How a Parenting Coordinator Can Help During High-Conflict Disputes
When parents separate or divorce, the most difficult issues often center around their children. In high-conflict custody cases, even seemingly minor decisions, like which school the child attends or whether they can join a new sports team, can lead to heightened stress for everyone involved. In these situations, a parenting coordinator can be a valuable resource. Talk to a Bucks County family attorney to learn more.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?
A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party. They could be a lawyer, mental health professional, or other trained expert who is appointed to help parents resolve day-to-day child-related disputes outside of the courtroom. While parenting coordinators do not make major custody decisions (like primary physical custody or relocation), they can assist with many practical parenting matters that arise during shared custody arrangements.
These professionals are typically appointed by the court in high-conflict custody cases where parents are unable to communicate effectively or frequently return to court to resolve minor disputes. Some common scenarios where a parenting coordinator may be helpful include:
- Disagreements about parenting time exchanges
- Conflicts over scheduling extracurricular activities or vacation time
- Disputes about child care arrangements or attendance at school events
- Issues with communication, such as one parent not sharing important information
- Clarifying ambiguous language in a custody order
Rather than repeatedly filing petitions with the court, the parenting coordinator acts as a first line of resolution, reducing both conflict and cost.
The primary role of a parenting coordinator is to facilitate cooperation and communication between parents. They gather information from both parties, review relevant documents, and sometimes speak with the child (depending on the age and court’s direction). Their goal is to help parents implement and comply with existing custody orders.
If the parents cannot reach an agreement, the coordinator may issue a recommendation, depending on the scope of authority granted by the court. While the coordinator’s decisions are typically limited to minor issues, they can be binding unless formally challenged.
Who Pays for Coordination Services?
In Bucks County, the cost of a parenting coordinator is generally shared by both parents, though the court can order a different arrangement based on each parent’s financial situation. Fees are typically charged hourly and vary depending on the professional’s background and experience. While the cost may seem burdensome, using a parenting coordinator can actually save money over time by reducing litigation expenses and limiting court appearances.
Not appropriate for every custody case, parenting coordinators can be helpful for families struggling with ongoing conflict. They provide a structured, effective way to resolve disputes and focus on what matters most, the well-being of the child. If you’re navigating a challenging custody arrangement and need support, a Bucks County family attorney can help you determine whether requesting a parenting coordinator is right for your situation.
Have you considered engaging with a parenting coordinator? Learn about all of the different supports available when you have a conversation with the skilled attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-515-2604 to schedule a confidential consultation.
