8th Judicial District Family Law Mediation

Iowa law requires that parties to any action which involves the issues of child custody or visitation must attend a court-approved course about the affects of divorce on children. In all judicial districts, there are courses such as “Children in the Middle or Children Cope with Divorce. These classes are designed to help minimize the negative impact of divorce on children and educate parents about the needs of children whose parents are divorcing.

Parents are required to attend within forty-five days of the service of original notice or application for modification of an order. A final decree shall not be entered until the parties have complied with this requirement, but under certain circumstances attendance can be waived by the court.

Each participant must pay a fee. Other persons, such as grandparents may also attend for a fee. The registration procedure for each provider may vary, so participants should call to get specific information when planning to attend a class.