Rule 8.012 - EDUCATION FOR DIVORCING PARENTS(1) The following cases are subject to this rule: Annulment or dissolution of marriage actions, legal separation actions, petitions to establish custody or parenting, and post- judgment litigation involving custody or parenting time.(2) All parties, where the interest of a child under the age of 18 years of age is involved, must successfully complete the education for divorcing parents program offered by court- designated providers or a pre-approved alternative education program. Parties must register for the program or make application for approval of an alternate program within 15 days of receiving notice of this education requirement. All parties must complete the program before the initial pre-trial conference.(3) Notice and information to the petitioner of the requirement that the parties complete the education program or alternative education program will be provided by the Trial Court Administrator when the petition is filed. The party initiating the proceeding must register for the program within 15 days after filing the initiating pleading with the court. A copy of this local rule and instructions on how to register for the program must be served by the initiating party on all parties against whom relief is sought. Service must be completed in the manner provided in ORCP 7 at the time the initiating documents are served. All other parties will have 30 days after service of the notice upon them to register for the program.(4) Each party must pay a fee determined by the program provider to cover program costs. The fee may be waived if the party presents a verified affidavit of indigence to the court, and the party meets indigence guidelines.(5) Each person who successfully completes the court's program or the preapproved alternative program must present a certificate of completion to the judge at the pre-trial conference.(6) Upon showing of good cause, a party may request a waiver of this rule. The request must be made by motion, supported by affidavit, and filed within 15 days of receipt of the Trial Court Administrator's notice.(7) Court action on a petition will not be delayed by a party's refusal or delay in completing the program unless the non-complying party is the petitioner or the moving party. Upon a party's failure to successfully complete the education program pursuant to this rule, the assigned judge may take appropriate action including, but not limited to, proceedings for contempt.Columbia Supp. L. R. 8.012
Amended effective 2/1/2024.