Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination is a service for parents who are experiencing chronic difficulties with the implementation of existing parenting arrangements.
These are parents who keep returning to their lawyers with issues that, from the legal standpoint, might seem inconsequential. Such issues might include vacation plans, Christmas and other special holiday arrangements, pick-up and drop-off issues, children’s activities, or minor adjustments to the parenting schedule, to name just a few. Communication between these parents is generally very difficult at best.
The PC’s role is to help the parents resolve issues which may arise from the implementation of an existing Parenting Plan/Court order, in a manner which is consistent with the child(ren)’s best interests, and which minimizes conflict between the parties.
In order to reach these objectives, the PC may take on multiple roles in the course of her involvement with the parties. The PC may provide consultation to the parents; educate them regarding the child(ren)’s needs and development; coach them regarding communication and parenting strategies; mediate disputes between them; and refer them or their child(ren) to other professionals, such as therapists, if relevant. Additionally, the PC has the authority to act as an arbitrator regarding specific issues that the parents have not been able to resolve by mutual agreement, and to re-allocate or award costs as outlined in the PC Agreement.
A PC becomes involved only when the parents have worked out basic parenting arrangements, and there is a written Agreement or Court Order in place.