Oklahoma Parenting Classes for Divorce: Requirements and Approved Programs

If your Oklahoma divorce is based on incompatibility and involves minor children, both adult parties must complete a parenting education class before the court can enter the final custody disposition. This is a statutory requirement under 43 O.S. § 107.2, and both parties must file certificates of completion.

What the Law Requires

Under Section 107.2, the court may require all adult parties in covered actions involving the interests of a minor child to attend an approved educational program. For a divorce based on incompatibility involving minor children, attendance is mandatory. Covered actions include separate maintenance, paternity, guardianship, custody, and visitation matters, including modifications or enforcement of prior orders.

The program must be educational, not therapeutic. It covers:

• Short-term and long-term effects of divorce on children
• Communication strategies to reduce co-parenting conflict
• The availability of reconciliation resources
• Recognizing and addressing family violence
• Local community resources for families in transition

Deadlines

The class must be completed before the temporary-order hearing, or within 45 days of receiving a temporary order. A final custody disposition cannot be entered until both parties have completed the program and filed their certificates with the court clerk.

In Tulsa County, many judges require the class to be completed before the Parenting Plan Conference — the mandatory settlement meeting where parents present their proposed parenting plan. Missing this deadline can delay your case.

Approved Programs

Approved programs and acceptance vary by county and judge. Verify acceptance before enrolling; examples include:

In-person programs:

• Directions in Divorce — offered through Crossroads Youth & Family Services in Cleveland County
• Helping Children Cope with Divorce — through Family & Children's Services in Tulsa
• Parent Promise — an approved-program example; verify local court acceptance

Online programs:

• Co-Parenting for Resilience — an online program administered by Oklahoma State University. Confirm with the county clerk or judge that an online certificate will be accepted before enrolling.

Cost

Fees range from $10 to $60, set by statute. If you qualify as indigent, the fee may be waived. Some free programs are available depending on your county and income level.

Waivers

The court may waive attendance for good cause shown, including domestic violence, stalking, or harassment that occurred during the marriage.

Filing Your Certificate

After completing the course, you receive a certificate of completion. File this with the court clerk in the county where your case is pending. Keep a copy for your records. Both parents must file independently — one parent's completion does not satisfy the other's requirement.

Timing It Right

Many parents treat the parenting class as an afterthought and then scramble when their court date approaches. Complete it early in the process — ideally within the first few weeks of filing. This avoids delays and shows the court you are taking the process seriously.

The Oklahoma Child Custody & Parenting Plan Guide includes a complete timeline showing when to complete and file your parenting class certificate relative to your other court deadlines, so nothing falls through the cracks.

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