COURT OF COMMON PLEAS DIVISION OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO Case No. ________________ _______________________ Plaintiff VS ORDER TO ATTEND PARENTING SEMINAR _____________________________ Defendant Pursuant to Local Rule DR 26, the Court hereby orders both plaintiff and defendant to attend the two and one-half hours parenting seminar “Helping Children Cope with Divorce”. An information sheet with instructions as to how to schedule attendance is attached to this order. You are required to register for the seminar and shall attend this seminar no later than 45 days after the filing of this notice unless the children are 16 years or older. When registering, please use the name and case number that is on this form. Failure to comply with this notice may result in a finding of contempt with applicable penalties and/or delay in entering the final divorce decree. Judge Michael J. Voris 04/08 Form DR-206 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com COURT OF COMMON PLEAS DIVISION OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO Judge Michael J. Voris GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS LIVING IN DIFFERENT HOMES It is often extremely difficult for children to spend time with parents who live in different homes. As a parent, you can help your children cope with this situation by following the advice below. 1. Never say bad things about the other parent in front of your child(ren). Children believe they are made of equal parts of mom and dad. When mom and dad say bad things about each other, a child’s self esteem is harmed. 2. Do not use you child as a messenger. Children must not be put into the middle of a dispute by carrying messages between their parents. Find ways to communicate in an adult manner with the other parent without involving your child(ren). 3. Reassure your child(ren) that they are loved and that your problems with the other parent are not their fault. Children tend to blame themselves for mom and dad fighting. 4. Encourage your child(ren ) to see the other parent frequently. Children need quality time with each parent to develop into healthy adults. Mom and dad need to make the exchanges pleasant and positive. 5. Let your child be a child. Do not discuss adult issues with your child. At every step during proceedings in Domestic Relations Court, remind yourself that your child(ren)’s interests, not yours, are paramount. 6. Do not forget to be a parent! Children often want to take care of mom and dad during difficult times. Do not let them! Instead, let peers, adult family members and mental health professionals help aid you in making your own choices about your life. 7. If you have a drinking or drug problem, get help now! You cannot care for your child(ren) if you are impaired in your ability to think or act. 8. If you are ordered to pay child support, pay your child support! Lack of financial support by a parent has a negative impact on children for their entire lives. Children should not be punished due to a dispute between the parents. 9. If you are supposed to receive child support and the other parent in not paying, talk to the other parent, the CSEA, the court or your family, but not to your child(ren). This is hard to do! However, if you tell your child(ren), you are reinforcing their sense of loss and abandonment, which erodes their confidences and stability. 10. Do not uproot your child(ren), if possible. Stability in residence, school, life and friends help children get through stressful times. 11. See your child(ren)! Do not blame your child(ren) for your problems or punish them by not seeing them regularly. Frequent and consistent contact between parent and child is crucial for maintaining strong relationships. 12. Domestic Relations Court cases are both legal and emotional. Remember, your child has rights, too. Let children be children. Part of this outline is from “Ten Tips for Divorcing Parents” By Mike McCurley, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1997-2000 AAML. 04/08 Form DR-605B American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com TIMES AND PLACES Helping Children Cope with Divorce will be offered at Beech Acres the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9:00 am – 11:30 am and the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. You may choose a time that is convenient for you. BEECH ACRES Feldman 6881 Beechmont Ave Mt Washington REGISTRATION Fill out the registration sheet and return it to Beech Acres, Helping Children Cope with Divorce, 6881 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230 or register on-line at www.BeechAcres.org. The fee for this class is $40.00 cash, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Payment must be included with the registration form. You will not be admitted to a class unless your name is on our list of attendees for that night. After you attend the class, you will receive a certificate of completion, and a copy will be forwarded to the Court. OTHER INFORMATION It is the policy of Beech Acres that you and you spouse attend separate classes. However, if both parities agree to attend the same class this policy will be waived. You