Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Education Classes for an Oregon Divorce
A parenting education course is required by Oregon law for parties who are divorcing in Oregon and have at least one minor child at the time of the divorce. Here are some frequently asked questions:
What is the class about?
- The content may vary depending on the county and the particular presenter. The general theme is co-parenting information.
- If you intend to pursue mediation with Matthew House, please let his office know before you sign up for your parenting class.
- The way you fill out the registration form may be different depending on your mediation status.
Does every parent of a minor child have to take the parenting class?
- In general, and subject to any exceptions that a judge might grant, you cannot file your divorce paperwork until after both parties have completed the parenting class.
- It sometimes takes a month or two to find an available date.
- Even if the judge were to waive the requirement to attend the class, you don't know who your judge will be until you file your divorce paperwork.
Is it worth waiting to see whether the judge will waive the requirement?
- Because you will probably complete mediation before you file any documents (assuming you had not already filed a petition before you came to mediation, which the vast majority of Matthew's clients do not), you will not even know who your judge is until well after you would have already completed the course.
- It's good practice just to register for the course, rather than holding out for the possibility that the judge might grant a waiver.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies from county to county. As of November 19, 2025, here are the links to the Portland metropolitan area counties' classes:
- Clackamas County: Fee: $75 per parent
- Washington County: Fee: $200 per parent
- Multnomah County: Fee: $70 per parent
Please Note:
- Unless you are given permission to take the course in a different county, you generally must take the course in the county in which you will file for divorce. You may file in any county in which at least one party resides.
- You must take the class that is approved by the county. Do not attempt to register for a course offered by a different entity unless you are granted permission to do so by the court.
Next Steps
Schedule a 90-minute in-person or Zoom introduction (first hour is always FREE)
or a 30-minute free "meet-and-greet" as soon as you're ready to begin mediation.