What is a Parenting Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator is a specially trained professional who helps co-parents manage their parenting plans, improve communication, and resolve disputes. While their primary role is to support parents, their ultimate focus is on ensuring the best interests of the children remain the priority.
For parents struggling to resolve issues related to their children, a Parenting Coordinator provides direct assistance by facilitating more effective communication and conflict resolution. They are an impartial third party, either appointed by the court or agreed upon by both parents.
How Parenting Coordination Works
Parenting Coordinators work closely with parents to help them make joint decisions while reducing conflict over daily concerns. Their involvement is not confidential, and they may provide observations or recommendations to the Family Court to keep the co-parents accountable and on track.
Parenting Coordinators charge for their services, typically on an hourly basis. The cost is usually shared equally between both parties, unless otherwise determined by the court. In most cases, a Parenting Coordinator is appointed for 24 months, with monthly joint meetings.
Lauren Patford-Smith is a trained Parenting Coordinator, offering Parenting Coordination sessions at $250 plus GST per parent.
Parenting Coordinators vs. Mediators
Two professionals commonly involved in assisting families are Parenting Coordinators and Mediators. While both play crucial roles in co-parenting, they differ significantly in their objectives and scope of involvement.
The Role of a Mediator
A Mediator is a neutral professional who helps parents reach agreements on parenting arrangements. Their focus is on fostering communication and compromise, guiding parents toward mutually agreeable solutions without imposing decisions. Mediators conclude their involvement once an agreement is reached or if it becomes clear that one cannot be achieved.
The Role of a Parenting Coordinator
A Parenting Coordinator specializes in family dynamics and child development, assisting parents in implementing parenting orders and resolving day-to-day disputes. In high-conflict cases, they work continuously to transition parents toward healthier resolution practices without the need for ongoing intervention. If parents cannot agree on specific issues, a Parenting Coordinator may offer recommendations and guidance on reducing conflict.
Key Differences
Aspect | Mediator | Parenting Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
Scope of Involvement | Short-term—engaged until an agreement is reached | Long-term—assists post-agreement to manage ongoing disputes |
Objective | Encourages open communication and collaboration | Supports implementation of agreements and promotes effective co-parenting |
Decision-Making | Does not enforce decisions or provide recommendations | May offer guidance and recommendations on parenting issues |
Conflict Resolution | Helps parents negotiate agreements | Aims to reduce ongoing conflict and educate parents on future-focused resolution |
Choosing the Right Support
Both Mediators and Parenting Coordinators play essential roles in helping separated or divorced parents navigate co-parenting challenges. The right choice depends on the family’s dynamics and the stage of the dispute. While Mediators assist in reaching agreements, Parenting Coordinators focus on implementing them and fostering a child-centered, cooperative parenting environment.