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 Virginia

15 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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

15 Resources

1. OurFamilyWizard — Paid

Co-parenting communication platform widely accepted and court-recommended by Virginia courts. Features shared custody calendars, expense tracking, a ToneMeter message analysis tool, and an unalterable message log. All records are court-admissible and time-stamped. Subscription-based with monthly and annual plans. Many Virginia judges recommend or require OurFamilyWizard for high-conflict co-parenting cases. Contact support for setup assistance.

866-755-9991 · App/web-based · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm CT · Visit Website

2. TalkingParents — Free

Court-admissible co-parenting communication app used by Virginia families navigating custody arrangements. All messages are automatically timestamped, permanently stored, and cannot be edited or deleted, creating a reliable paper trail for court. Features include a shared calendar, expense tracking, an information bank, and call recording. A free basic tier is available. Records can be downloaded as PDF reports for court submissions at any time.

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

3. Virginia Mediation Network — Paid

Statewide organization connecting Virginia families to Virginia Supreme Court-certified mediators for custody and co-parenting disputes. The directory of mediators is searchable by region on the website. Mediation allows parents to create customized parenting plans outside of court, often at lower cost and with greater satisfaction. Fees vary by mediator. Private mediation is available even if your case is not court-referred. Contact via website to get started.

Statewide resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Prince William County JDR - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation program for custody and visitation cases in Prince William County. A mediation evaluation is required for all contested custody cases before proceeding to trial. Certified mediators help parents develop a parenting plan without a judge deciding the outcome. Successful agreements are submitted to the court for approval. Contact the JDR Court clerk to request a mediation appointment. This service is available at no cost to qualifying parties.

703-792-6015 · 9311 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA 20110 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Northern Virginia Family Service - Family Support — Paid

Provides family counseling, parent education, and support services to help Northern Virginia families navigate separation and co-parenting challenges. Licensed therapists offer individual counseling for parents and children, co-parenting coaching, and parenting classes. Fees are on a sliding scale. Located in Oakton and serving Fairfax, Arlington, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Call or submit an inquiry online to schedule an initial appointment.

571-748-2500 · 10455 White Granite Dr, Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Richmond Family Court - Mediation Services — Free

Court-connected mediation available for Richmond City custody and visitation disputes. Certified mediators help parents develop workable parenting plans that both parties can live with, avoiding the stress and uncertainty of a contested hearing. Successful agreements are submitted to the judge for approval. Contact the Richmond Family Court clerk to request a mediation referral. This service is available during business hours and is offered at low or no cost.

804-646-6505 · 400 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Norfolk JDR Court - Mediation Services — Free

Court-connected mediation for custody and visitation cases in Norfolk. Certified mediators help parents resolve disputes and develop parenting plans without contentious hearings. Mediation sessions are confidential and agreements reached are submitted to the judge for approval. Available to Norfolk JDR Court parties by referral from the court. Contact the court clerk to request a mediation referral. Available during regular court business hours.

757-664-4940 · 800 E City Hall Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Virginia Beach JDR Court - Co-Parenting — Free

Court resources for Virginia Beach parents navigating custody and visitation including mediation referrals and parenting plan development assistance. The JDR Court encourages mediated agreements over contested hearings whenever possible. Contact the court clerk to inquire about available mediation services and referrals. Bring existing orders and relevant documentation when meeting with court staff. Information packets for self-represented parents are available at the clerk's office.

757-385-8631 · 2425 Nimmo Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

9. Chesapeake JDR Court - Family Mediation — Free

Mediation resources for Chesapeake family court cases. The court strongly encourages mediation for custody and visitation disputes before proceeding to trial. Certified mediators help parents reach mutually acceptable parenting arrangements in a less adversarial setting. Agreements are submitted to the judge for approval as court orders. Contact the Chesapeake JDR Court clerk to request a mediation referral. Services are available during regular business hours.

757-382-3000 · 307 Albemarle Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23322 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

10. Arlington County DHS - Family Support — Free

County program providing family counseling, parenting resources, and support services to help Arlington families navigate separation, custody transitions, and co-parenting challenges. Services include counseling for parents and children, parent education classes, and referrals to community resources. Fees are based on ability to pay. Located on Washington Boulevard in Arlington. Call during business hours to inquire about eligibility and available services.

703-228-1500 · 2100 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Roanoke Family Mediation Services — Paid

Mediation services available for Roanoke-area families dealing with custody and visitation disputes. Certified mediators help parents develop customized parenting plans without going through a contested court hearing. Sliding scale fees are available for qualifying families. Mediation can be court-referred or privately initiated. Agreements reached in mediation can be submitted to the court as consent orders. Contact to schedule an initial consultation.

540-344-7078 · Roanoke, VA 24011 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. CoParently App — Paid

Digital co-parenting tool with shared custody calendars, secure messaging, and expense tracking designed for separated parents. All communications are stored and can be exported for court documentation if needed. Features include a parenting time tracker, file sharing, and notification system. Subscription plans are available with a free trial option. Works on iOS, Android, and web browsers. A practical option for families seeking organized, civil co-parenting communication.

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

13. Henrico County JDR Court - Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation for custody and visitation in Henrico County. Certified mediators help parents develop detailed parenting plans that address holidays, school schedules, and communication protocols, reducing courtroom conflict. Sessions are confidential and voluntary. Agreements are submitted to the JDR Court judge for approval as consent orders. Contact the Henrico JDR Court clerk to request a mediation referral. Services offered during business hours.

804-501-4689 · 4301 E Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23228 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

14. Loudoun County JDR Court - Family Mediation — Free

Mediation services for Loudoun County custody and visitation cases. Court-referred mediation helps parents create workable co-parenting arrangements that address the unique needs of their children and family schedules. Certified mediators facilitate sessions in a neutral setting. Successful agreements become court orders when approved by the judge. Contact the Loudoun JDR Court clerk to request a mediation referral. Sessions typically last 2 to 4 hours.

703-777-0352 · 18 E Market St, Leesburg, VA 20178 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

15. Children of Divorce Intervention Program (Virginia) — Free

School-based support groups helping Virginia children ages 5-14 cope with parental separation and divorce. Trained facilitators lead small groups during the school day using structured activities to help children process their feelings and develop healthy coping skills. The program is available in multiple Virginia school districts at no cost to families. Ask your child's school counselor whether CODIP is offered and how to enroll your child in the program.

Available at participating Virginia schools · During school hours · 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.