How Parenting Coordination Works
A Child-Focused Approach to Co-Parenting Challenges
Parenting Coordination is a child-focused process designed to help separated or divorced parents resolve ongoing co-parenting issues in a constructive and timely way. A Parenting Coordinator (PC) works as a neutral professional to support parents in reducing conflict, improving communication, and keeping the best interests of their child at the centre.
Parenting Coordination can be arranged for a set period of time, often 12 to 24 months, giving families the opportunity to address recurring issues before they escalate. Shorter arrangements are also possible, depending on your family’s needs.
How Parenting Coordination Works
When communication breaks down, whether through constant conflict, avoidance, or revisiting old grievances, children can end up caught in the middle. Parenting Coordination offers a healthier path forward.
Here is how the process unfolds:
1. Referral and Agreement
Parents may choose to work with a Parenting Coordinator voluntarily, or it may be ordered by the Court. A Mediation or Parenting Coordination Agreement outlines the scope and duration of the process.
2. Initial Meetings
The Parenting Coordinator meets with each parent to hear concerns and gain insight into the child’s needs and family dynamics.
3. Ongoing Support
When disputes arise, the PC helps parents resolve issues quickly. This may include facilitating discussions, providing communication tools, or in some cases, making a decision if parents cannot agree.
4. Child-Centered Focus
Every step prioritizes the child’s well-being, helping parents move beyond conflict and toward cooperative co-parenting.
Benefits of Parenting Coordination
Reduces conflict
by addressing disputes before they escalate, easing stress on both parents and children.
Supports communication
by teaching strategies that help parents manage discussions more effectively.
Promotes stability
by ensuring parenting plans are followed consistently, including schedules, holidays, and routines.
Provides flexibility
since issues can be managed as they arise rather than waiting for lengthy court processes.
Keeps the focus
on the child’s best interests at every stage.
Parenting Coordination provides a practical way to resolve recurring issues without repeated trips to court.
By working with a Parenting Coordinator:
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Parents spend less on legal fees by avoiding ongoing litigation.
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Issues are resolved more quickly, saving both time and money.
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Long-term savings are realized because disputes are handled efficiently and agreements are more durable.
Engaging a PC for a set period, such as 12 months, does not mean daily involvement. Instead, the Parenting Coordinator steps in only when needed, helping families resolve issues with minimal disruption.
When Parenting Coordination Is Court-Ordered
In high-conflict cases, Parenting Coordination may be ordered by the Court when disputes negatively affect a child’s well-being. In these situations, the Court Order outlines the PC’s authority and the length of involvement. If parents cannot reach an agreement, the PC may have authority to make a decision, known as an arbitration award, to resolve the matter promptly.
The Positive Impact of Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordinators can support families in many practical ways, including:
Helping maintain and adapt parenting plans for regular, holiday, or summer schedules.
Coordinating travel and logistics.
Managing movement of children’s personal belongings between homes.
Addressing scheduling conflicts as they arise.
Developing clarifying clauses for unforeseen events or evolving family needs.
With ongoing support, parents can focus on raising their children in a more cooperative, respectful, and stable environment.