What is a Parenting Coordinator?

After a parenting plan is entered by a court following a divorce, modification, or other judgment, parents may still have disputes arising from their parenting plan. A parenting coordinator (“PC”) is a neutral third party that helps parents resolve their conflicts. The PC’s main job is to help both parents reach agreements on important matters, whether it is about medical decisions, extracurricular activities, or scheduling issues. If parents cannot reach an agreement, the PC has the authority to make decisions for the parents.

A PC’s role is similar to a mediator, but the PC can go beyond just facilitating conversations. In some cases, they can make binding decisions quickly, especially when a decision is urgent, such as medical care for a child or an immediate schedule dispute. This is a significant advantage over going to court, which could take months to resolve or which may not resolve these types of issues at all.

When is a Parenting Coordinator Appropriate?

Appointment of a PC may be appropriate in cases where a judgment is being entered, with a temporary or final parenting plan, and when: the parties have engaged in ongoing litigation; numerous motions regarding parenting issues were filed; multiple motions to modify are filed; the parties are unable to come to agreements on legal custody issues; or when it is appropriate to monitor mental health or substance abuse issues.  

How Can a Parenting Coordinator Help?

1. Mediation and Conflict Resolution: A PC mediates disputes between parents, helping them find mutually agreeable solutions. They assist parents through effective communication methods, aiming to reduce conflict and reach resolutions that prioritize the well-being of the children. They can assist with less urgent matters like deciding whether a child can participate in extracurricular activities or interpreting parts of the custody agreement when there is a disagreement. While they can’t change child support or the long-term custody schedule, they can help with one-time schedule changes for special events or disputes.
2. Decision-Making Authority: If parents are unable to reach an agreement on certain issues, the PC has the authority to make decisions for them.  These decisions are enforceable as judgments, providing a swift resolution to contentious matters. A PC can oversee a step-up plan with guidelines, as to when each step is to take place. They can determine sums due and owing for expenses like medical, dental, and extracurricular. They can determine appropriate medical, dental, vision, and mental health care for the children including services for the family, such as co-parent counseling, family counseling, alcohol assessment, and drug testing.  They can determine what parties can attend activities, meetings, health appointments, or other events. However, all these authorities must be outlined in the PC appointment order. 
3. Resolution of Specific Issues: PCs address a range of issues that may not be resolved through the court system. These include decisions about extracurricular activities, educational choices, childcare arrangements, medical care, and financial disputes related to child-rearing expenses.
4. Emergency Situations: In urgent situations, such as medical emergencies or disputes over immediate care needs, making timely decisions to ensure the well-being of the children.

Limitations.

While PCs can have significant authority over the interpretation of a parenting plan, there are also things PCs cannot do. A PC cannot change legal or physical custody designations. They cannot change the overall custody schedule or terms of the parenting plan. A PC cannot change financial terms like child support amounts or arrearages. They cannot enter new orders regarding payment for items not covered by the parenting plan or enter orders outside the scope of the authority of the appointment order. 

Benefits of Having a Parenting Coordinator.

One of the biggest advantages of having a PC in a high-conflict divorce is that they can reduce the stress and tension between parents. By acting as a mediator and decision-maker, they help to avoid constant arguments over small details and make decisions that are made in the best interest of the child. Other benefits include:

1. Efficiency: Parenting coordination offers swift resolutions, with decisions often available within a few weeks or months, compared to the prolonged timelines of traditional court proceedings.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: By bypassing lengthy court battles, parents can save significantly on legal fees and associated expenses.
3. Privacy: The parenting coordination process provides additional privacy for your family by allowing you to discuss and resolve your disputes outside of the courtroom and in public. 
4. Improved Communication: Through mediation and coaching, PCs help parents develop better communication skills, fostering a more cooperative co-parenting relationship and helping parents understand each other’s perspectives. Over time, this could lead to fewer conflicts and the possibility of eventually not needing the PC’s help at all.
5. Child-Centered Solutions: Decisions made by PCs prioritize the well-being and best interests of the children, ensuring that their needs remain at the forefront of the co-parenting process.

How Does It Work?

PCs can only be appointed by agreement of both parents. Prior to the appointment, attorneys should contact the proposed PC for their case availability and to do a conflict check. The PC appointment order is signed by the parties and the agreed PC, and then is reviewed and approved by the court. The duration of the PC’s involvement is determined by the co-parents, typically ranging from 1-4 years with the option for renewal. 

Parents agreeing to a PC must have informed consent. The parties must understand the process and the extent and scope of the authority they are giving to the PC. They must understand the rights they are waiving, provisions of confidentiality, and how the PC may be able to interact with other third parties, such as mental health providers. 

Once the parties are working with a PC, if they are still unable to come to an agreement on a particular matter, they move forward to the decision-making process. A PC conducts a hearing, drafts, and signs their order, and sends it to the parents. The order is valid upon entry, though a parent can file an objection with the court within 30 days of the PC entering an order. If after 30 days no objection has been filed, the PC order must be filed with the court by the PC. 

Standards for Parenting Coordinators. 

The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts sets guidelines for parenting coordination. PCs must have a minimum of Family Law Mediation and Parenting Coordinator training. They must be impartial and have training in both diversity and bias. Different counties and courts may have additional required training for parenting coordinators or specific requirements or rules when appointing a Parenting Coordinator. 

Conclusion.

A Parenting Coordinator can help parents resolve ongoing parenting issues without the need for repeated court intervention. The Parenting Coordinator can handle issues the Court is not able to address and offers timely, cost-effective, and child-focused solutions. Parenting coordination promotes a less adversarial co-parenting dynamic, reduces the burden on courts, and ensures the child’s best interests remain the central focus of the parties.