Rule 1915.3.A - Commencement of Action. Complaint, Order. Parenting Class(a)Initial Contact with the Court.(1) Notice of a custody action and conciliation conference shall include the date and time for each party to attend parenting class, the name of the assigned mediator with instructions to contact the mediator within three (3) days and the date and time for custody conciliation.(2) All complaints for custody and petitions for modification shall be scheduled for mediation orientation within thirty (30) days of filing with the Office of the Prothonotary unless there is or was an Order under the Protection From Abuse Act. Failure to attend the Mediation Orientation session may result in a recommendation by the custody conciliator that sanctions be entered including but not limited to a fine of up to $100.00.(3) All parties shall attend parenting classes within thirty (30) days of filing the initial Complaint or Petition for Modification with the Office of the Prothonotary. Upon good cause shown, a party may request permission in writing to the Family Court Administrator to attend an approved alternate program. Should the Court grant permission to attend an alternate program proof of attendance must be produced. Any party attending the Court approved program within one (1) calendar year may be excused from attendance. Failure to attend the Parenting Program as directed may result in a finding of Contempt and/or the issuance of sanctions.Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 1915.3.A
Amended effective 6/13/2022; amended effective 1/22/2024.Comment: For the form of Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification see C.C.R.C.P. 1915.3-2.A.
Comment: The current Court approved Parenting Class is an online program entitled, Children in Between and which is conducted through the Center for Divorce Education. It is the responsibility of every party to provide the Court with their certificate of completion.
Comment: It is the party's responsibility to provide the Court with the certificate of completion of the current court approved program. Information about the currently approved the program can be found on chesco.org.