September 2014 – Beginning November 1, a new Oklahoma law will send many divorce-seeking couples to classes on the effects of divorce on children. The law will apply to couples seeking divorce due to incompatibility if they have children under the age of 18. Classes will cover topics such as reconciliation as an option, effects of family violence, potential child behaviors and strategies for cooperative parenting. The class must be taken within 45 days of receiving an order from court, and a certificate of completion will be filed with the court before continuing divorce proceedings. The law also authorizes authorities to track the number of divorce cases dismissed after couples complete the program.
Rep. Jason Nelson (R-OK), a sponsor of the bill, said, “It seems like a small thing to ask people to do – to take a course – when the challenges that come from divorce are so permanent.”
