OK HB2249

Amends Oklahoma divorce law (43 O.S. 2011, Sections 101 and 107.2) to require attendance at an educational program for divorces based on incompatibility when minor children are involved.

Educational program must cover short-term and long-term effects of divorce on children, reconciliation as optional outcome, family violence effects, child behaviors during divorce, communication strategies to reduce conflict, and available community resources for substance abuse, family violence, and counseling services.

Program participants must pay a fee between $15.00 and $60.00, receive a certificate of completion upon attendance, and completion must occur prior to temporary orders or within 45 days of receiving a temporary order.

Court may waive program attendance for good cause; program provider must carry general liability insurance and maintain accurate business records; final child custody disposition cannot be granted until parties complete the required program.

Administrative Office of the Courts shall compile data on program completion and dismissals, publishing annual reports to the Governor and legislative leadership; effective date is November 1, 2014.