All parties involved in a divorce, or actions involving parental rights and responsibilities and child support are required by law to attend a CHILD IMPACT PROGRAM. This is a four-hour informational seminar on how to help children deal with issues surrounding divorce, separation and parental rights and responsibilities. The seminar provides strategies, ideas and tools for helping children. Parents may attend the course separately or together.

Both parties must complete the seminar within 45 days of the date the respondent was served with the petition. Seminar registration is expected PRIOR TO the First Appearance court session. After you attend the seminar, a certificate of completion will be forwarded to the court by the provider.

Failure to attend the seminar will result in appropriate sanctions being ordered by the court, which may include being held in contempt of court and sentenced to jail or payment of a fine or both.

If you need additional time to complete the seminar, you must file a motion with the court, requesting the additional time. These motion forms are available at the court.

For more information, including a list of seminar providers, review the Child Impact Program Notice page.