Parenting Coordination

What is Parenting Coordination?

  • A dispute resolution process that focuses on the children’s needs to minimize repeated returns to court and/or ongoing conflict. Parenting Coordination is a process that combines dispute assessment, case management, parent education, mediation, and if necessary arbitration either by court order or parent consent agreements.
  • An alternative way to revise, strengthen and develop adherence to a parenting plan.
  • A quicker analysis and resolution of child-related parental disputes.
  • Education about developmental needs of the children.
  • Ways to communicate and problem-solve in high conflict situations.
  • An avenue to rebuilding relationships with estranged or alienated parents.
  • A relief and stabilizing alternative to a volatile or adversarial history reducing risk factors for children and stemming the drain on family financial and emotional resources.

Parental Disputes Often Settled by a Parenting Coordinator:

  • Parenting schedules, access to children, holidays, vacations, temporary variations, transitions.
  • Children’s recreational and enrichment activities.
  • Education or daycare issues.
  • Health care.
  • Religious observances.
  • Parenting issues.
  • Substance use.
  • Role of a significant other.
  • Children’s special needs.

Note that a parenting coordinator does not resolve the matter of custody, but may be used on an interim basis to address the implementation of a temporary parenting plan.

Parenting Coordination Is Not:

  • A custody evaluation or assessment.
  • Therapy or treatment.
  • Only mediation.
  • Legal representation

Parenting Coordinator Qualifications:

  • Mediation Training and Experience
  • Licensed Mental Health or Legal Professional in area related to families
  • Extensive Practical Experience with high conflict families
  • Parenting Coordination Training
  • Continuing Education and Peer Consultation