Connecticut parenting Education Legal Requirements
The Court Says You Have to Take a Class…
Connecticut law (CGS § 46b-69b) requires parents in custody or divorce cases to complete parenting education within 60 days of filing.
Most parents dread this because:
- In-person classes eat up your schedule — 4+ hours sitting in a room, usually during work hours
- You feel like you’re being punished — this is supposed to help, not hassle you
- The “parenting advice” feels generic — you came for real guidance, not a lecture
We get it. And that’s why most Connecticut courts now accept online parenting education—if you take it through an approved provider.
Connecticut Parenting Education Requirements & County Acceptance
Connecticut requires parenting education for parents in divorce, separation, custody, and visitation cases under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-69b. The court must order any party to an action involving a minor child to participate in a parenting education program unless the parties agree otherwise or the court finds participation unnecessary. The six-hour program is designed to educate parents about the impact of family restructuring on children, including children’s developmental stages, adjustment to parental separation, conflict management, visitation guidelines, cooperative parenting, and stress reduction. Parents must complete the program and file a certificate of completion with the court.
Why this matters: Connecticut law requires completion of parenting education within 60 days of filing a custody, divorce, separation, or visitation case. Failure to complete the required program on time can delay finalization of your custody order, prevent entry of a divorce judgment, result in contempt of court charges, and extend court proceedings. The court can impose sanctions and require you to appear before a judge if you do not complete the program within the court-ordered deadline.
Connecticut Judicial Resources
For additional guidance on parenting education requirements, court procedures, approved providers, and local court contacts:
Connecticut Judicial Branch — Parenting Education Programs: https://jud.ct.gov/homepages/parenting.htm
Connecticut Judicial Branch — Superior Court Family Services: https://www.jud.ct.gov/courts/superior/family.html
Connecticut Judicial Branch — Court Clerk Locations by District: https://www.jud.ct.gov/directory/clerklocations.htm
Form JD-FM-149 (Parenting Education Program – Order, Certificate and Results Form): Available at all Superior Court Clerk’s Offices and on the Judicial Branch website
Form JD-FM-75 (Application for Waiver of Fees/Appointment of Counsel – Family): Available for parents with financial hardship
Connecticut Statute Reference
Parenting Education Program“The court shall order any party to an action specified in subsection (a) of this section to participate in such program whenever a minor child is involved in such action unless (1) the parties agree, subject to the approval of the court, not to participate in such program, (2) the court, on motion, determines that participation is not deemed necessary, or (3) the parties select and participate in a comparable parenting education program. A party shall be deemed to have satisfactorily completed such program upon certification by the service provider of the program.”
Meet Your Court-Ordered Connecticut State Co-Parenting Class 100% Online
Completing a court-mandated course in Connecticut has never been more convenient. Our fully online platform lets you enroll immediately and work at your own pace.
Our Connecticut court-ordered online classes offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive in-person programs — with no compromise on quality or court acceptance. Thousands of Connecticut residents have used our platform to complete their required education, download their certificate, and move forward with confidence. Enroll today and take the first step toward putting your legal requirements behind you.
Connecticut County Directory
All listed Connecticut counties are currently known to accept certificates from online course providers. Always verify acceptance with your local court clerk before enrolling, as individual judges or courtrooms may have additional requirements beyond county-level guidelines.
FAQ
Where do I submit my certificate in Connecticut?
You must submit your certificate of completion to the Clerk of the Superior Court in the Judicial District where your case is pending, or directly to your assigned CSSD (Court Support Services Division) Probation Officer. In Connecticut, it is often required to file the “Parenting Education Program-Order, Certificate and Results” (Form JD-FM-149) along with your certificate for family court matters.
Do Connecticut courts accept online parenting education?
Yes. Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-69b permits parenting education, and as of October 2020, the Connecticut Judicial Branch approves online parenting education programs as a valid alternative to in-person classes. Both court-contracted providers and third-party vendors offer state-approved online programs. All eight Connecticut judicial districts accept certificates from approved online providers, and you are not required to take the class in the specific judicial district where your case is pending—you can complete it in any district statewide
How long do I have to complete the parenting class in Connecticut?
Connecticut law requires completion within 60 days of filing a family case involving minor children. Your court order or Notice of Child Support Complaint (if applicable) will specify the exact deadline. Failure to complete by the deadline can delay finalization of your divorce or custody order, result in contempt of court charges, and require you to appear before a judge to explain the delay.
How Do Court-Ordered Online Classes Work in Connecticut?
Connecticut parenting education programs total six hours. Court-contracted providers offer them in either one six-hour session (typically on Saturday with an hour lunch break) or two three-hour sessions. Online programs may be split into two three-hour sessions completed over multiple weeks. Our classes are designed to be completed 100% online. You can enroll instantly, work at your own pace, and save your progress as you go. Once you complete the final module, your official certificate is available for immediate download. This allows you to meet tight court deadlines without having to wait for a scheduled in-person class opening.
Can I take the course if I don’t live in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut law does not require you to live in Connecticut to complete the parenting education requirement, provided your family court case is pending in a Connecticut Superior Court. You may take the class online from out of state or enroll in an in-person class at any Connecticut location. However, verify with your court clerk that your chosen provider is approved to serve parents in your specific judicial district.
Why Choose Our Court-Ordered Classes?
✅ State-Aligned: Our curriculum is built to meet Connecticut’s high standards for court-mandated education.
✅ Start immediately after enrollment
✅ Verifiable certificates accepted statewide
✅ Progress saved automatically — finish at your own pace
✅ Instant certificate download upon completion
✅ Full refund if your court does not accept our certificate
What happens if I don’t complete the parenting class on time?
Failing to complete by the 60-day deadline can result in serious consequences. Your custody order or divorce may be delayed indefinitely, the court can charge you with contempt of court, you may be required to appear before a judge to explain the delay, and the court may impose additional sanctions or conditions. If you cannot meet the deadline due to genuine hardship (illness, emergency, job loss), contact the court immediately to request a deadline extension in writing before the original deadline passes.
Can I take the course with my spouse or ex-partner?
No, you are not required to attend the class together with the other parent, but you may if you choose to. If you prefer to attend separately, inform the provider when registering. Many providers offer separate sessions to accommodate parents who are uncomfortable attending together.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate information regarding court requirements, laws and local rules can change. You should consult with a qualified legal professional or your local court clerk to confirm that an online certificate will satisfy the specific requirements of your case before enrolling.
Ready to get started?
Enroll now and you can be done by tomorrow. Your certificate will be ready to submit immediately.
