Custody

Iowa law requires all parents who are involved in a divorce or a custody and visitation case to attend a court-approved parenting class. The goal is to learn how children are affected by their parents’ separation or divorce.¹ The class may be called “Children in the Middle,” “Children in Between,” “Children Cope with Divorce,” or something similar.

Both parents are supposed to take this parenting class within 45 days of the court papers being served. Unless the judge has waived your attendance for a good reason (“good cause”), both parents have to take the class before the judge can issue a final order in your case.¹ Each parent must arrange to take the class and pay for the cost.² Contact the clerk of court in your county to find out which classes are accepted in your county.

¹ Iowa Code § 598.15(1) 
² Iowa Code § 598.15(2)