Navigating Parenting Plans With the Help of a Parenting Coordinator
Parenting plans serve as an essential roadmap for separated or divorced parents who share custody of their children. These agreements outline important details such as custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, communication expectations, and procedures for resolving disputes.
When disagreements arise over how to implement or adjust a parenting plan, many families turn to a parenting coordinator for guidance. A parenting coordinator is a neutral, court-appointed professional who can assist parents in resolving disputes and making decisions that serve the interests of their children.
At Ward Family Law Group, we have helped families throughout Cary, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas work through parenting plans with the support of a parenting coordinator. We understand that these arrangements can be emotionally challenging, and we work alongside our clients to help them reach solutions that meet their children’s needs.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator, and When Are They Appointed?
A parenting coordinator plays a crucial role in assisting parents who struggle to consistently follow their parenting plans. North Carolina courts typically appoint a parenting coordinator in high-conflict cases where parents are unable to effectively communicate or resolve disagreements on their own.
The parenting coordinator’s primary responsibility is to help parents carry out the terms of their existing custody order or parenting plan. While a parenting coordinator doesn’t have the authority to change court orders, they can make minor decisions to address day-to-day disputes that arise.
Situations That May Call for a Parenting Coordinator
A parenting coordinator may become involved in cases where parents:
Frequently argue about visitation exchanges
Disagree over extracurricular activities, medical care, or education
Have repeated misunderstandings about their parenting plan’s provisions
Struggle with communication that often results in conflict
When these situations persist, the court may determine that a parenting coordinator can help reduce parental conflict and improve cooperation.
Appointment Process in North Carolina
Under North Carolina General Statutes, the court may appoint a parenting coordinator either at the request of one or both parents or on its own motion. The parenting coordinator must be qualified according to state requirements and must remain neutral while working with both parents.
The appointment typically lasts up to two years, though it can be extended if necessary. During this time, the parenting coordinator helps parents resolve disputes and maintain focus on their children’s well-being.
How a Parenting Coordinator Can Help You Move Forward
A parenting coordinator provides a structured way for parents to address disagreements without returning to court for every issue. By working with a parenting coordinator, parents can avoid costly litigation and reduce the stress that unresolved disputes can cause children.
Benefits of Working with a Parenting Coordinator
Some of the specific ways a parenting coordinator can assist parents include:
Facilitating productive communication between parents
Helping interpret the language of the parenting plan
Offering timely decisions on minor parenting issues
Keeping both parents accountable to the parenting plan
Supporting long-term cooperation between co-parents
Our attorneys at Ward Family Law Group frequently guide clients through the process of working with a parenting coordinator. We understand that having a trusted professional to support your family during these moments can make a meaningful difference in the parenting experience.
Steps for Engaging with a Parenting Coordinator in Cary, North Carolina
For parents in Cary, North Carolina, who are considering a parenting coordinator, it’s helpful to understand the process and how to prepare for a productive working relationship.
Reviewing the Court’s Parenting Coordinator Order
The parenting coordinator’s appointment order will detail the scope of their authority, the types of decisions they can make, and the areas where they can assist. This order sets the foundation for how the parents and the parenting coordinator will work together.
Parents should review the court’s order carefully and clarify any questions with their family law attorney before the parenting coordinator begins assisting.
Attending Initial Meetings
The parenting coordinator typically meets with both parents to set expectations and explain procedures. These initial sessions may cover:
Communication protocols
Timelines for resolving disputes
Decision-making authority for minor issues
During these meetings, the parenting coordinator will emphasize the importance of focusing on the children's interests.
Preparing for Ongoing Collaboration
Parents should be prepared to:
Communicate openly and respectfully
Provide requested information promptly
Follow the parenting coordinator’s recommendations in good faith
Parents who engage with the process can help reduce ongoing conflict and improve their ability to co-parent effectively.
Common Issues Parenting Coordinators Help Resolve
A parenting coordinator can assist with a wide range of issues that often spark disagreements between parents.
Managing Custody Exchange Logistics
Scheduling hand-offs and determining suitable exchange locations can sometimes lead to disputes. A parenting coordinator can help parents agree on practical solutions for custody exchanges that minimize stress for the children.
