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Abstract

This review provides a snapshot of divorce education in the United States with the goal of informing policy makers, judges and court administrators, and developers of divorce education programs on current requirements. Divorce education is frequently mandated to help divorcing parents understand the implications of divorce and the benefits children derive from positive coparenting. This report explores the presence of, and different approaches to, divorce education across the United States. Currently, the majority of states require divorcing parents with minor children to complete a divorce education program. States without broad mandates often have available programs that parents may be required to complete based on their specific situation. In reviewing state-level requirements, we also highlight related issues such as delivery methods, course duration, costs, and content.

Key Take Away Points

This national review is based on publicly accessible information from state government websites in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

We present high level national trends in divorce-related education requirements to help practitioners better understand how other states implement divorce education.

The majority of states require divorce education for divorcing parents with minor children.

Parenting plans are required in the majority of states.

Author Biography

Brian J. Higginbotham is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University. He has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. Joshua J. Turner is a postdoctoral fellow at Utah State University. He received his Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences from Mississippi State University. His research interests include relationship education, remarriage and stepfamily issues, and health and aging. David G. Schramm is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Utah State University. He has a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Utah State University and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. Hanover Higher Education Research is a market research firm based in Arlington, Virginia. Alongside corporate and K-12 education clients, the firm supports over 500 higher education institutions by providing high-quality, custom research and analytics in areas ranging from enrollment management, academic programming, student success, and advancement.

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