If you are filing for divorce, legal separation, or a paternity action in Jefferson County, and have minor children, you will encounter a specific hurdle early in the process: the mandatory parenting seminar.
For many parents in Port Townsend and surrounding areas, this requirement comes as a surprise. You may wonder: “Why do I need a class? I know how to raise my kids.”
It is important to understand that the Jefferson County Superior Court does not require this class to teach you how to parent. They require it to teach you how to co-parent through a legal separation.
Here is everything you need to know to satisfy this requirement efficiently so your case – and your family – can move forward.
1. What is the Requirement?
Under Jefferson County Local Court Rules (LFLR 9), both parties in a case involving the residential schedule of a child must complete an approved parenting seminar.
The court takes this seriously. This is not a suggestion; it is a prerequisite for entering a final parenting plan in your case. The seminar focuses on strategies for conflict-free communication and shielding children from the emotional impact of having parents who are separated.
2. Where Can I Take the Class?
Jefferson County Superior Court is strict about which programs they accept. Currently, the court administrator lists only two approved options for satisfying this requirement. You must choose one of the following:
Option A: Children in Between (Online Course)
This is a self-paced online class, making it a good choice if you need flexibility to log in and out on your own schedule.
- Website: online.divorce-education.com
- Format: Fully online class.
- Time Commitment: Approximately 4 hours.
- Cost: $74. (This fee may be waived if you have a signed court order of indigency).
Option B: Consider the Children (Webinar) –
Offered through Family Education & Support Services, this option is structured as a scheduled webinar, which may be better if you prefer real-time instruction.
- Provider: Family Education & Support Services
- Format: Interactive 4-hour webinar (various dates and times available).
- Cost: $50. (This fee can be adjusted on a sliding scale if you have a court order of indigency).
- Website: https://fess.coursestorm.com/category/consider-the-children-live-virtual
Note on Fees: If you cannot afford the class fees, do not simply skip the class. You must request a Court Order of Indigency from the court to have these fees waived or reduced.
3. When Should I Take the Class?
According to the Jefferson County Superior Court local family law rules, you must complete the course within 90 days of the respondent being served.
- Final Orders: You are also prevented from presenting any final orders with respect to the residential/parenting plan until the certificate of completion is in the court file.
I recommend getting it taken care of as soon as possible.
4. The Critical Last Step: Filing Your Certificate
The Court does not automatically know you finished the class. Once you finish, the provider will issue a Certificate of Completion. This document must be filed with the Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk.
If you are representing yourself (pro se), you must take this to the courthouse in Port Townsend or mail it to the Clerk’s office for filing. If you forget this step, it could cause a delay in entering final orders in your case.
How Heuberger Law Can Help
If you are facing a family law matter in Jefferson County, Washington, contact Heuberger Law to schedule a consultation. Family Law is our main practice area and we have the expertise and local experience to assist you.
