Lincoln Supp. L. R. 8.011

As amended through June 11, 2024

Rule 8.011 - Parent Education Program

(1) Mandatory Parent Education Program

(a) A parent education program of the type authorized by ORS 3.425 is established. The program shall provide information on the impact of family restructuring on the children to each person named as a party in the following types of proceedings, when such proceedings involve minor children:

(i) Annulment or dissolution of marriage,

(ii) Legal separation,

(iii) Petition to establish custody or parenting plans (including paternity), and

(iv) Post-judgment litigation involving custody, or parenting plans.

(b) Each party who files an appearance in a proceeding of the types described above shall complete the program unless exempted by the court. A final judgment shall not be entered in the proceeding until each party not otherwise exempted by the court who has filed an appearance has completed the program.

(c) A copy of this local rule and instructions on how to register for the program shall be served by the initiating party on all parties against whom relief is sought. Service shall be completed in the manner provided in ORCP 7 at the time the initiating documents are served.

(d) Each party must file a certificate of completion with the court before the final judgment is submitted.

(e) The court may exempt one or both parties from the program if, after reviewing the requesting party's motion and supporting affidavit, the court determines that participation is unnecessary or inappropriate.

(2) Sanctions

(a) Failure or refusal to complete the program in a timely manner shall be considered by the court in making its ruling on issues which are in dispute.

(b) A party who has completed the program shall have the right to

(i) Request that the pleadings of a party who has appeared be stricken if that party has not completed the program in a timely manner without good reason.

(ii) Request entry of an order from the court to compel the non-complying party's completion of the program should the non-complying party not have completed the program in a timely manner without good reason. The court may enter an award of attorney fees in favor of the complying party who utilizes this option to force the non-complying party's compliance with this rule.

Lincoln Supp. L. R. 8.011

Amended effective 2/1/2024.