Third Party Support Systems During A Divorce

High-conflict divorces can be complicated. When a couple has children and are disagreeing about custody concerns, fights can be emotional and amplified. After all, there are many factors that need to be agreed upon, including where the kids will live on a daily basis, what school they will attend, and how long-term goals will be handled. Long-term plans range from college expenses to religious commitments, depending on the desires of each family.
If you need a solution, third party support could be beneficial. Couples going through divorce in Pennsylvania have found it helpful to work with parenting coordinators. To learn more about this option and to have the legal guidance you need as you move toward your future, talk to a Bucks County family attorney.
Parenting Coordinators Are Trained Advocates
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, a parenting coordinator assists parents who are divorcing with child rearing decisions and parenting agreements. Some have a background in family law and others are trained in mental health professionals. They work to locate a common ground between the parents and reduce conflict so an arrangement can be made that will provide a stable childhood for the kids. Ideally, a parent coordinator will help the couple come to final decisions, which can result in lower court fees and a faster resolution than taking a multitude of issues to court.
Some issues that could be addressed with a parenting coordinator:
- What a daily child schedule may look like.
- Which extracurricular activities will be prioritized.
- How pickup and drop off will be handled.
Major issues will not be addressed by a parenting coordinator. For example, financial disputes and who received primary custody will still be resolved through court should there be a dispute.
Deciding if a Parent Coordinator Is Best for You
Not everyone going through the divorce process is eligible for a parenting coordinator. And some who are eligible do not find them helpful. If abuse is involved, a parenting coordinator is not an option because all safety concerns need to be handled before smaller issues can be addressed, for example.
In other situations, parents find a parenting coordinator assigned to their case to be unhelpful. While the goal is to bring a quick resolution to ongoing arguments, the match may simply not be a good fit. In these situations, one or both parents can petition the court for a parent coordinator change.
To understand what choices you have while navigating a divorce, talk to a Bucks County family attorney. Even when disagreements seem impossible, there are possible resolutions. Third party support can help a couple decide on the best situation for the kids once the marriage is officially dissolved.
Would a third party advocate be helpful for you? Talk to a legal professional to understand what options are available. The family law attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. help. Our dedicated legal team understands the finer points of family law. There are opportunities to create the life you want. Schedule your consultation today, call 215-968-6602.