What Is "PACT?"

Parents and Children Together (PACT) is a program designed to help separating and divorcing parents work together more cooperatively and effectively. The goal is to help parents focus on their children's best interests. In special seminars taught at the Court, parents learn how to communicate more positively and parent more effectively. The PACT program also provides information regarding Family Court Services, mediation, and child custody evaluations.

Who Attends?

Anyone involved in a dissolution, separation or paternity case is welcome to attend. However, if you are in need of court orders regarding custody and visitation, it is mandatory that you attend the class. You must attend before you go to your court hearing or mediation appointment. It is not necessary for parents to attend the same sessions. Parents whose cases were filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act are not required to attend PACT.

Where?

You do not have to pre-register. Please plan to arrive 40-minutes before the start of the class to complete at-the-door registration. Classes in English and in Spanish are offered at the Central District Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

You may call the toll-free number (888) 889-9900 to find out the dates and times of sessions in the court nearest you. Please refer to the information below.

You not required to attend the same class session as the children's other parent. If a domestic violence restraining order has been issued, you should attend different classes.

Why Should I Attend ?

The program will help you to separate your personal conflicts from your role as parent. The classes will help you to understand your children's needs and to develop ways of working together. It is mandatory that you attend before your court hearing or mediation appointment

Is There A Charge For The Classes?

No.

How Will The Court Know That I Attended PACT?

Once you complete PACT, you will receive a copy of the "Verification of Completion of PACT" form. The original will be placed in your court file. However, you should bring your copy of the "Verification of Completion of PACT" form with you to your mediation appointment and all court appearances to prove to the judicial officer that you have attended, in the event that the original has not reached the court file. (Paperwork errors and delays can happen, unfortunately).

Where Can I Get Additional Information?

Bring a pen and your case number to your PACT classes. Adults only. Sorry, children may not attend and there is no child care available.

Call the PACT Information Line at (888) 889-9900.

PACT Schedule

The PACT schedule may be viewed and printed from this Web site by using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download the application for free from Adobe's Web Site.

Click here to view the PACT schedule.