Compliance Snapshot
- Legal basis
- Indiana ADR Rule 15
- Who must attend
- Both parents in custody or parenting time cases
- Typical deadline
- Within 60 days of filing or per court order
- Format
- Online, self-paced
Why Indiana requires parent education
Indiana recognizes that family court proceedings are difficult for everyone involved, especially children. The parent education requirement is designed to help parents understand how their conduct during and after legal proceedings affects their children.
Under ADR Rule 15, courts are required to refer both parties to a parent education program in cases involving custody or parenting time. The program focuses on helping parents communicate effectively and minimize the impact of conflict on their children.
Who has to complete the program?
Both parents must complete the program. This applies to divorce, legal separation, and paternity proceedings where custody or parenting time is at issue.
The court typically sets a deadline for completion, often 60 days from the date of filing. Check your court order or ask your attorney for the specific deadline in your case.
- Both parents are required to complete the program.
- Applies to dissolution, legal separation, and paternity cases.
- Deadline is typically 60 days from filing or as the court orders.
What the course covers
The program covers how divorce and separation affect children at different developmental stages, how to communicate with a co-parent effectively, how to shield children from parental conflict, and how to build a stable co-parenting arrangement.
The focus is on practical skills that parents can use immediately during and after their case.
Where National Course Portal fits
The Indiana Parent Education course on National Course Portal is an online, self-paced program with a certificate included. It is available in English and Spanish.
Because Indiana counties may vary in their approved provider lists, parents should confirm with their county clerk that National Course Portal is accepted before enrolling.
Employer Checklist
- 1Review your court order for the parent education requirement and deadline.
- 2Confirm with your county clerk that online completion is accepted.
- 3Both parents must complete the course individually.
- 4Complete the course before the court-ordered deadline.
- 5Download your certificate and submit it as directed by the court.
- 6Keep a copy for your personal records.
FAQ
Do both parents have to take the same course?
Both parents must complete a parent education program, but they do not have to use the same provider. Each parent completes the course individually.
What is the deadline for completing the course?
The deadline varies by county and judge. It is commonly 60 days from the date of filing. Check your court order or ask your attorney.
Is the course available in Spanish?
Yes. The course and certificate are available in both English and Spanish.
Official Sources
This guide is general information for employer planning. It is not legal advice, and employers should confirm requirements with counsel, the regulator, or the requesting agency before relying on any course for a specific obligation.