Child-parenting coordination is a child-centered Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process designed to help parents manage and resolve their co-parenting conflicts efficiently and effectively.
By working with a trained and experienced mental health or legal professional, parents can implement their parenting plan and ensure a smoother co-parenting experience. This process aims to prioritize the child’s best interests, reduce parental conflict, and promote a healthier family dynamic.
In this blog, we will explore the concept of child-parenting coordination, its benefits, and the various aspects involved, including the role and rights of a parenting coordinator, how to find one, and the advantages of working with a reputable law firm like Solutions Family Law Group.
What is Parenting Coordination?
Parenting coordination is an alternative dispute resolution process that helps parents follow their court orders, family arbitration awards, or separation agreements related to parenting. It is a voluntary process that requires both parents’ agreement.
A parenting coordinator assists with resolving day-to-day conflicts about parenting arrangements, such as scheduling activities, managing travel and passport arrangements, and handling the transfer of children’s belongings between homes. They do not make major decisions like custody but can decide on minor issues if parents cannot agree.
Parenting coordinators gather information from parents, professionals, and sometimes children to make decisions. They aim to help parents communicate and manage conflicts while keeping children out of disputes. Many parenting coordinators are trained social workers or mental health professionals.
A parenting coordinator’s decisions are considered “secondary arbitration,” which is less formal than family arbitration. Parents do not need Independent Legal Advice (ILA) to use a parenting coordinator, but it is recommended. Lawyers can advise on legal aspects, recommend coordinators, and help with the parenting coordination agreement.
How Does the Parenting Coordination Process Work?
The parenting coordination process generally involves two phases: mediation and arbitration.
Mediation Phase: In this phase, the parenting coordinator facilitates the resolution of disputes between the parents. They assess family dynamics, educate the family on child development and the impact of conflict, coach parents on communication skills and parenting strategies, and mediate any arising disputes.
Arbitration Phase: If the parents cannot resolve their disputes through mediation, the parenting coordinator has the authority to make a binding decision. During this phase, the parental coordinator’s rights ensure both parents have the opportunity to be heard and may consult with professionals involved with the family or interview the children if it is deemed in their best interest.
The court in Jirova v. Benincasa described these phases as follows:
Non-Decision-Making Component (Mediation Phase): The parenting coordinator assesses family dynamics, educates the family about child development and the impact of conflict, coaches parents on communication and parenting strategies, and mediates disputes.
Decision-Making Component (Arbitration Phase): When mediation fails to resolve disputes, the coordinator makes a binding decision after hearing from both parents and may involve professionals or interview the children if necessary.
Definition and Role of a Parent Coordinator
A parenting coordinator is a neutral third-party professional, typically with a background in mental health or family law, who assists parents in resolving disputes related to their parenting plan.
The primary role of a parenting coordinator is to help co-parents implement their agreed-upon parenting plan, facilitate communication, and mediate conflicts that arise.
By providing guidance and support, parenting coordinators aim to reduce parental conflict and ensure that the child’s best interests are upheld through parental conflict management.
Facilitating Communication: Helping parents communicate more effectively and constructively about their child’s needs and schedules.
Mediating Disputes: Addressing and resolving conflicts related to parenting time, decision-making, and other aspects of the parenting plan.
Implementing the Parenting Plan: Assisting parents in adhering to the terms of their parenting agreement and making necessary adjustments when issues arise.
Providing Education and Resources: Offering guidance on co-parenting strategies and resources to support the family’s well-being.
Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring both parents comply with court orders and the parenting plan, as well as addressing any non-compliance issues.
How to Get a Parent Coordinator?
You can agree to get a parenting coordinator yourselves, or a judge can order you to see a parenting coordinator if they feel you need one. Here’s a breakdown of the process to help you navigate finding the right fit:
Assess Your Needs
Before searching for a coordinator, consider your specific situation and the qualities you seek in a facilitator. Do you have an existing parenting plan that needs adjustments? Are you struggling with communication breakdowns? Identifying these needs will help you find a coordinator with the appropriate experience.
