When Do You Have to Take Parenting Classes During Divorce?

 Posted on July 10, 2025 in Child Custody

If you are getting divorced in Illinois and have children under 18, you are likely required to complete a parenting education class. This requirement is not meant to punish divorcing parents. Rather, Illinois courts believe that families benefit when parents understand the emotional and developmental impact of divorce on children. These courses provide tools that are meant to help parents going through a divorce manage conflict, improve communication, and help their children adjust during the separation process.

As of June 2025, the requirement remains in place across all judicial circuits in Illinois, including Kane County. If you live anywhere in the surrounding area, a North Aurora, IL family law attorney can explain when, how, and why to take these courses and what happens if you do not.

Who Has to Take a Parenting Class in an Illinois Divorce?

In most cases, both parents are required to take a KiDs1st parenting class when they file for divorce and share children under the age of 18. This requirement also applies to cases involving parental allocation of responsibilities (legal custody) or parenting time (physical custody), even if the parents were never married. The court will not finalize your divorce or approve your parenting plan until both parents have completed the class.

Importantly, each parent must take the class separately. Even if you are on good terms with your co-parent, attending together is not allowed under most county rules. Courts want each parent to work with the material independently.

When Do You Need to Complete the Parenting Class?

Each county court sets its own timeline for when the class must be completed. In Kane County, parents are expected to complete the course within four months of the initial filing or appearance by the respondent. This typically happens early in the divorce process, often at your first appearance or after temporary custody has been determined. However, do not wait until the court reminds you. Taking the class early can demonstrate to the judge that you are acting in good faith and prioritizing your child’s well-being.

If you miss the deadline or ignore the requirement altogether, the judge may delay your case or deny parenting time requests. In rare cases, the court could hold a parent in contempt. In other words, failure to complete the course could slow down or even derail your divorce proceedings. The entire program must be completed before the court will enter any final custody or parenting order.

What Is Covered in the Parenting Class?

The exact content varies by provider, but most classes cover topics like:

• How divorce impacts children at different developmental stages

• Strategies to reduce conflict between co-parents

• Best practices for sharing parenting responsibilities

• Tips for managing transitions between households

• How to support your child's mental and emotional health

Courses are typically four hours long and may be offered in one or two sessions. Many programs are now available online, which makes it easier for busy or separated parents to attend on their own schedule. Still, some judges prefer in-person classes unless a party receives special permission for remote completion.

How Much Do Parenting Classes Cost in Kane County? 

As of July 2025, the parenting course costs $90 per person. You cannot get your certificate of completion until you pay for the course. You cannot bring your children. Classes are available in Spanish. You are expected to bring a photo ID and something to write with so you can take notes.

Will the Court Know You Completed the Parenting Class?

After you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. This must be filed with the court to show that you fulfilled the requirement. Do not assume the course provider will handle this for you; it is your responsibility to make sure the court receives and records the certificate.

If you do not submit proof, the judge will not approve your final parenting plan. This can delay your ability to secure legal custody or enforce parenting time rights.

Can the Parenting Class Requirement Be Waived?

Judges do have the ability to waive the parenting class requirement, but this is uncommon. A waiver may be granted if there are serious logistical barriers, such as:

• A parent is incarcerated or out of state, with no access to classes

• A parent has a cognitive or physical disability that prevents meaningful participation

• The parties have no minor children, and the case does not involve parenting issues

Even in these circumstances, a judge may still order an alternative form of education or require written statements showing good cause for noncompliance.

Does Completing the Class Affect the Outcome of the Case?

Completing the parenting class is just one part of your divorce case, but it can affect the outcome indirectly. A parent who completes the course promptly and applies its lessons may be viewed more favorably by the judge. This is true of a parent outside of the class as well; in general, parents who are cooperative and clearly focused on their child’s well-being are perceived well in court.

Conversely, a parent who refuses to take the class or apply its lessons may be seen as less cooperative or less child-focused. This could influence how decision-making responsibilities or parenting time are allocated.

Ultimately, judges in Illinois are guided by the best interests of the child. Showing that you are willing to take steps to support your child’s well-being during the divorce may help show that you are acting in their best interests.

Get Help from a Kane County, IL Family Lawyer

Parenting classes are just one piece of the puzzle when you are navigating divorce with children. At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., our North Aurora, IL family law attorneys help parents understand their legal obligations and protect their children throughout the divorce process. We have years of experience guiding families through Kane County’s parenting class requirements and the parenting plan approval process. Call us at 630-409-8184 to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.