will no receive a confirmation of the class. If for some reason the class if full, we will call you and re-register you over the phone. If you need more information about the class, remember to call our information line at 513-2334706. CHILD CARE IS NOT PROVIDED. Please do not bring your children to this class. American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com THE PROGRAM Helping Children Cope with Divorce is presented by The Clermont County Court of Domestic Relations in conjunction with Beech Acres. Attendance at this 2 ½ hour program is required for all parents who have filed for divorce with minor children under the age of 16 years. This program is also required on post-decree motions to modify parental rights if you have not previously completed the program. All persons attending must register prior to attendance. THE PURPOSE The Purpose of the program is to educate parents on the effects of divorce upon their children and to assist them in helping their children adjust to this change in their family system. The Court has been increasingly concerned with the stresses placed upon children by a divorce. This program is a positive attempt to assist families with minimizing these effects. The program consists of presentations by two instructors, videotape segments, and group discussion. Parents will also receive a handbook, information regarding divorce, and a resource list. Grandparents, attorneys, friends, counselors, etc. may attend voluntarily but must pre-register and pay class fee. Topics • • • • • • Impact of divorce on families Typical reactions of children and adults Skills for helping children cope Post-divorce parenting Mediation Communication Skills American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com REGISTRATION FORM HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH DIVORCE & CLERMONT COUNTY COURT OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING WITH BEECH ACRES PARENTING CENTER –This class offers a strength based approach and provides information and education on how to help your children through this time, as well as some ways to help yourself. OPTIONS FOR REGISTRATION: PLEASE REGISTER WITHIN ONE WEEK OF FILING TO ENSURE YOU GET INTO THE CLASS YOU NEED 1. PREFERRED METHOD- ONLINE AT www.beechacres.org 2. Fax in this form to Beech Acres Parenting Center- 231-3573 3. Mail in this form to Beech Acres Parenting Center-HCCWD 6881 Beechmont Ave Cincinnati, OH 45230 4. In person at Beech Acres Parenting Center- BY APPOINTMENT ONLY- CALL 233-4706 TO SCHEDULE NOTE: WE DO NOT TAKE TELEPHONE REGISTRATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS AT THE CLASS FEE:$40.00 For your convenience, we accept Visa, Master Card, money order or cash as method of payment. We do not accept personal checks. Directions and Information: Submit one registration form for each person registering. All registrants must pre-register and pre-pay AT LEAST 2 weeks before the class you wish to attend. Please allow for mailing time if you are mailing your form to us. You will receive confirmation that you have been registered for the class via mail. If the class is filled, Beech Acres Parenting Center will contact you with an alternative time and location. Due to the nature of this class, children are not able to attend with their parents. To ensure the safety of your children, we ask that you make childcare arrangements off-site. Allow time for parking and getting to the classroom. Any attendee who arrives 15 minutes late will be given an instructions in writing from the presenter as to how to reschedule. If you attend at the 800 Broadway, there are parking meters and parking lots nearby. You will need cash for either method of parking. Note : All other class sites do not have parking fees. This is a one-time 2.5-hour class; you will receive a certificate at it’s conclusion. For your convenience, we will also notify the court of your attendance within 2 business days of the class date. Please print clearly using black or blue ink, especially if you are faxing your form to us. NAME:_________________________________________ SPOUSE’S NAME____________________ COMPLETE ADDRESS:______________________________________________________________________________ Phone number where you can be reached day: ____________________ evening:_______________________ COURT CASE # or SS#: (required): ______________________ COUNTY:__________________________ LOCATION YOU WISH TO ATTEND:________________________________________________________ DATE YOU WISH TO ATTEND: ____________________________________________________________ • If it is agreeable to attend the session with your spouse, & THERE IS NO RESTRAINING ORDER, Please initial here ___________________________. PAYMENT: (Check one) Expiration date: Money Order Payable to Beech Acres Parenting Center (must be included with registration form) Cash ( in person and you will be given a receipt) Visa / M/C # ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ (month and year) 3 Digit Security Code(located on the back of your card):___ ___ ___ Your Signature: _________________________________________ 4/08 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com