The Superior Court Judges of this circuit recognized through long years of experience that domestic relations cases can be very stressful experiences for the entire family, especially for children. It is for this reason that a mandatory Seminar for Divorcing parents program was implemented by the Court, effective January 1, 1994, for cases where the interests of a child under the age of 18 are concerned. These cases include all cases of divorce, modification of visitation, separate maintenance, custody, paternity, visitation, legitimization, excluding all other URESA and CSEA cases, domestic violence cases, and contempt actions not involving visitations.

The required seminar is a four hour educational program that focuses on the needs of children during times of stress. The seminar is conducted by qualified professionals with years of experience in dealing with children and their problems. Subjects discussed include the impact of divorces on families, the typical reactions of children, coping skills for children, and pitfalls to be avoided.

Both parties to the covered domestic relations actions are required to attend the seminar within 31 days of service upon the defendant in the case or action. It is the responsibility of the filing party to notify the defendant of the requirements of the Seminar for Divorcing Parents program.

The parties are allowed to select seminar providers of their choice from a list furnished by the Court. Participating parties will receive a certificate of completion from the provider upon completion of the four hour seminar. The cost for the seminar ranges from $25 to $30 per person, and is paid directly to the seminar provider by the parties. Arrangements have been made with the providers for those who can not afford to pay all or part of the fee.

Below you will find a list of seminar providers for your area. This list will furnish you with the addresses and telephone numbers of the providers. It is your responsibility to contact the provider of your choice to pre-register for the seminar. Pre-registration is required to assure your place at the seminar.

A copy of the order establishing this program, course content guidelines for seminar providers, and the Court's indigence standards are available from the clerk of the court of the county in which the case was filed. Inquiries concerning the program and these requirements should be directed to either the clerk of the court, or the Office of Dispute Resolution at (706) 478-2578.