Addressing Changes in Children’s Schedules
As children grow older, their activities and commitments may evolve. The parenting coordinator can help parents adjust visitation times and transportation responsibilities in response to these changes.
Resolving School and Medical Decisions
Parents frequently disagree on educational choices or healthcare providers. A parenting coordinator can assist parents in reaching timely agreements, keeping the child’s needs at the center of the discussion.
Handling Holiday and Vacation Scheduling
Holiday and vacation arrangements can be particularly sensitive topics. A parenting coordinator can step in to resolve scheduling conflicts and help parents create fair and workable plans for special occasions.
Important North Carolina Guidelines for Parenting Coordination
North Carolina’s parenting coordination program is governed by specific statutes designed to safeguard parents’ rights while promoting cooperation.
Statutory Requirements and Parent Obligations
North Carolina General Statutes § 50-90 through § 50-95 outline the rules for parenting coordination, including:
Parenting coordinators must have appropriate training in family dynamics, conflict resolution, and child development.
Parenting coordinators must remain impartial and avoid conflicts of interest.
Parents are expected to participate in good faith and follow the coordinator’s recommendations unless otherwise directed by the court.
Your attorney can help guide you through each of these points.
Confidentiality Considerations
Communications with a parenting coordinator are generally not confidential in the same way that attorney-client conversations are. Parenting coordinators can report to the court and may be asked to provide updates about the parents’ progress.
Parents should approach parenting coordination with honesty and a focus on cooperation, knowing that their interactions may be included in reports submitted to the court.
How Parenting Coordinators Reduce the Impact of Conflict on Children
Research shows that high-conflict parental relationships can have a negative effect on children’s emotional well-being. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts highlights the importance of parenting coordination in reducing children’s exposure to parental conflict and promoting healthier outcomes.
By assisting parents in resolving disputes outside of court, a parenting coordinator helps shield children from the stress and uncertainty that often accompany ongoing legal battles.
Parenting coordinators encourage parents to:
Focus on consistent routines for their children
Communicate directly and respectfully
Avoid involving children in parental disagreements
The attorneys at Ward Family Law Group recognize that reducing conflict benefits not only the parents but also supports the children’s long-term emotional stability.
When Parenting Coordination Is Most Effective
Parenting coordination is most useful in situations where parents are committed to reducing conflict but need structured assistance to resolve disputes. It’s particularly helpful when:
Both parents agree to participate fully
Parents struggle to communicate effectively
The child’s needs require timely decisions that parents can’t make on their own
Be sure to consult with your attorney.
How Parenting Coordinators Support Long-Term Co-Parenting
One of the lasting benefits of working with a parenting coordinator is the development of healthier co-parenting habits. Parents often build skills that continue to serve them long after the parenting coordinator’s involvement ends.
These skills may include:
Improved communication techniques
Greater flexibility and problem-solving abilities
Reduced reliance on the court to settle everyday issues
When parents grow in these areas, they help create a more stable, predictable environment for their children.
Parenting Coordinators Help Minimize Legal Costs
Repeated trips to court can become financially and emotionally draining. By resolving disputes quickly and efficiently, parenting coordinators help reduce the need for costly litigation.
Parents who work effectively with a parenting coordinator often find that they save both time and money, allowing them to direct their resources toward supporting their children’s development.
North Carolina’s Continued Support for Parenting Coordination
North Carolina remains committed to supporting the use of parenting coordination in family law cases. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides resources to help parents understand the parenting coordination process and its benefits.
This statewide support reflects a recognition that parenting coordinators play a meaningful role in helping families resolve high-conflict situations while prioritizing children’s well-being.
Contact Us Today
At Ward Family Law Group, we’re ready to support families throughout Wake County, Durham County, Chatham County, Johnston County, Orange County, Franklin County, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, Youngsville, North Carolina, Rolesville, North Carolina, Louisburg, North Carolina, and Zebulon, North Carolina. Our attorneys can help you work through your parenting plan and connect you with a parenting coordinator who meets your family’s needs. Reach out today.
