Parenting Classes for Divorce in Alaska — What's Required

Are Parenting Classes Mandatory in Alaska?

The Alaska Court System no longer requires parents in custody or divorce cases with minor children to complete a mandatory parent education program. This catches many parents off guard because older guides and attorney websites still reference a blanket requirement. The rule changed, and completing a class is no longer a prerequisite to getting your final decree.

That said, local courts strongly encourage participation, and individual judges can still order it in specific cases — particularly when parents demonstrate an inability to cooperate on basic parenting decisions. If a judge orders you to complete a class, it becomes a condition of your case moving forward.

The Court-Sponsored Co-Parenting Program

Even without a mandate, the Alaska Court System runs a structured Co-Parenting Program (CPP) worth knowing about. The CPP combines two components:

Parenting Without Conflict — a six-unit online course covering conflict reduction, communication strategies, and child development during separation. The court negotiates a discounted rate of $43 through its direct enrollment link (the same course costs more through the provider's regular website).

Parenting Plan Facilitation — three free coaching sessions with a Court System Parenting Plan Facilitator. These sessions help you and the other parent work through the specific terms of your DR-475 parenting plan, including schedules, holiday rotations, and decision-making protocols. The facilitator is neutral and cannot give legal advice, but they can help you identify areas of agreement and narrow the disputes.

The CPP is available in every judicial district. It is especially useful for parents drafting an uncontested dissolution — the facilitation sessions can help you finalize a plan you both sign before filing.

Other Approved Class Options

Several online providers offer parent education courses that Alaska courts accept:

Children in Between is the most widely recognized program nationally. It focuses on keeping children out of the middle of parental conflict and teaches age-appropriate communication techniques. It runs on a subscription model — you pay for access, complete the modules at your own pace, and print a certificate of completion.

Certevia and Modern Parenting Solutions offer similar online courses in the $35 to $75 range. Both provide certificates that satisfy court orders in Alaska. They cover topics like post-separation parenting skills, step-parent integration, and managing transitions for children of different ages.

The free Family Law Education Class (FLEC), offered by the Alaska Court System via Zoom, is a 90-minute interactive session covering basic court procedures, child support calculations, and parenting plan development. FLEC includes the required co-parenting video Listen 2 Kids About Divorce. It is not a substitute for the full CPP, but it gives a useful overview if you are early in the process and trying to understand what lies ahead.

When a Judge Orders a Class

Judges most commonly order parent education in cases involving high conflict, domestic violence allegations, or repeated motions to modify custody. The order will specify which program to complete and a deadline. Failure to comply can delay your final decree or count against you in a best-interests evaluation under AS 25.24.150(c) — specifically the factor assessing each parent's willingness to facilitate a healthy relationship with the other parent.

If cost is a barrier, raise it with the court. Fee waivers and sliding-scale programs exist, and the court-sponsored FLEC and facilitation sessions are free.

Connecting Classes to Your Parenting Plan

Completing a co-parenting course before drafting your plan makes the process smoother. The Alaska Custody & Parenting Plan Guide pairs well with these programs — it provides the worksheets and decision frameworks to turn what you learn in class into concrete plan language on Form DR-475.

See more Alaska guides →