Divorce
· Updated

Utah Divorce Orientation and Parenting Classes: Who Must Take Them, Cost, and Fee Waiver

General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.

Short answer: If you file for divorce or temporary separation in Utah and have minor children, you must take a divorce orientation course (Utah Code § 81-4-105). It's neutral, at least one hour long, and covers alternatives to divorce, court resources, mediation, collaborative law and litigation, and post-divorce resources. The fee is capped at $30, or $15 if the petitioner attends a live course within 30 days after filing (or a respondent within 30 days after being served). Parties in a divorce or parentage action that decides custody and parent-time must also take a mandatory parenting course approved by the Judicial Council (§ 81-9-103). If you can't afford either course, you may attend without payment by filing an affidavit of indigency (§ 81-4-105(7)(f); § 81-9-103(7)(c)), and the certificate of completion is evidence for the court.

Who this guide is for

Utah parents starting or responding to a divorce, a custody case or a parentage case, who've been told to "take the class" and don't know which one, when, or how much it costs. General information, not legal advice. The rules sit in Title 81 (renumbered in 2024); confirm current fees and providers on the Utah Courts website.

Divorce orientation course (§ 81-4-105)

  • Who: all parties with minor children who file a petition for temporary separation or divorce. A couple with no minor children isn't required but may attend.
  • Length and format: neutral, unbiased, at least one hour; live, video, or online.
  • Content: alternatives to divorce, resources from courts and agencies for custody and support without a divorce, marriage-strengthening resources, pros and cons of divorce, the process, options (mediation, collaborative law, litigation) and post-divorce resources.
  • Cost: you pay the provider at the time of the course. Caps: $30 per participant; $15 if the petitioner takes a live course within 30 days after filing or the respondent within 30 days after being served.
  • If you can't pay: attend free after a prima facie showing of indigency by an affidavit of indigency filed under § 78A-2-302. See How to Ask a Utah Court to Waive Fees.
  • Proof: a certificate of completion is evidence to the court. The Online Court Assistance Program's divorce forms include instructions about this requirement.

Mandatory parenting course (§ 81-9-103)

  • Who: married parties in a divorce deciding custody and parent-time, and unmarried parties in a parentage action deciding custody and parent-time.
  • Content: the impact of the court process and outcome on the child, the family relationship and financial responsibilities, and the harm domestic violence does to a child and family relationships.
  • Format: live, video or online; the online and video versions must be interactive.
  • Cost: each party pays the provider; the statute includes an $8 fee that goes to the Children's Legal Defense Account. Parties unable to pay may attend free on an affidavit of indigency.
  • Custody or parent-time cases that aren't divorces: a court may require the parents to attend the divorce orientation course (§ 81-9-203(1)).

Practical steps

  1. Check the Utah Courts website for approved providers and current fees; sign up as soon as you file or are served.
  2. Save the certificate and bring a copy to court or file it as the court directs.
  3. File the indigency affidavit if you can't afford the class, and ask the court clerk what form the court uses.
  4. Don't let the class hold up your case: courts commonly expect completion early. Ask your judge or the clerk about the timing in your court.
  5. Read next: How to File for Divorce in Utah, Utah Uncontested Divorce Process, Utah Divorce Costs, Utah Child Custody Laws and Responding to Divorce Papers.

Frequently asked questions

Do both spouses have to take the divorce orientation course?

If you have minor children, both parties who file or respond must complete it; couples without minor children aren't required.

How much does it cost?

No more than $30 per participant, or $15 for a timely live course, and free with an indigency affidavit.

Is the parenting class different from the orientation?

Yes. The parenting course is a separate requirement focused on the child's needs during and after the court process.

What if I can't afford it?

File an affidavit of indigency and attend without payment.