Colorado Court-Approved Parenting Class: What Divorcing and Separating Parents Need to Know
Colorado courts may require parents with minor children to complete parenting education during divorce, legal separation, custody, parenting time, or other parental responsibility proceedings. Two Families Now is approved in counties and judicial districts serving nearly all Colorado residents.
Check Colorado ApprovalIf your Colorado divorce, separation, custody, or parenting case involves children, you may be required to complete a court-approved parenting class.
Colorado courts use several names for this requirement, including parenting education, co-parenting class, and Parenting After Divorce. Colorado family law also uses the term allocation of parental responsibilities when addressing decision-making and parenting time.
Two Families Now is approved for use in many Colorado counties and judicial districts, covering nearly all of the state's population. Because Colorado approval is handled by jurisdiction, parents should confirm approval for the county or judicial district where their case is filed before enrolling.
Does Colorado Require a Parenting Class for Divorce?
Colorado law allows courts to require parents of children under 18 to attend a parenting education program in several kinds of family law proceedings.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-123.7
Colorado's parental education statute authorizes courts to order parenting education in dissolution of marriage, legal separation, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and certain post-decree proceedings.
The statute explains that these programs are intended to help parents understand the effect of divorce and separation on adults and children and to teach co-parenting skills and strategies.
Two Families Now Is Approved Across Most of Colorado
An approved online option for most Colorado families
Two Families Now is approved in Colorado counties and judicial districts serving nearly all of the state's population.
Since Colorado parenting education approval can vary by judicial district or county, always verify that Two Families Now is approved for the jurisdiction handling your case.
This local approval structure is common in Colorado. Judicial districts maintain approved provider lists and can establish requirements about course length, completion deadlines, online participation, and certificates.
What Colorado Law Says About Parenting Education
Colorado's parental education law is unusually clear about why these programs exist.
The Colorado General Assembly recognizes that ongoing parental conflict during divorce and separation can negatively affect children academically, socially, and psychologically.
Parenting education is intended to help parents understand that impact and learn practical co-parenting strategies that allow them to continue parenting their children as constructively as possible.
- Understanding how separation and divorce affect children
- Reducing children's exposure to parental conflict
- Keeping children out of adult disagreements
- Developing healthier co-parenting communication
- Managing strong emotions before responding
- Helping children adjust to changes in the family
- Supporting children across separate households
What Does "Allocation of Parental Responsibilities" Mean?
If you are searching for a Colorado custody parenting class, you may see unfamiliar terminology in court documents.
Colorado commonly uses allocation of parental responsibilities rather than simply "custody." These cases address parenting time and decision-making responsibilities involving a child.
Colorado's parental education statute specifically includes proceedings involving allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time among the cases in which a court can order parental education.
Searching for "Colorado custody class"?
A requirement described by your court as a parenting class, co-parenting class, parenting education course, or Parenting After Divorce class may be related to what many parents commonly think of as a custody case.
Parenting Class Requirements in Major Colorado Counties
Local requirements matter in Colorado. Several of the state's largest counties and judicial districts publish specific parenting education instructions.
Adams County parenting classes
Adams County states that parties with minor children seeking divorce, legal separation, or allocation of parental responsibilities must attend a court-approved parenting class and file a certificate of completion.
El Paso County parenting classes
El Paso County states that Level 1 parenting classes are required in domestic relations cases involving children under the age of 18.
Boulder County co-parenting classes
The 20th Judicial District publishes information about designated co-parenting class providers and course schedules for Boulder County.
Arapahoe County Parenting After Divorce
The 18th Judicial District uses the term Parenting After Divorce Class and states that parenting education is required through its case management order.
Do Colorado Parenting Classes Have to Be Court Approved?
When your court requires a parenting class, you should use a provider approved for your county or judicial district.
For example, Adams and Broomfield counties specifically tell parents to complete a court-approved parenting class and submit the provider's Certificate of Completion to the court.
Confirm before enrolling
Two Families Now is approved throughout most of Colorado, but approval requirements differ by jurisdiction. Check your county or judicial district before purchasing your course.
Can I Take a Colorado Parenting Class Online?
Many Colorado courts allow approved parenting education to be completed online. Local rules still determine which providers and course formats are accepted.
Two Families Now is fully online, allowing eligible Colorado parents to complete their approved co-parenting education from home and on their own schedule.
100% online
Complete the course using a computer, tablet, or smartphone without attending a classroom.
Four-hour course
Two Families Now is designed as a four-hour co-parenting education program.
Work on your schedule
Access the online course when it works for you during your course access period.
Certificate of Completion
Download your Certificate of Completion after finishing the required course activities.
How to Complete Your Colorado Court-Approved Parenting Class
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Check your county or judicial district
Review your court documents and confirm that Two Families Now is approved for the jurisdiction handling your case.
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Register online
Register for Two Families Now through the Colorado course page.
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Complete the course
Work through the lessons and required activities online at your own pace.
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Download your certificate
Save your Certificate of Completion after you finish all required course activities.
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Follow your court's filing instructions
Your court may require you to file the certificate or provide proof of completion in another way. Follow the instructions in your court order or local rules.
Colorado Parenting Class Frequently Asked Questions
Is Two Families Now approved statewide in Colorado?
Two Families Now is approved in counties and judicial districts covering nearly all of Colorado's population, but approval is jurisdiction-specific. Confirm approval for the county or judicial district handling your case before enrolling.
Is a parenting class required for every Colorado divorce?
Requirements depend on your case and jurisdiction. Colorado Revised Statutes § 14-10-123.7 authorizes courts to require parental education, and many judicial districts establish specific requirements for cases involving children.
What is a Parenting After Divorce class in Colorado?
Parenting After Divorce is terminology used by some Colorado judicial districts for parenting education intended to help parents understand the effects of divorce on children and develop effective co-parenting skills.
What is an allocation of parental responsibilities case?
Colorado uses allocation of parental responsibilities to address parenting time and decision-making responsibilities for children. Courts may order parenting education in these proceedings.
Can I take my Colorado parenting class online?
Many Colorado jurisdictions approve online parenting education providers. Two Families Now is fully online. Confirm that it is approved for your county or judicial district before registering.
Do I get a Certificate of Completion?
Yes. After completing Two Families Now, you can download your Certificate of Completion. Your court may require you to file the certificate, so follow the instructions for your case.
Does Colorado call this a co-parenting class or parenting class?
Both terms are used. Depending on the judicial district, you may see parenting class, parental education, co-parenting class, parenting education class, or Parenting After Divorce.
Complete Your Approved Colorado Co-Parenting Course Online
Two Families Now is approved in Colorado counties and judicial districts serving nearly all of the state's population. Check approval for your jurisdiction, complete the course online, and download your Certificate of Completion when you finish.
Check Approval and Get StartedThis article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Parenting education requirements, approved providers, deadlines, and certificate filing procedures can vary by Colorado county, judicial district, and case. Review your current court documents and local court information or contact your attorney or court if you have questions about the requirements that apply to your case.