You asked about parenting classes in Connecticut and surrounding states.

A majority of states, including Connecticut, require divorcing couples with children under age 18 to attend parenting classes. The curriculum varies from location to location, but is designed to teach parents about how children are affected by divorce and how they can minimize the disruption in their child's life.

Although CGS § 46b-69b, Connecticut's parenting education law, is worded permissively, a standing court order requires couples to complete six hours of classes within 60 days of filing the divorce papers. They must turn a certificate of completion in to the court. The couple can go to the same class or complete a court-approved program in any location in the state. The judge will not issue a divorce decree without proof that both parties completed the class. A person who refuses to attend may be held in contempt of court.

New York and Massachusetts have mandatory parenting education laws; the classes run four and five hours, respectively. Rhode Island has a court-approved education course, but divorcing couples are not automatically required to attend.

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