Parenting Coordination

 

• Info and Application for Parenting Coordinators(PDF, 118KB)
• Parenting Coordinator Roster(PDF, 226KB)
• Parent Coordinator Court Forms
  
  

  What is Parenting Coordination?

  Parenting coordination involves an impartial third-party helping parents resolve disputes about child-related matters, such as custody and visitation. The parenting coordinator is a qualified professional with specific training, a relevant advanced degree, and at least two years of experience working with children.
  
  

  Why Use Parenting Coordination?

  It helps resolve family conflicts outside of court, reducing litigation costs and the harmful impact on children. It is useful when mediation fails or is not appropriate
  
  

  When is Parenting Coordination Used?

  When parents disagree over parental rights, child time schedules, or when there is ongoing conflict harming the child, especially involving medical or psychological issues.
  Ongoing Disagreements: When parties cannot agree on parental rights or companionship time and need continuous help.
  History of Conflict: If there is persistent parental conflict that previous legal actions have not resolved and negatively impacts the child.
  Frequent Parenting Schedule Adjustments: When a child’s schedule requires frequent changes, specified in an order of the court, and parents are unable to agree without court intervention.
  Child with Medical or Psychological Needs: When a child has medical or psychological conditions requiring frequent decisions or schedule adjustments, as specified in an order of the court, and parents cannot agree without court help.
  Parent with Medical or Psychological Issues: When a parent has a condition that prevents them from agreeing on parenting time adjustments, even for minor issues.
  
  

  What Does the Parenting Coordinator Do?

  They educate and make recommendations to parties based on the child’s needs, and, if parties are unable to reach agreements, make decisions within the scope of the court order of appointment. They monitor compliance with the established parental rights and responsibilities or companionship time order. The parenting coordinator will use conflict resolution skills to assist the parties in resolving child related issues, thereby reducing the potential for future parental conflict.
  
  

  How do I Get a Parenting Coordinator?

  The Parenting Coordinator Roster, compiled by the Court, provides a list of highly qualified coordinators for parties who can afford private services to resolve parental conflict. The Court can order parties to utilize a parenting coordinator, or the parties can request one. Either way, the Court will complete an Entry/Order Appointing the Parenting Coordinator officially to the case for a specific length of time.
  
  

  What a parenting coordinator is not:

  A parenting coordinator is not a social worker, mediator, therapist, attorney, guardian ad litem, or any other legal or financial advisor. Also, parenting coordination is not confidential like mediation.