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Parenting Information Program

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Parent Education Program

In Arizona, parents must complete a mandatory Parent Education Program class when they ask the court to end their marriage, resolve a paternity dispute, or establish legal decision-making, parenting time, or child support for their children.

What is the Parent Education Program?

The Parent Education Program (sometimes referred to as Parent Information Program or PIP) is a required class for parents when a court case involves their children. 

The class helps parents learn:

  • How ending a marriage or relationship can affect adults and children emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially – both right away and over time.
  • Other options besides ending a marriage, and where to find help if parents want to strengthen or improve a marriage.
  • How the legal process works to end a marriage or relationship, choices like mediation, and where parents and children can get help after the relationship ends.

The Arizona Supreme Court sets minimum rules for these programs, such as how long the class must be and what topics it must cover. Each county in Arizona runs its own Parent Education Program and is responsible for confirming their classes meet the legal requirements. Check with your court or use the county court list to find classes approved by your court.

A.R.S. § 25-351
AZ ST Code of Jud. Admin., §3-202

Who must attend a Parent Education Program class?

If a family court case involves a minor child and the parents ask the court to decide custody, parenting time, or child support, the judge will usually require both parents to complete a parent education class. This applies to legal separation, annulment, and paternity cases.

The court may decide that a parent does not have to take the class if:

  • The court believes taking the class is not in the best interests of the parent or child.
  • A parent is already taking a similar class approved by the court.
  • A parent has already completed this class or a similar one before. The court can still require a parent to take the class again if needed.

In cases about child support or changing or enforcing legal decision making or parenting time orders, the court may require one or both parents to take the class.

If there is domestic violence, the court can set special rules for how parents take the class and must take steps to keep everyone safe.

Each parent must complete the class by the deadline set by the court. The court may extend the deadline if needed.

A.R.S. § 25-352
AZ ST Code of Jud. Admin., § 3-202

How to sign up for a Parent Education Program class

If the court orders you to attend a parent education class, check with the court for information about approved providers, fees, and registration. Once you find a class, you will need to:

  1. Sign up for the class. You usually must register ahead of time. Depending on where your court case is, classes may be in-person or online.

  2. Pay the class fee.The cost depends on the provider but is usually about $40 - $50. If you have an approved court fee waiver or deferral, you may not have to pay the class fee or may pay later.

  3. Attend the class. Bring a valid photo ID and your court case number. If the court waived or deferred your fees, bring the court paperwork that shows this.

  4. Get proof that you completed the class. After you finish, the program will give you a certificate of completion or send it directly to the court. If the program does not send it to the court, you must file the certificate with the court clerk yourself. Make sure the certificate includes your case number, the date you attended, your name, and the instructor’s name, address, and telephone number.