Parenting classes help families and children cope with divorce

Court ordered parenting classes are required in connection with a divorce in Harris County under the local rules for each district, as provided for in the Texas Family Code § 105.009. In Harris County, Local Rule 12 mandates that parents attend and complete a parenting course in divorces joined with suits that affect the parent-child relationship.  In Fort Bend County, Local Rule 11 mandates that parents or other individuals requesting appointment as a conservator of a child attend a parenting class, whether in an original suit or in a modification.

Parents are encouraged to attend court ordered parenting classes as early as possible to avoid delay of your divorce being finalized, or having sanctions imposed or custody removed until the course is completed.

Parenting Classes Resource List

Updated 12/2017

To help our clients and community, we provide this Parenting Classes Resource List of courses that have been accepted by the courts – some are offered online for the convenience of parents, whose lives can be very hectic during a divorce.

However, it is very important to confirm with the presiding judge whether or not he or she prefers or requires that a parenting course be attended in person rather than taken online. Also, it is a good idea to confirm that the course of your choice will be accepted by the court before registering.

Prices for these court ordered parenting classes range from $25 to $70, so we encourage you to read the materials carefully to ensure that your time is well spent and you participate in the program that’s right for you.  Also, course details for these parenting classes tends to change; the information provided below is current as of this writing.

Accepted Parenting Classes – Classroom setting

Harris County

We have identified these parenting classes offered in Harris County, which are all 4-hour courses that comply with court requirements in Harris County.

Find your way around the Harris County Family Courts

Parenting and Co-Parenting Classes provided by Family Services of Greater Houston (two sessions)

For information, visit their website

Location: 4625 Lillian St, Houston 77007

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Parenting Classes provided by DePelchin Children’s Center

For information, contact DePelchin: website

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Fort Bend County

“Helping Children Cope With The Effects of Divorce” provided by DePelchin Children’s Center

4-hour sessions are offered on various dates each month at these locations
Spanish classes available

$25 for registration and materials

Location in Fort Bend County: 10435 Greenbough Drive, Stafford, TX 77477 (this class is held in the Ft. Bend Regional Council conference room located across the parking lot from the DePelchin Children’s Center Ft. Bend location).

Accepted Online Parenting Classes*

Click the links below for more information and to register for one of these online courses.  Again, it is very important to confirm with the presiding judge whether or not he or she prefers or requires that a parenting course be attended in person rather than taken online.

“Family Affairs” $39 ***/****

Parent Class Online” $39.99 ****

“Parenting Choice”  $39.99 ***/****

“Positive Parenting Through Divorce”  $60 **
Spanish classes available at this link

“Putting Kids First”  $60 **/****
May be completed by mail for $70

“Texas Cooperative Parenting Course, for Divorced and Separating Parents”  $34.95 ****
Spanish classes available

*The 310th District Court in Harris County requires parents attend a classroom setting course and the 387th District Court in Fort Bend County requires advanced approval for taking online courses.  Be sure to confirm with your judge and determine whether they have revised their policies pertaining to parenting courses.

**The 247th District Court in Harris County suggests the following online courses.

***The 328th District Court in Fort Bend County has approved these online courses.

****The 387th District Court in Fort Bend County has approved these online courses, but you must receive advance approval by the court prior to taking one of these online courses.

Be sure to confirm with your court whether the course you decide to take is approved as there may have been changes in their policies pertaining to approved parenting courses.