Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Why Must I Attend a Parent Information Course for My Divorce

Going through a divorce is never easy, but we all know, and hopefully understand, that divorce can be especially hard on children. The Superior Court of Arizona certainly realizes this and under Arizona law, the parent information class is mandatory in a divorce or custody action.

Pursuant to ARS§ 25-351, “The program is required for all parents involved in a legal separation, divorce, or paternity case in which the Court determines child support, visitation, or custody.” The Court may also order parties involved in other family law actions to attend the class.

The Parent Information Program class addresses a number of issues specifically geared towards children and divorce, including how to talk to your child about divorce, how to listen to your child, how to tell if your child is coping emotionally and where and when to get extra help and support for the children involved in a divorce. The program also has important information specifically for the parents including strategies for overcoming intense conflict, family court procedures, and the emotional and financial responsibilities of parents.

Court-ordered classes must be completed within 45 days of the initial court filing, and many parents find that the instruction they receive is very beneficial and well worth the expense. When the participant has completed the course, he or she is issued an official Certificate of Completion. The original certificate must be filed with the court before any final orders over custody and parenting time will be issued.  As a client of Discount Divorce & Bankruptcy we will file your spouse's certificate as well as yours with the court.  It is all part of our full service packagae.

Many people who feel like they are good parents question why they have to take a Parent Education Class. Having to attend this class does not mean that you are not a good parent, it is simply the desire of the court that you get as much information as possible to assist your child throughout the difficult period of adjustment. If you fail to attend the mandatory classes, Arizona law provides that the court cannot grant your request for a divorce decree. In some cases, the court may even hold a party in contempt of court or enforce other penalties for refusal to take the Parent Education class.

Overall, people find that these classes really help. Not only are classes offered at various times throughout the day and evening, but they are also offered on weekends as well. There is no way to anticipate how a child will react to the emotional process of a divorce or separation, and these classes help to minimize future returns to court to resolve parenting disputes.

Court approved Parent Information Program classes are offered throughout Arizona. An online class is also available for those parents not able to attend a class in person. The fee for the Parenting Information Program class is $50.00 per person and is paid to the community-based provider or the online provider. For more information about the Parent Information Program call your local Superior Court.  The court will have specific listing of community-based providers.

 
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The experienced family and bankruptcy document prepares at Discount Divorce assists clients throughout Arizona, including the cities of Ahwatukee, Apache Junction, Avondale, Bisbee, Buckeye, Bullhead City, Camp Verde, Casa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Eloy, Grande, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Flagstaff, Florence, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Glendale, Globe, Goodyear, Gudalupe, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Litchfield Park, Marana, Maricopa, Mesa, Nogales, Oro Valley, Paradise Valley, Payson, Peoria, Phoenix, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Queen Creek, Safford, San Luis, Scottsdale, Sierra Vista, South Tucson, Snow Flake, Sun City, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, Tucson, Waddell, Wickenburg, Winslow, Youngtown and Yuma.

Visit www.discountdivorcepro.com or call (602) 896-9020. Discount Divorce is located at 13817 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85023-6105.

As always you should seek legal advice for specific issues like the one above before coming to Discount Divorce to have your documents done and processed so that your legal rights may be protected.
 

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