“Living Apart, Parenting Together” is an educational program designed for divorcing parents or parents who were never married.
Over one million children in the United States are affected by divorce each year. Approximately 40% of children are born to parents who are not married. It is estimated that 50% - 70% of children born after 1990 will spend some period of time in a single-parent household during childhood. In response to these changes to family structure, a number of parenting programs have been created. This program gives parents information about parenting through divorce (or separation), and strategies to make the transition as smooth as possible for children.
Who May Attend?
This program is specifically designed for all parents with minor children that are in the process of divorce or separation. Parents who were never married may also be required to attend.
Parents may also voluntarily attend the program, and may register by calling the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Louisa County Unit at 540-967-3422 for more information.
Requirements
If you have been ordered to attend, then you are required to attend either one four-hour session or two, two-hour class session for a total of 4 hours.
The program is designed to accomplish the following goals:
• Explain legal terminology & legal process
• Explore long & short-term effects of divorce (separation) on children
• Recognize how to keep children out of the middle of parent conflicts
• Practice communication strategies
• Develop a parenting plan
“Living Apart, Parenting Together” is unique because it is presented by professionals from the Virginia Cooperative Extension and community professionals. This collaborative approach brings together presenters with different areas of expertise, and provides parents with an opportunity for additional support in a variety of areas. Also, the program focuses on practicing skills that will encourage healthy co-parenting behaviors & remove children from the middle of parent conflicts.
The program uses the nationally acclaimed curriculum, “Children in the Middle,” which was developed at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. The program has been extensively evaluated, and has been shown to offer the following benefits:
• Significant reduction in parental conflict
• Significant reduction in litigation
• Increased parental support of the children’s relationship with the other parent
• Increased communication between parents
Do I have to attend with the other parent?
No, you will be registered on separate dates. Please call the Virginia Cooperative Extension at 540-967-3422 to register for the next class.
Cost of Attendance
The cost for attending is $35.00 and must be paid for in advance using cash, money order or personal checks at least 10 days prior to the class date. Please make checks or money orders payable to Treasurer, Virginia Tech. There is a sliding scale applied to the cost of the program for those in need. The cost of the program includes a folder with booklets titled Effects of Divorce on Parents and Effects of Divorce on Children, handouts, a parenting plan, and several brochures regarding other services and community resources available in the Central Virginia area.
What to bring?
Please bring a pen or pencil. All other materials will be provided for you.

What not to bring?
Do not bring your children to this program. This program is geared for adults only. If you bring your children, we will require you to register for a different session.