What Role Does a Parenting Coordinator Play in Ongoing Custody Disputes?
When families face ongoing custody disputes, tensions often run high, and the process can feel overwhelming. Emotions, schedules, and differing views on parenting can create hurdles that make it difficult to reach an agreement. A custody agreement is designed to provide structure, but when conflicts persist, additional support is often needed to help parents move forward.
At Ward Family Law Group, we’ve seen how a parenting coordinator can be a valuable resource to families in North Carolina. We want to provide insight into what a parenting coordinator does and how they assist parents in managing custody agreements over time.
With the right support, families can reduce conflict, focus on their children’s interests, and work toward more cooperative co-parenting relationships. If you’re dealing with custody disputes, contact us to schedule your consultation today.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator?
A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party appointed to help parents implement and follow their custody agreement. Their role is to assist with day-to-day decisions and conflicts that arise after custody orders are in place.
Unlike judges or attorneys who may only intervene in court, parenting coordinators work closely with families between court dates to manage issues and reduce ongoing disputes.
These professionals are often trained in family law, psychology, or mediation and have experience working with high-conflict custody situations. Their goal is to support parents in resolving disagreements and to keep the focus on the children’s needs.
How a Parenting Coordinator Supports Custody Agreements
When parents struggle to follow the terms of a custody agreement, disputes can escalate quickly. A parenting coordinator helps by:
Clarifying the custody agreement: They review the order to make sure both parents understand their rights and responsibilities.
Facilitating communication: They encourage respectful dialogue and help parents discuss concerns constructively.
Making minor decisions: Parenting coordinators may have the authority to make decisions on routine matters without needing to go back to court.
Managing schedules: They help coordinate visitation schedules, holidays, and special events to avoid conflicts.
Resolving conflicts: By addressing issues early, parenting coordinators reduce the risk of prolonged disputes.
This hands-on involvement can make a big difference for families who face ongoing challenges with custody agreements.
When Is a Parenting Coordinator Appointed?
Courts may order a parenting coordinator when ongoing disputes are interfering with effective co-parenting. This often happens in high-conflict cases where communication has broken down. Sometimes, parents agree to use a parenting coordinator voluntarily to avoid court battles.
The appointment is typically for a set period, such as six months or a year, with the possibility of renewal depending on the family’s needs. The parenting coordinator reports back to the court about progress and any unresolved issues, which helps the court make informed decisions.
The Parenting Coordinator’s Authority and Limitations
Parenting coordinators don’t replace the court or the custody agreement. Their authority usually covers only specific types of decisions related to day-to-day parenting issues. These can include:
Minor changes to the visitation schedule
Transportation arrangements
Extracurricular activities and schooling questions
Communication protocols between parents
However, parenting coordinators can’t change the custody agreement itself or make major decisions like relocation or changes to legal custody. Those issues still require court involvement.
Understanding these boundaries helps parents know what to expect and how to work effectively with a parenting coordinator.
Benefits of Using a Parenting Coordinator
Parents who work with a parenting coordinator often see improvements in their co-parenting relationship. Some of the main benefits include:
Reduced conflict: Parenting coordinators help parents avoid unnecessary arguments by addressing issues early.
Faster dispute resolution: Instead of waiting for court hearings, parents can resolve many problems quickly.
Focused on children’s interests: Parenting coordinators encourage parents to prioritize their children’s needs over disagreements.
Cost-effective: Using a parenting coordinator can reduce legal fees by limiting the need for court involvement.
Improved communication: Parents learn healthier ways to communicate and cooperate over time.
These advantages make parenting coordinators a valuable part of many custody agreements, especially in ongoing disputes.
How We Work With Parenting Coordinators
At Ward Family Law Group, we collaborate closely with parenting coordinators appointed in our clients’ cases. Our goal is to provide clear legal guidance that complements the coordinator’s work. We help clients:
Understand the limits of the parenting coordinator’s authority
Prepare for meetings or hearings involving the coordinator
Communicate effectively with the coordinator to advocate for their interests
Address any concerns about the coordinator’s decisions through the court when necessary
By combining legal support with the parenting coordinator’s assistance, we help families more confidently resolve difficult custody disputes.
Preparing for Custody Disputes When a Parenting Coordinator Is Involved
Having a parenting coordinator doesn’t eliminate the need for a well-crafted custody agreement. We advise parents to:
Be detailed and specific in custody agreements to reduce ambiguity.
Include provisions for how a parenting coordinator will be selected and what powers they have.
Maintain open communication with the coordinator and respond promptly to requests.
Keep records of interactions and decisions made with the coordinator.
Seek legal advice before agreeing to decisions that significantly impact the custody arrangement.
Preparation and transparency help avoid misunderstandings and build a good relationship between parents and the coordinator.
Addressing Challenges With Parenting Coordinators
While parenting coordinators provide valuable services, some parents may feel frustrated or unsure about the process. Common concerns include:
Feeling that the coordinator favors one parent
Disagreeing with the coordinator’s decisions
Uncertainty about when to involve the court
We support clients by explaining their rights, reviewing the coordinator’s role, and, if necessary, guiding them through motions to challenge coordinator decisions. Our approach focuses on respectful resolution, helping parents stay focused on their children’s well-being.
The Cost of Using a Parenting Coordinator
The fees for parenting coordinators vary depending on their experience and the time required. Typically, parents share the costs based on the custody agreement or court order. While this adds an expense, it often reduces overall legal costs by resolving issues outside of court.
We help clients understand potential costs upfront and plan accordingly, so there are no surprises. Investing in a parenting coordinator can save money and emotional strain in the long run.
How Custody Agreements Can Include Parenting Coordinator Provisions
When drafting or revising a custody agreement, we recommend including specific language about parenting coordinators, such as:
The process for appointing a coordinator
The scope of the coordinator’s authority
How fees will be divided
The duration of the coordinator’s involvement
How to handle disputes related to the coordinator’s decisions
Clear provisions set expectations and help parents avoid future separation disputes related to the coordinator.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Parenting Coordinators
Parenting coordinators often work alongside mediation or other dispute resolution methods. When parents are willing to communicate, mediation can resolve many issues without needing a coordinator. However, if conflicts persist, a parenting coordinator provides ongoing support to manage disagreements.
Understanding how these tools complement each other allows parents to choose the best approach for their situation.
When a Parenting Coordinator May Not Be the Right Choice
Not every custody dispute requires a parenting coordinator. In cases where parents can communicate effectively and follow the custody agreement, ongoing court involvement may not be necessary. Also, if one parent refuses to cooperate, a coordinator’s role may be limited.
We help families evaluate their unique circumstances and recommend the most suitable approach for resolving custody disputes, which may or may not include a parenting coordinator.
Get the Support You Need
At Ward Family Law Group, we’re committed to helping families in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Youngsville, Rolesville, Louisburg, Zebulon, Wake County, Durham County, Chatham County, Johnston County, Orange County, and Franklin County. We understand that custody disputes can be stressful and emotionally draining.
Our team provides thoughtful, clear legal guidance tailored to each family’s situation. Whether you’re just beginning a custody case or working with a parenting coordinator, we’re here to help you protect your rights and the interests of your children.
If you’re dealing with ongoing custody disputes and want to understand how a parenting coordinator might help, contact Ward Family Law Group to discuss your custody agreement and learn how we can support your family through this challenging time.
