Parenting Coordination:
When Court Orders Exist But Conflict Continues
For many separated parents, obtaining Parenting Orders is not the end of the journey.
The court case may be over. The Parenting Plan may be signed. The Consent Orders may be finalised. Yet the conflict continues. Disagreements arise about changeovers, school events, medical appointments, extracurricular activities, holiday arrangements and communication.
For some families, the challenge is no longer reaching agreement. The challenge is making the agreement work in everyday life. That’s where Parenting Coordination can help. At Patford-Smith Legal Services, Parenting Coordination provides practical support to help separated parents reduce conflict, improve communication and focus on the needs of their children.
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Unsure where to begin?
Many people choose to start with our Separation Strategy Session before deciding whether Family Dispute Resolution, Collaborative Practice, Parenting Coordination or litigation is the most appropriate pathway.
What Is
Parenting Coordination?
Parenting Coordination is a child-focused dispute resolution process designed to assist separated parents who continue to experience conflict after parenting arrangements have been established.
Parenting Coordination does not replace legal advice, mediation or court proceedings. Instead, it helps parents manage the practical challenges that often arise after parenting arrangements have been established.
The goal is simple; to help children experience greater stability and reduce their exposure to parental conflict. A Parenting Coordinator works with parents to:
- Implement parenting arrangements
- Resolve day-to-day disputes
- Improve communication
- Reduce ongoing conflict
- Promote child-focused decision making
- Support compliance with parenting arrangements
Who Is Parenting Coordination For?
Parenting Coordination may be appropriate where parents have the following, but continue to experience ongoing conflict regarding parenting issues.:
- Parenting Orders
- Consent Orders
- Parenting Plans
- Informal parenting arrangements
Many families seek Parenting Coordination when they find themselves repeatedly arguing about the same issues despite already having agreements in place.
Common Issues Parenting Coordination can Help Resolve
Parenting Coordination can assist with disputes relating to:
- Schooling and education
- Medical appointments and healthcare decisions
- Extracurricular activities
- Holiday arrangements
- Changeover arrangements
- Communication between parents
- Interpretation of parenting orders
- Children’s routines
- Day-to-day parenting decisions
- Special occasions and family events
Rather than returning to court each time a disagreement arises, parents have access to a structured process designed to address issues quickly and constructively.
Why Choose Patford-Smith Legal Services?
Lauren Patford-Smith is a Parenting Coordinator, Family Lawyer, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Independent Children’s Lawyer.
This unique combination of qualifications provides valuable insight into the challenges separated families face and the practical realities of co-parenting after separation.
Lauren’s approach is focused on helping parents move away from conflict and towards solutions that support their children and family circumstances.
the benefits of
parenting coordination
Reduce Conflict
Ongoing parental conflict can be exhausting for parents and harmful for children. Parenting Coordination provides a structured framework for resolving disputes before they escalate.
Improve Communication
Many disputes arise because communication has broken down. Parenting Coordination assists parents to develop more effective ways of communicating and resolving issues.
Promote Child-Focused Decisions
Parenting Coordination encourages parents to focus on the needs and best interests of their children rather than ongoing disagreements.
Reduce the Need for Litigation
Many day-to-day parenting disputes can be resolved through Parenting Coordination without the need for further court intervention.
Create Greater Consistency
Children benefit from consistency, predictability and reduced conflict. Parenting Coordination supports families in creating more stable arrangements moving forward.
How The Process Works
Step 1: Initial Intake
Each parent participates in an individual intake appointment. The intake process allows us to:
- Assess suitability for Parenting Coordination
- Understand the family circumstances
- Discuss goals and concerns
- Explain the Parenting Coordination process
Step 2: Document Review
Relevant documents are reviewed, including:
- Parenting Orders
- Consent Orders
- Parenting Plans
- Parenting Coordination Agreements
- Intake Forms and supporting material
Step 3: Parenting Coordination Commences
Once appointed, the Parenting Coordinator works with the parents to address issues as they arise and support the ongoing implementation of parenting arrangements.
Support may occur through meetings, telephone conferences, video conferences and written communications.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
The Parenting Coordination process is designed to assist families over time, providing practical assistance as parenting issues emerge.
Parenting Coordination Fees
Initial Intake
& Document Review
30-minute intake appointment
$100 plus GST per parent
Each parent is required to attend an individual intake appointment.
Document review
One hour at $400 plus GST
Shared equally between the parties ($200 plus GST per parent)
Parenting Coordination
$400 PER HOUR PLUS GST
($200 per party plus GST) Time is shared equally between the parties unless otherwise agreed.
Fees may include:
Meetings with parents
Telephone conferences
Video conferences
Review of communications and documents
Preparation of recommendations
Administrative work directly related to the Parenting Coordination process
Billing Arrangements
Payment is required in advance. Each party is invoiced monthly for Parenting Coordination services provided during that period. This approach provides transparency and allows families to clearly understand the costs associated with the process.
Not quite sure if this is the right pathway?
Many families begin with a Separation Strategy Session before deciding whether Parenting Coordination, Family Dispute Resolution, Collaborative Practice or litigation is the most appropriate option.
Take the next step
If ongoing conflict continues despite Parenting Orders, Consent Orders, Parenting Plans or informal parenting arrangements, Parenting Coordination may help create a more practical and sustainable path forward.
Contact Patford-Smith Legal Services or book your intake appointment online today.