Class curriculum and teachers
What is the class about?
“Helping Your Children Cope with Family Change” gives parents information about legal issues, child development, co-parenting strategies, conflict resolution and community resources.
Who teaches the class?
The class is taught by two Parent Educators. Multnomah County Parent Education Presenters are knowledgeable professionals from a variety of backgrounds including lawyers, college professors, social workers, and mental health professionals. Presenters are available for individual questions for up to 30 minutes after class.
Why is this class important?
The ability of parents to cooperate during and after their divorce or separation has a direct impact on how well children do in school, the community and in their personal relationships. Children can come through family changes just fine, so long as parents act in their children’s best interests and protect them from adult conflict. The class gives parents skills to help their child(ren) successfully adjust to family change.
Who is required to take this class?
The class is Court-mandated for people who are parties to a family law case that decides the custody of a child under the age of 18, including annulment, divorce (dissolution), legal separation, custody or parenting time. See ORS 3.425 and SLR 8.015 for more information. Multnomah County Family Resolution Services can’t waive the requirement to take the class. Only a judge can excuse people from the requirement to take the class.
Class length, size, cost and locations
How long is the class?
The class is 3.5 hours long. You must attend the entire class to receive a Certificate of Attendance.
How much does it cost?
The class registration fee is $70 per person. Learn more about fees.
How many people will be there?
Classes are usually about 40 people.
What if I can’t come to class on the day I scheduled?
There is no charge to reschedule your class if you call (503-988-3037 – leave a voice message if necessary) or email (multco.parented@multco.us) Family Resolution Services at least 24 hours before the scheduled class time. You are allowed two free reschedules.
If you contact Family Court Services less than 24 hours before your scheduled class time, you will be charged $25 to reschedule. If you do not notify Family Resolution Services before the class and do not come, you will be charged $70 to reschedule.
What if I’m late?
If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be admitted to class and will have to pay a fee to reschedule.
I found a parenting class online. Will that satisfy the Court’s requirement?
No, it will not fulfill the parent education requirement. There are many online parenting classes available, and some wrongly claim to be accepted by all Courts. Multnomah County Court generally does NOT accept alternative classes’ certificates. Multnomah County does offer an online class in certain situations, however. You must register for that class through Family Resolution Services staff.
How do I register for the class?
You can register for the class in person, online, or by phone. Learn more about registration.
What if I can’t afford the registration fee?
Fee waivers based on low income are available. Please fill out this form to apply to have your fees waived.
What do I need to do to meet court requirements?
Do I need to pass a test to get credit for the class?
No. There is no test for the in-person class.
How will the Court know that I attended the class?
Family Resolution Services will file your Certificate of Attendance with the Court within one week after you attend the class if you have an open relevant domestic relations (family law) case at that time. The Certificate will inform the Court that you have fulfilled the parent education requirement and will be made part of the Court’s record in your case. Whether or not you have an open court case, Family Resolution Services will also email you Certificate of Attendance within a week.
If you do NOT have an open domestic relations case with the Multnomah County Court when you attend class, you will be responsible for giving the Certificate to the Court yourself when you file. IMPORTANT: If you do not provide the Court with the Certificate, your proceedings may be significantly delayed.
What if I lose my Certificate?
No problem. Family Resolution Services is happy to provide you with a new copy upon request.
What if I have more than one case?
You can use the same Certificate in multiple cases. Parent Education Certificates do not ever expire.
Safety concerns
What if there is a restraining order between us?
If a restraining order has been filed between the parties within the past 12 months, you may not come to the same class. Family Resolution Services will not tell either party when the other person in the case is attending the class.
Do I have to take the class together with the other parent?
No. People in the case are NOT required to attend class at the same time, but MAY attend together if BOTH choose to, as long as there are no restraining orders or safety issues. If there are restraining orders or safety concerns, parties may not take the class together, even if they want to.
You may register and pay for both parties at the same time if there are no safety concerns, but you are not obligated to schedule or pay for anyone but yourself.
Please let the us know if you’d rather not be in the same class as the other person, even if you aren’t worried about your safety. Many people choose to take the class separately even if they are getting along well with the other person in the case.
Non-English language class options
Can I take the class in Spanish?
Yes. Find out more about Spanish language options.
What if I speak a language other than English or Spanish?
Interpreters for all other languages are provided at no additional cost. Interpreter-Assisted classes must be scheduled directly with Family Resolution Services staff. They are not available through the online registration process.