Are you involved in a high-conflict divorce? Do the contentious issues primarily revolve around the children? If so, the court may assign a parenting coordinator to your case. Alternatively, you may hire a parenting coordinator to help you reconcile your differences in the best interests of the children.
A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party who is appointed by the court or by the agreement of both parties. Their role is to facilitate communication and cooperation between the parents in a high-conflict custody case. Parenting coordinators are usually mental health professionals or attorneys who specialize in child development, family dynamics, and conflict resolution. Their goal is to help the parents put together a plan that represents the best interests of the children.
What can a parenting coordinator do?
Much like a mediator, parenting coordinators do not have the authority to rule on matters or make legal decisions regarding child custody or parenting time. Their role is to help the parties facilitate an agreement regarding child custody and parenting time. The primary goal of the parenting coordinator is to help parents resolve disputes related to custody and visitation. They focus on the best interests of the children. Parenting coordinators are responsible for the following:
- Facilitating communication – Parenting coordinators employ communication techniques that minimize conflict and promote productive communication.
- Interpreting existing agreements – If a custody agreement is already in place, a parenting coordinator can help explain what it means and help both parties adhere to its terms.
- Developing parenting plans – Parenting coordinators can assist parents in creating a new parenting plan or modifying an existing one.
- Monitoring compliance – Parenting coordinators monitor how parents implement the parenting plan. They can address potential violations.
- Making recommendations – If the parents are out of ideas about how to proceed, the parenting coordinator can make recommendations concerning child custody or parenting time.
It is important to understand that parenting coordinators do not have decision-making authority. Their role is to act as mediators—to guide parents toward making their own decisions. While parenting coordinators cost money, they cost considerably less than litigation. For parents who cannot reach decisions on their own, having a coordinator there to help them can be a pivotal key to the success of any agreement. If a parenting coordinator fails to help the parents reach a decision, then a judge will be forced to rule on key matters. Litigation tends to be expensive. Parenting coordinators can save divorcing couples a considerable amount of money when successful.
A parenting coordinator will likely be assigned to your case if there are allegations of domestic violence, frequent litigation regarding child custody matters, the parents have difficulty communicating with one another, the parents can’t agree on significant aspects of a parenting plan, or there is a potential for a child to be emotionally harmed by the conflict.
Talk to a Danville, Indiana Divorce Lawyer Today
Chris Arrington represents the interests of Indiana residents who are going through divorce. We can help you decide whether a parenting coordinator is right for your case. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing key aspects of your divorce, such as equitable distribution of the marital estate, alimony, child custody, and child support.