If you have a shared minor child and plan to be divorced in the State of Georgia you will likely be required to attend a parenting class or seminar. Requirements, schedules, and fees vary by county. “The superior court judges, under whose authority the program shall function, may require any or all parties to attend an educational seminar of no more than four hours in and domestic relations action before the court. The program may be administered by the court or by contract with a private agency. The seminar shall be conducted by qualified personnel whose professional and educational experiences include a knowledge of children and families. " Georgia Superior Court Rule 24.8(B).
“The goal of this program is to assist the parents in understanding the impact of divorce on children, reduce potential conflicts, and offer practical solutions to future problems.“ alcovycircuit.com. “The seminar focuses on the developmental needs of children, with emphasis on fostering the child's emotional health during periods of stress. The program is informative, supportive, and directs people desiring additional information or help to appropriate resources.” gwinnettcourts.com.
Information on local county parenting classes are listed below:
Alcovy (Newton and Walton Counties):
- Website: www.alcovycircuit.com
- Fee: $25.00, cash or money order.
- Attendance: Divorce action must be filled with the Court prior to attending the class.
- Completion: Must be attended by both parties within 60 days of the filing date of the divorce.
- Court Note About Attendance: “Attendance is MANDATORY. FAILURE TO ATTEND MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN THE RESOLUTION OF YOUR CASE, SANCTIONS AGAINST YOU AND POSSIBLY AFFECT YOUR VISITATION WITH THE MINOR CHILD(REN)!” www.alcovycircuit.com
- Location: Note due to COVID19 dates for classes have changed. Please call Ms. Claire Treadwell at 770-267-1343 to register and confirm dates, times and locations of classes. After registration, a letter will be sent to you confirming the date, time and location of your class.
- Dates: see above.
- Time: see above.
Fulton County:
- Website: www.fultoncourt.org
- Fee: $50.00, online.
- Attendance: Can be attended at any time.
- Completion: Must be completed within 30 days of service of the original complaint upon the original defendant.
- Court Note About Attendance: Parties must attend the entire seminar to obtain credit.
- Location: online only.
- Dates: most weekdays, some Saturdays.
- Times: o9:00am, 12:00pm, or 5:00pm.
Gwinnett County:
- Website: www.gwinnettcourts.com
- Fee: $50.00, credit or debit.
- Attendance: Can be attended at any time.
- Completion: Must be completed within 31 days of service of the original complaint upon the original defendant.
- Court Note About Attendance: “Appropriate action, including but not limited to contempt, may be taken upon a party's failure to successfully complete the seminar.”
- Location: online only.
- Dates: most weekdays, some Saturdays.
- Times: 9:00am, 12:00pm, or 5:00pm.
Be sure to check with your Superior Court for parenting class information, requirements vary by county and most require registration prior to the class.