What is the difference between a PPC and the Helping Children Cope with Divorce Program?
The main difference between these required programs is the authority, purpose and timing. The content is largely the same.
Parenting Plan Conference
The PPC is required as part of the Tulsa County District Court Rules, while the Helping Children Cope with Divorce Program has its authority from the Oklahoma Constitution. The primary purpose of the PPC is to encourage the parties to communicate and reach a preliminary agreement before ever getting in front of the judge. Both parties must attend a PPC in order to receive a temporary order hearing date. The PPC is free of charge and both parents are encouraged to attend it together, unless a substantially good reason exists for the parties to attend it separately.
Helping Children Cope with Divorce Program
This seminar can cost anywhere from $10-$60 and is organized by Family & Children’s Services. Briefly stated, the purpose of this program is to educate the parents in regards to the following:
Short-term and long-term effects of divorce on child well-being;
Reconciliation as an optional outcome;
Effects of family violence;
Potential child behaviors and emotional states during and after divorce including information on how to respond to the child's needs;
Communication strategies to reduce conflict and facilitate cooperative coparenting; and
Area resources, including but not limited to nonprofit organizations or religious entities available to address issues of substance abuse or other addictions, family violence, behavioral health, individual and couples counseling, and financial planning.
The Tulsa County District Court has enacted additional standards, which can be viewed here.
You cannot get a final divorce decree until you have completed this program, unless the judge gives special permission! The judge can refuse to hear your petition if you fail to complete the program and can consider that as a factor in determining best interest of the child. Information on this program can be found here.
Is all this mandatory?
Absolutely. Tulsa County judges take the PPC very seriously and usually address the parents directly. It is usually the first hearing that you will attend after the initial filing. Missing the PPC by accident or on purpose, or not attending the Helping Children Cope with Divorce Program can cause delays and unnecessary complications.
Help!
There are a lot of moving parts to a divorce and it can be very difficult to navigate especially when you are trying to look out for your children. This is where experience and compassion matter. Boeheim Freeman Law is committed to helping you through this process and providing you with the best legal representation and counsel. Why hire an attorney, when you can hire a team?