COPE Classes for Divorcing Parents: Important Info

Posted: 30 June, 2022

COPE Classes in Nevada

Parents who are going through a divorce in Nevada are generally required to attend a “COPE” class. COPE classes are court-required parenting courses that are intended to help separating parents support their children during divorce.

The idea behind this requirement is to help divorcing parents:

  • Understand and focus on the needs of their children
  • Figure out ways to reduce their children’s stress
  • Develop ways to work together so that they can successfully co-parent moving forward.

Although parents do not have to take this class together, both will have to complete this course before their divorce case can be wrapped up. In fact, family court judges will typically not sign a final divorce decree until both parents have provided proof of completing the COPE class.

More Details about COPE Classes

If you will need to complete a COPE class as part of your divorce case, here’s what you should know:

  • The class has to be taken at a court-approved provider. Currently, approved providers (in the Las Vegas area)are Family Solutions, Inc., Palo Verde Child & Family Services, Inc., and The Center for Divorce Education. If you are not sure whether a provider is approved by the court, make sure to check before enrolling.
  • Certificates of completion from non-court-approved providers will NOT be accepted.
  • Classes are generally available in English and Spanish, and they can be taken in person or online.
  • COPE classes generally last from 3 to 5 hours, after which participating parents will receive a Certificate of Completion that has to be filed with the court.
  • The cost to enroll/attend COPE classes is about $40 per person.
  • In some cases, the court may authorize a waiver of the COPE class requirement. For this to occur, there must be “good” cause (and a Request for Waiver of COPE Class must be completed/submitted to the court).

We will answer some commonly asked questions about these courses so parents are informed and can take action to fulfill this Nevada divorce requirement.

FAQs about COPE Classes for Divorcing Nevada Parents

Q: What is the time commitment involved with COPE classes?

A: COPE classes last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on whether people take these courses in person (at a court-approved provider) or online (via an approved provider). At the end of this session, parents will earn a Certificate of Completion to file with the family court.

Q: How much do COPE classes cost?

A: In general, the cost of enrolling in COPE courses is around $40 per person. However, the specific costs can vary from provider to provider, and there may be fee waivers available in some cases (for those who qualify).

Q: Where can I take COPE classes?

A: At any court-approved COPE class provider. As of October 2015, some of the court-approved providers for COPE classes include:

Additionally, it’s important to be aware that:

  • There may be other court-approved providers.
  • You should double check if a provider is court approved before enrolling in/completing a course.
  • The court will NOT accept a certificate from a non-approved provider.
  • Parents do NOT have to attend COPE classes together.

Q: What happens when parents fail to complete COPE classes?

A: The court will not finalize a divorce decree until both parents have presented certificates of completion for COPE classes. So, if even one parent fails to complete this requirement, their divorce will not be finalized until that parent completes the course.

Contact RIGHT Lawyers at (702) 914-0400 to speak with a trusted Las Vegas Family Lawyer.