Research Options
Here’s where Solutions Family Law Group can be a valuable resource! We have a comprehensive understanding of child-parenting coordination and the legal landscape surrounding it. Contact our team today for a consultation. We can discuss your specific needs and help you explore different options for finding a qualified parent coordinator.
Here are some additional resources for your search:
Professional Associations
Look for parent coordinators who are members of professional organizations specializing in family law or dispute resolution. These organizations often maintain directories of qualified professionals.
Online Directories
Several online directories list qualified parent coordinators. These directories may allow you to search by location, qualifications, and area of expertise.
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Talk to friends, family members, or legal professionals who may have used a parent coordinator in the past. Positive personal recommendations can be a great way to find a trustworthy facilitator.
Parenting Coordinator Pros and Cons
There are potential advantages and disadvantages to parenting coordination.
Pros:
- Reduces the likelihood of returning to court.
- May decrease the frequency of parental arguments.
- Less conflict can create a more positive home environment for the child.
- Provides an outside perspective focused on the child’s best interests.
- Helps parents identify and address the root causes of conflicts.
- Shifts the focus from disagreements to effective parenting.
- Encourages parents to be more actively involved in their child’s life.
Cons:
- The Parenting Coordinator (PC) holds significant power, which could be misused. They establish rules, assess parental compliance, and can impose penalties for non-compliance. They also have access to information that other professionals might need a warrant to obtain, such as private conversations between parents and legal documents.
- The PC could be biased or manipulated. If the PC favors one parent, it could harm the other parent’s relationship with the child, for example, by reducing their time with the child. Additionally, a parent might exploit the PC’s authority for their own benefit.
Parent Coordinator Requirements
Parenting coordinators are required to meet the minimum training and practice standards outlined by the Family Law Act. They must have at least ten years of experience in a family-related field and complete specified training in areas such as parenting coordination, mediation, family law, decision-making, skills development, and family violence.
Some coordinators are members of organizations with similar standards. Inquiring about a parenting coordinator’s qualifications before hiring them is advisable.
Parenting Coordinator Fee
A parenting coordinator’s services will cost approximately $200 per hour. However, this rate may vary depending on your location and the coordinator’s level of experience.
Typically, parents share the cost equally, but they or the court may decide on a different arrangement. In cases where one parent has a significantly higher income, they might cover the entire cost.
Conclusion
Child-parenting coordination is a valuable tool for parents seeking to improve communication and resolve conflicts in a child-centered way. By working with a qualified parenting coordinator, you can effectively implement your parenting plan and manage disputes constructively. If you need support in navigating co-parenting challenges, Solutions Family Law Group is here to help. Contact us to learn how our experienced team can assist you in creating a smoother and more effective co-parenting arrangement.
FAQs
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1- How Does Shared Parenting Affect Children?
Shared parenting generally benefits children by providing consistent and balanced parental involvement. It fosters emotional stability, as children experience a sense of security from having both parents actively engaged in their lives. This involvement can enhance their academic performance, improve social skills, and reduce feelings of abandonment or conflict. Overall, shared parenting supports a child’s healthy development and emotional well-being.
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2- What Does a Parent Relations Coordinator Do?
A Parent Relations Coordinator helps improve communication and cooperation between co-parents by facilitating effective dialogue, mediating disputes, and ensuring adherence to parenting plans. They offer guidance on managing conflicts and provide strategies for successful co-parenting, aiming to create a supportive and stable environment for the child while reducing parental conflict.
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3- What Is an Example of Failure in Co-Parenting?
An example of failure in co-parenting is when one parent consistently undermines the other’s authority or disregards the agreed-upon parenting plan. This could involve frequently changing rules or schedules, speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child, or failing to communicate important information. Such behaviors can lead to confusion, conflict, and a disrupted sense of stability for the child.
