What is the Parent Education Program (PIP)?

In 1996, the Arizona State Legislature established a Domestic Relations Education on Children's Issues Program, now offered in each Arizona county. This program sometimes is referred to as the parent education program or parent information program. Although the programs may differ somewhat in each county or even within counties, each is designed to offer education to parents about the impact that divorce, the restructuring of families and judicial involvement have on children. The Arizona Supreme Court sets minimum standards for these programs, including the topics to be covered and qualifications of course presenters.

Parents who have a child in common who is less than eighteen years old must attend the program when involved in a court case for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation. Unmarried parents involved in a court case to establish paternity or maternity also must attend the program if the court has been asked to decide legal decision-making, parenting time or child support. Parents of minor children may also be ordered to attend the program if, after determining paternity or obtaining a dissolution of marriage or a legal separation, disputes regarding legal decision-making, parenting time or child support are presented tot he court.  Parents who fail to attend the program as ordered may be refused any specific request for court action, held in contempt of court or have other penalties imposed.

The program lasts up to four hours in length and a fee may be charged to each participant.

How to be in compliance with a PIP court order:

• Attend Class - you must attend and complete the PIP class
• Within 45 Days - both parents must complete a PIP class from the date of service to the respondent.  The respondent must register and complete the course whether or not a Response or Answer to the petition/complaint is filed.
• Pay the Class Fee - Course fees vary based on the provider of the program.
  • If you have received a fee deferral or waiver, you are eligible to have your course fees deferred or waived.  You must provide documentation tot he provider at time of registration.
• Certificate of Completion - When you complete the class, the provider will e-file a certificate with the court indicating that you are in compliance.
• Failure to Attend Class - if you do not attend a PIP class, the judge may not sign your papers and your requests may be denied.  You may also be denied the right to seek modification until the class is complete.

Are classes available online?

Yes.  Yavapai Superior Court offers FREE, 2 hour long, online Arizona Parent Education Video.  You must have special permission by a Superior Court Judge or ADR Services in order to receive certification for watching the Arizona Parent Education Video.

NOTE: Parents may not attend class together.

How do I sign up for a Parenting Class?

To find county-specific resources in Arizona, visit the Parent Education Course Resources information page or contact the court and ask what is available in the area.

What the class discusses:

The purpose of this class is to give parents information about how children are affected by matters that involve family court (divorce, paternity, custody).

Class Procedures:

• DO NOT bring your children
• Arrive early
• Check-in and check-out of class for your attendance to count
• Bring photo ID
• Bring your case number

Online Procedure:

• Find a time and place free of distractions
• Have your case number and credit card available
• You may break the program into several sessions - do not feel obligated to complete it in a single setting.

Resources:

• Parent Education Course Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions on Parent Education Classes
• Fee Waiver and Deferral Forms
• Apache County Parent Information Program Forms