Sometimes, when parents in Massachusetts go to court because of their children, it’s helpful—and often required—for them to take a parenting class. This class teaches parents to communicate better, reduce conflict, and prioritize their children’s well-being during separation or divorce. Massachusetts family courts now require parents in many cases to complete this class early in the process to support co-parenting and minimize disputes.
Two Families Now is a Massachusetts court-approved parenting education program. It helps parents understand how separation and conflict affect children and provides strategies to co-parent effectively. The class focuses on:
If You’re in One of These Situations and Your Case Was Filed After November 1, 2023, a Judge Will Tell You to Take the Class:
You’ll be required to attend if your case involves:
Yes! Even if it isn’t court-ordered, many parents choose to take Two Families Now or other approved courses to strengthen co-parenting skills and reduce future conflict.
Parents are typically ordered to complete the class early in the case, often within 60 days of the court order. Courts may require proof of completion before scheduling hearings.
Even in uncontested cases, Massachusetts courts often require parents of minor children to take the class to ensure they have tools to handle future challenges and transitions.
Yes. Judges can:
Parenting classes cost about $80–$100 per parent. Fee waivers or reduced fees are available for those with financial hardship. Online options may be available at similar costs.
We’ve collected frequent questions clients have and answered them based on Pennsylvania rules, counties, and common practices.
A parent education or co-parenting class in Pennsylvania is a program ordered by the court in divorce, custody, or separation cases to help parents understand how family changes affect children. It typically includes topics like communication, reducing conflict, co-parenting skills, and helping children adjust to change. Examples: “C.H.I.L.D. Court-Ordered Parenting Classes,” “COPE (Co-Parent Education Program),” “Parent Education Program – Rule L1915.4.” Wesley Family Services+3courseforparents.com+3onlineparentingprograms.com+3
Yes. Even when not court-ordered, parents often choose to take these classes to improve co-parenting, reduce conflict, and help children cope better with separation or divorce. Voluntary attendance can benefit your case or your relationship with your children. (While specific sources for “voluntary” in PA are less formal, many programs let non-ordered participants register. For example, PA recognized online programs do not necessarily require court orders in all cases. ) onlineparentingprograms.com+1
Even if parents reach agreement on custody or support, many counties still require the class when filings include custody or visitation issues. The class is meant to help anticipate future conflict and ensure both parents understand how their decisions affect the children. Whether agreement exempts you depends on the local court and county rules.
Yes. Courts may allow waiver or modifications in certain circumstances such as:
Failure to complete a required parenting class may delay hearings or affect court orders. The court may require proof of completion before advancing on custody or visitation matters. In some cases, non-compliance could negatively impact your case.
We’ve outlined common questions and answers applicable under New York law.
The New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program (PEAP) is a court-certified program designed to educate divorcing or separating parents about the impact of their separation/divorce/custody dispute on their children. It teaches skills to reduce conflict, maintain healthy parental functioning, support children, and understand legal processes. New York Courts+1
The class may be ordered by the court in cases involving:
Yes. Parents and referring agencies can choose to attend PEAP programs even without a court order. Self-referral is allowed. This can be helpful when anticipating legal or relationship issues, or to improve co-parenting. New York Courts
Even if there is agreement on custody or visitation, the court may still require the class if it determines the education will benefit the parties or their children. The requirement is discretionary. New York Courts+1
Yes. The court considers certain factors when deciding whether to order or waive the class, including:
Costs vary by provider and location. Many PEAP classes charge fees but also offer sliding scale fees or waivers for those unable to pay. For instance, some classes like the “Parent A.C.T.” class charge around $100 per person with possible discounts. NYCID
If you don’t satisfy the court’s order to take the class, court proceedings may be delayed, or the court may require proof of completion before advancing issues like custody or visitation. Non-compliance could affect the court’s view of your readiness to co-parent.
