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 & St. Charles County Courts to take a class. The goal is to figure out where you are emotionally in the process, help reduce any potential trauma for children, & to help with the co-parenting process.
Why do I have to pay $50 or $60?
Answer: Unfortunately, the class is not free (unless you have a fee waiver from the court). The fee for the class is $50 or $60, depending upon which class you take. It needs to be paid either online via credit card or via cashier's check prior to scheduling the class.
What are your locations and times for class?
Answer: We currently offer 2 class formats, 1) online - self-guided, with your own computer to complete at your own pace within 30 days, OR 2) virtual - this is a scheduled class with others, taught by a licensed counselor via Zoom.
Do both parents have to attend?
Answer: Yes. Generally both parents must attend a class. However, both parents typically cannot attend the same virtual class without permission from the director. This is for everyone's safety, comfort 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 or dismissal of the case.
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 your certificate when it is filed. If you do not have a cause number yet, we will simply mail you the original certificate (& court copy) after the class to give to your attorney or mediator to file with the court.
What if my case is filed in a different county court other than St. Louis or St. Charles 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 to meet your class requirement.
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 or even the same divorce with a different case number in the past, you must take the class again.
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 & St. Charles County Courts to take a class. The goal is to figure out where you are emotionally in the process, help reduce any potential trauma for children, & to help with the co-parenting process.
Why do I have to pay $50 or $60?
Answer: Unfortunately, the class is not free (unless you have a fee waiver from the court). The fee for the class is $50 or $60, depending upon which class you take. It needs to be paid either online via credit card or via cashier's check prior to scheduling the class.
What are your locations and times for class?
Answer: We currently offer 2 class formats, 1) online - self-guided, with your own computer to complete at your own pace within 30 days, OR 2) virtual - this is a scheduled class with others, taught by a licensed counselor via Zoom.
Do both parents have to attend?
Answer: Yes. Generally both parents must attend a class. However, both parents typically cannot attend the same virtual class without permission from the director. This is for everyone's safety, comfort 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 or dismissal of the case.
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 your certificate when it is filed. If you do not have a cause number yet, we will simply mail you the original certificate (& court copy) after the class to give to your attorney or mediator to file with the court.
What if my case is filed in a different county court other than St. Louis or St. Charles 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 to meet your class requirement.
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 or even the same divorce with a different case number in the past, you must take the class again.