Question: Does the class have to be court ordered? If not how can I take the class. My significant other and I have split recently after 9 years and we have a 6 year old daughter.
Answer: If you are referrring to the Parent Information Program that is required by Arizona law in every custody case, then you may want to contact one of the providers listed in the Maricopa County Self-Service Center packet used for filing a custody petition, and simply ask that provider if it will accept students not actively involved in litigation. (If you live elsewhere, you may need to contact the clerk of the court in your county for that same information.) Some providers may have no problem with that, while others might object. Once a custody petition is filed, however, the class will no longer be optional. Both parties may *have* to attend as a matter of state law - whether the court explicitly orders it or not. See A.R.S. § 25-352.
December 17, 2009
Legal Services Corporation