University of Vermont Extension
The family disruption resulting from separation and divorce is difficult. How parents handle family restructuring makes a big difference in how their children respond. There are many positive actions parents can take to increase their child’s security and acceptance of family changes.
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About COPE

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Since 1992, the COPE program has been equipping parents with insights, information, practical tips, and tools to make their job as parents easier, more rewarding, and — most importantly — a more positive influence on their children’s adjustment to changes in family life.

Seminars Cover:

  • How children experience divorce and other family transitions
  • Developmental needs of children
  • Effective parenting
  • Pitfalls to avoid
  • Communication between parents
  • Protecting children from adult conflict

Who Should Attend?

Parents with minor children involved in divorce, establishment of parentage, separation, dissolution of civil unions, and changes in parental rights and responsibilities are required by Vermont Court Judges to attend the seminar.

Family and friends supporting an involved parent, professionals who work with families going through family transitions, college students, and others from the community may attend when registered in the same manner as parents. The program content is not appropriate for children.

2026 Seminar Dates

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All sessions take place online. Your COPE class meeting link will be emailed to you the day before your scheduled class.

October 2026

  • Friday, October 2, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Monday, October 5, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 23, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

November 2026

  • Friday, November 13, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 17, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Friday, November 20, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

December 2026

  • Friday, December 4, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 8, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 15, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Friday, December 18, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Registration

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All sessions take place online. The cost to attend is $79 per person. A separate registration is required for each participant.

  • To request language interpretation/translation assistance and/or a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the COPE Program at 802-656-7632 or email COPE@uvm.edu, 3 weeks before your class date so we may assist you.
  • To request a reduced rate, download, fill out, and submit an Application for a Reduced Fee Form (either the Fillable PDF or the Printable PDF) to cope@uvm.edu.

Register

Attendance

After attending the full four-hour session, the instructors will confirm your attendance with the court. A certificate of your attendance is available from the instructors by request.

Questions

  • Questions about seminar content or instructors: call UVM Extension at 802-656-7632.
  • Questions regarding your registration: contact the UVM Non-Credit Registration office at 802-656-8407 or noncredit@uvm.edu.
  • Refer to the Family Division Court Information website for addresses and additional court contact information.

Resources

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Parent Handbook

Accompanies the COPE Seminar and focuses on understanding family changes from your child's point of view:

  • communicating with your child and with your child's other parent
  • restructuring your family
  • resources for you
  • children's activities.

Download the Handbook (PDF)

Resources For Parents