What is a Parenting Coordinator?

As a parent, you know the most critical issue in separation and divorce is to keep your children safe and happy. For most parents, this means being able to make decisions about their children’s lives. That’s where parenting coordinators come in.

They are neutral third parties who help parents implement parenting plans and communicate with one another about their children. The scope of their work can last from six to 24 months, depending on the extent of the dispute. 

Judges can appoint parenting coordinators, or former partners can choose them. They are typically family law lawyers, mental health professionals, arbitrators, or mediators who have experience working with families going through a divorce.

Here are some of the roles of parenting coordinators.

RESOLVE DISPUTES

Parents often grapple with resolving differences in raising their children. Disagreements can be about the children’s schedule or activities, discipline, or other issues related to parenting.

Sometimes these disagreements become so severe that it becomes difficult for one parent to talk with the other. It can be because of feelings of hurt or anger toward their partner.

In some cases, parents may even stop talking altogether. They choose not to communicate with each other because they feel there is no point in continuing discussions. Often, conversations end in arguments. 

Parenting coordinators help resolve disputes between parents by listening to the parents while sorting out differences. They use various techniques, such as asking open-ended questions, creating rapport through conversation, and being non-judgmental toward both parties’ opinions. They also mediate by offering advice based on their experience with other families. These strategies help families lead toward compromise rather than resentment.

REPRESENT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD

Parents and child welfare professionals often disagree about what is in the child’s best interests. Parenting coordinators do not take sides, but they can help resolve disagreements between parents. Their primary focus would be the health and safety of the children. 

Parenting coordinators are responsible for doing whatever it takes to protect the children from harm. This may include guiding parents to decide about children’s education, healthcare needs, and other matters directly or indirectly affecting them. 

They will observe the family to determine what improvements can make co-parenting easier. 

FACILITATE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN PARENTS

One of the roles of parenting coordinators is to encourage parents to communicate with one another. Parents often feel isolated and alone in their parenting decisions after a divorce. The more communication between parents, the better equipped they will be to make intelligent choices for their children.

Another critical role of parenting coordinators is facilitating communication between parents regarding parenting plans. It’s common for parents to have different parenting styles. One may choose to impose what they believe is right despite the other parent’s objections.

Often, these differences can lead to further disagreements and a confused child. With a child-focused parent coordinator acting as a mediator, there’s an objective person who can advise parents. 

A parent coordinator can also help you work out a parenting plan. They mediate communications with the other parent about anything in your child’s life. For example, suppose a parent has concerns about her child’s behaviour and wants to discuss them with the other parent. However, they may be unable to get in touch directly due to time constraints or work obligations.

A parenting coordinator can coordinate communication between parents so they can talk directly while respecting each other’s needs and interests.

UPHOLD COURT ORDER

A separation agreement is a contract that spouses must honour and often deals with issues regarding their children. Parents must have the child’s best interests in mind when making parenting agreements. In cases where parents require arbitration to resolve disputes, the separation agreement will include the arbitrator’s decisions on legal issues.

A parenting coordinator ensures that parents follow each of the clauses of the arbitration award. It includes ensuring both parties follow parenting schedules, day-to-day affairs, extracurricular activities, and pick-up times.

Parenting coordinators help parents understand their rights and responsibilities based on the law by providing education about parenting plans. They’re also responsible for ensuring that both parties comply with the terms set out in parenting plans. They will enforce orders when needed, like preventing one parent from violating a parenting order over a child’s medical care.

They also offer support services such as mediation or counselling so that both parties feel comfortable discussing complex issues at home. 

PROVIDE GUIDANCE

Parenting coordinators can provide parents with direction and support in their parenting roles. They can help parents find ways to communicate effectively with their children and offer them tools for problem-solving and decision-making.

A parenting coordinator will help you feel confident that your child’s needs are being met, which can be an essential source of stability during challenging times. The parenting coordinator’s role is not to judge or decide for either parent. Instead, it’s to guide the family toward a solution that works for everyone involved.

Parenting coordinators are essential in ensuring children have a safe and happy childhood. They work closely with parents to help them implement parenting plans, maintain communication with one another, and resolve minor disputes. In short, they are strong advocates of the children.

Need the Help of Parenting Coordinators? Contact Nussbaum Law Today!