Parents going through a divorce or legal separation in Arizona often face more than just the division of property or spousal maintenance. When children are involved, courts prioritize their well-being, and part of that effort includes ensuring parents understand how family restructuring can affect their kids. That’s where Arizona’s Parent Information Program (PIP) class comes in.

The Parent Information Program is a mandatory educational class for parents involved in legal actions such as divorce, legal separation, paternity, or custody disputes involving minor children. This class is not just a formality—it is a requirement under Arizona law and is designed to help parents minimize the adverse effects of family court cases on children.

In Maricopa County and Pinal counties, parents must complete this class in Arizona within 45 days of receiving their initial court documents. Failure to complete the program can delay proceedings or result in penalties. Understanding the importance of this class, how to complete it, and what it includes can make a difference in your family law case.

Table of Contents

• What is the Parent Information Program Class?
• Why Arizona Requires a Parent Education Class
• Legal Requirements Under A.R.S. § 25-351
• What the Class Covers
• How to Complete the Class in Maricopa and Pinal County
• Step-by-Step Guide: Completing Your Arizona Parent Information Program
• Frequently Asked Questions About the PIP Class
• Important Things to Remember
• How De Novo Law Can Help

At De Novo Law, Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Stephanie Villalobos has helped many parents successfully meet Arizona’s parent education requirements while also guiding how to resolve child custody, parenting time, and child support issues. With over 30 years in the legal field, she ensures that her clients understand every step of the Arizona parent education process.

What is the Parent Information Program Class?

The Parent Information Program (PIP) is a mandatory parent education class ordered by the Superior Court in Arizona under A.R.S. § 25-351, also referred to as the Domestic Relations Education on Children’s Issues Program. This class is required for all parents who are:

• Going through a divorce or legal separation involving minor children.
• Seeking to establish or modify legal decision-making (custody) or parenting time.
• Engaged in a paternity or child support action.

The court mandates that both parties must attend the class and submit a Certificate of Completion to the clerk of court within the specified timeline.

Classes are available online or in person and must be approved by the Arizona Supreme Court or your specific county superior court (Maricopa or Pinal). They generally take around two to three hours to complete and are available in both English and Spanish.

Why Arizona Requires a Parent Education Class

The primary goal of the class is to educate parents on how court actions, such as divorce or parenting time disputes, impact their children. The class provides:

• An overview of the effects of divorce and family restructuring on children.
• Information about child development and the emotional needs of children.
• Guidance on how to reduce conflict and promote cooperative parenting.
• Tools to help parents avoid using children as messengers or leverage are essential in the Arizona parenting information program.
• Explanations of the legal process for custody, parenting time, and child support are provided in this educational program.

This class provides parents with insight into their role in fostering a healthy, low-conflict environment during a time of major family change.

Legal Requirements Under A.R.S. § 25-351

Arizona Revised Statutes A.R.S. § 25-351 outlines the legal foundation for the Parent Information Program in the state of Arizona. Key legal elements include:

• The program is mandatory in any case involving minor children.
• The class must meet minimum standards and be taught by qualified providers.
• The court may refuse to grant a divorce decree until both parties have completed the class.
• Failure to attend may result in contempt of court or delays in custody decisions.

The statute aims to provide domestic relations education to parents to ensure they understand the impact of their decisions on their children.

What the Class Covers

Topics in the Parent Information Program include:

• Effects of divorce on adults and children
• Communication skills between co-parents
• Developmental stages and age-specific needs of children are important topics covered in the Arizona parent education program.
• Parenting time and custody options in Arizona
• How to handle conflict with the other parent constructively
• How the court determines custody and parenting time
• Access to the child and how orders are enforced
• Child support calculations and enforcement are crucial components of Arizona family law.

The class does not provide legal advice, but it helps you better understand the family court process and how to avoid putting your children in the middle.

How to Complete the Class in Maricopa and Pinal County

If your case is filed in Maricopa or Pinal County, the Superior Court in each jurisdiction provides a list of approved PIP class providers. You may:

• Choose an online class approved by the Arizona Supreme Court for the parent education program.
• Attend in person at an approved facility to fulfill the requirements of the educational program.
• Expect to pay a fee for the class, usually between $35 – $50.
• Receive a Certificate of Completion to file with the court.

You must take this class within 45 days of being served with the petition or receiving notice of the requirement. Some judges may impose sanctions if the class is not completed on time.

Step-by-Step Guide: Completing Your Arizona Parent Information Program

If you are involved in a divorce, legal separation, or custody case in Arizona, you may be required to complete a court-approved Parent Education Program.

Here is a simple breakdown of the steps to take:

Frequently Asked Questions About the PIP Class

What happens if I don’t take the class?
If you fail to complete the class, the judge can delay your case, impose penalties, or refuse to issue final orders, including your divorce decree.

Do both parents have to take it?
Yes, this class is part of the Arizona parenting information program. Each parent must complete the course for parents separately, even if they agree on all issues.

Is the PIP class available online?
Yes, many approved providers offer an online parenting class that meets court requirements.

How long is the class?
Most classes take around 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Is there a fee?
Yes. Each provider sets their fee for the class, typically $35-$50.

Can I take the parent education program in another Arizona county?
Yes, but it must be from a provider approved in any Arizona county and accepted by your specific Superior Court.

What if the other parent refuses to take the class?
The court may proceed without them, but the judge will consider their failure to comply with the parenting information program when making decisions about custody and parenting time.

Important Things to Remember

• The PIP class is mandatory for parents with minor children in family law cases, especially during a dissolution of marriage.
• You must complete the class within 45 days of being served.
• The program is required by A.R.S. § 25-351.
• A Certificate of Completion must be filed with the court.
• The class helps you understand the impact on children and how to parent during conflict, aligning with Arizona family law principles regarding specific parenting time.
• You can choose from online or in-person options approved by the Superior Court.
• Failing to complete the class can result in penalties or delays in your case.