Parents and Children Together (P.A.C.T.)

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 will learn how to communicate more positively and parent more effectively. For a preview of the information presented at the PACT Program see "How Do I Help My Children Adjust to the Separation and/or Divorce?"]

Who Attends?

Anyone who is involved in a dissolution, separation or paternity case is welcome to attend. However, if you are in need of court orders, it is MANDATORY that you attend the class. It is not necessary for parents to attend the same sessions. Cases filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act are not required to attend PACT.

Where and When?

There are two parts to the program offered in all the district courthouses, and you MUST attend session one before session two. You do NOT have to pre-register. For the first session, please plan to arrive a half hour 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 on the first Friday of each month. This is a single four-hour session in which both parts of the PACT program are taught. Please plan to arrive at least 40 minutes before the start of the class to complete at-the-door registration.

You may call the toll-free number 1-888-889-9900 to find out the dates and times of sessions one and two in the court nearest you. Please refer to the information below.

You do not need to attend the same class sessions as the children's other parent, and 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 roles as parents. 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, in the event of the matter proceeding by default, before judgment is entered.

Is There a Charge for the Classes?

No.

How Will the Court Know That I Attended Pact?

Once you have completed both sessions, 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 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).

Other 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.

When and Where Are the Classes Held?

Courthouse	Address and phone	Days/Hours of Classes
Los Angeles Courthouse (Offered in English and Spanish)	111 N. Hill Street Cafeteria 9th Floor	First Friday of each month 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Plan to arrive at least 40 minutes early to register. (This is a single session in which the entire content of the PACT course is taught. You do not have to attend a second session.)
Burbank and Glendale Courthouses	No classes offered in district	Please attend the classes offered at the Pasadena, Van Nuys or Central Los Angeles Courthouses
Compton Courthouse	200 W. Compton Blvd. Department M Room 1211, 12th Floor	3rd and 4th Wednesdays each month 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lancaster Courthouse	1040 W. Avenue J Department D Room 214, 2nd Floor	Fridays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Long Beach Courthouse	415 W. Ocean Blvd. Cafeteria 6th Floor	Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Norwalk Courthouse	12720 Norwalk Blvd. Jury Assembly Room Room 703, 7th Floor	Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Pasadena Courthouse	300 E. Walnut Department K Room 418, 4th Floor	Mondays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pomona Courthouse	400 Civic Center Plaza Cafeteria 7th Floor	Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
San Fernando Courthouse	No classes offered in district	Please attend the classes offered at the Van Nuys or Central Los Angeles Courthouses
Santa Monica Courthouse	1725 Main Street Jury Assembly Room Room 210, 2nd Floor	Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Torrance Courthouse	825 Maple Avenue Department J Room 560, 5th Floor	Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Van Nuys Courthouse	6230 Sylmar Avenue Jury Assembly Room Room 101, 1st Floor	Tuesdays 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Classes in all courthouses begin promptly and those arriving late will not be admitted to the class.

IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE P.A.C.T. PROGRAM, PLEASE CALL 1-888-889-9900