research-based parenting, co-parenting, marriage, and family life education through classes, online courses, and county offices statewide. Fathers can join workshops like Divorce Education for Parents, Nurturing Father, and financial life skills. Call the Logan office or visit the website to find a class near you. Most programs are free or low-cost; no income documentation is required to register.

435-797-1500 · Logan, UT 84322 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. OurFamilyWizard – Co-Parenting App — Paid

Subscription-based communication tool recommended by family courts across Utah for separated parents to message, share schedules, track expenses, and store documents in one tamper-evident platform. Fathers can subscribe online any time; second-parent accounts often come with the primary plan. Judges and guardians ad litem can be given view access if ordered by the court. Use it to reduce conflict and create a clear record.

24/7 online · 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.