Frequently Asked questions - FAQ's
Why do I have to attend a parenting class?
Answer: If you are going through a divorce, legal separation, paternity, or changes to a previous divorce or custody case, then you are required by St. Louis County Courts to attend this class to help reduce any potential trauma for children. It will also give the parent a better understanding of the divorce process.
Why do I have to pay $50?
Answer: The fee for the class is $50. It needs to be paid either online via credit card or at the time of class. The fee pays for the instructor, registrar, office staff, class room rental, utilities, operating costs, and materials for the class. No part of the fee goes to the courts or government.
What are your locations and times for class?
Answer: We will give you the dates, times and locations when you make your appointment for class. A confirmation letter will be sent to you approximately one week prior to the class time containing the exact address and directions. We do not publish exact addresses and dates due to security reasons. We offer classes in several locations across St. Louis County. Most of the classes are held Monday - Thursday in the evening, and every other Saturday morning.
Do both parents have to attend?
Answer: Yes. Generally both parents must attend a class. However, both parents cannot attend the same class. This is for everyone's safety and security.
What if the other parent won't attend the mandatory parenting class?
Answer: It is up to the judge in charge of the court proceedings to decide what the consequence would be for the parent choosing not to attend. This could possibly include a delay in the case, dismissal of the case, or even contempt of court.
Do I have to file before taking the class?
Answer: You can take the class before or after you file with the courts. If you file with the courts first, they will give you a cause number for your case. It is helpful to have this for the class. We will give you a certificate of attendance containing this cause number for your records, and a copy will be mailed directly to the courts for filing. If you do not have a cause number yet, we will simply give you the original certificate and the court copy to take to court with you.
What if my case is filed in a different county court other than St. Louis County?
Answer: You are welcome to take this class. However, you need to make sure it is approved by the courts in the county that you have filed with. We will give you a certificate of attendance along with the court copy to take to court with you. Please let your attorney know that you are taking this class.
What if my case is filed in St. Louis City?
Answer: St. Louis City cases are covered by Kids In the Middle (314) 909-9922. If they do not have a class available for you in time for court, you may take our class. It will meet your class requirement.
Can I take the class online?
Answer: Yes, currently, our classes are on-line only. Our website will note once face-to-face classes are able to resume.
I took this class for a different divorce. Do I have to take it again?
Answer: Yes. If you took this class for a different divorce in the past, you have to take this class for the current divorce you are going through.
How do I take the class if I live out of state?
Answer: Please notify the judge in charge of your case that you do not live in the St. Louis area. You may need to have an attorney do this for you. Or, if you do not have an attorney, speak with a court clerk (St. Louis County Courts 314-615-5000). It is the judge's decision if you can take a class in a different location.
Why do I have to attend a parenting class?
Answer: If you are going through a divorce, legal separation, paternity, or changes to a previous divorce or custody case, then you are required by St. Louis County Courts to attend this class to help reduce any potential trauma for children. It will also give the parent a better understanding of the divorce process.
Why do I have to pay $50?
Answer: The fee for the class is $50. It needs to be paid either online via credit card or at the time of class. The fee pays for the instructor, registrar, office staff, class room rental, utilities, operating costs, and materials for the class. No part of the fee goes to the courts or government.
What are your locations and times for class?
Answer: We will give you the dates, times and locations when you make your appointment for class. A confirmation letter will be sent to you approximately one week prior to the class time containing the exact address and directions. We do not publish exact addresses and dates due to security reasons. We offer classes in several locations across St. Louis County. Most of the classes are held Monday - Thursday in the evening, and every other Saturday morning.
Do both parents have to attend?
Answer: Yes. Generally both parents must attend a class. However, both parents cannot attend the same class. This is for everyone's safety and security.
What if the other parent won't attend the mandatory parenting class?
Answer: It is up to the judge in charge of the court proceedings to decide what the consequence would be for the parent choosing not to attend. This could possibly include a delay in the case, dismissal of the case, or even contempt of court.
Do I have to file before taking the class?
Answer: You can take the class before or after you file with the courts. If you file with the courts first, they will give you a cause number for your case. It is helpful to have this for the class. We will give you a certificate of attendance containing this cause number for your records, and a copy will be mailed directly to the courts for filing. If you do not have a cause number yet, we will simply give you the original certificate and the court copy to take to court with you.
What if my case is filed in a different county court other than St. Louis County?
Answer: You are welcome to take this class. However, you need to make sure it is approved by the courts in the county that you have filed with. We will give you a certificate of attendance along with the court copy to take to court with you. Please let your attorney know that you are taking this class.
What if my case is filed in St. Louis City?
Answer: St. Louis City cases are covered by Kids In the Middle (314) 909-9922. If they do not have a class available for you in time for court, you may take our class. It will meet your class requirement.
Can I take the class online?
Answer: Yes, currently, our classes are on-line only. Our website will note once face-to-face classes are able to resume.
I took this class for a different divorce. Do I have to take it again?
Answer: Yes. If you took this class for a different divorce in the past, you have to take this class for the current divorce you are going through.
How do I take the class if I live out of state?
Answer: Please notify the judge in charge of your case that you do not live in the St. Louis area. You may need to have an attorney do this for you. Or, if you do not have an attorney, speak with a court clerk (St. Louis County Courts 314-615-5000). It is the judge's decision if you can take a class in a different location.