A parenting coordinator could make your divorce case a little easier. When dealing with complicated and emotional child custody and support matters during a marital split, most families can use all the help they can get. Parenting coordinators are the divorce court’s answer to high-conflict custody cases. Find out what a parenting coordinator does, when the courts might appoint one during a divorce, and how to make the most out of your coordinator if you do end up working with one in California.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?
Parenting coordination is child-centered dispute resolution that combines mediation, parent education, and conflict management. A parenting coordinator can be an attorney, nurse, psychiatrist, psychologist, or behavioral therapist. To qualify as a coordinator, an individual must have a proper license and have received at least six hours of child and domestic abuse training. Parenting coordinators also must have forensic training on issues such as high-conflict families, child development, relocation, family court law, informed consent, abuse, and other such issues. The main roles of a parenting coordinator are:
- Meeting with parents and children to resolve disputes
- Interviewing family members, doctors, schools, and other parties for relevant information
- Offering advice to day-to-day issues parents experience
- Settling matters regarding holiday scheduling and child exchanges
- Coming up with solutions to child health care, discipline, and school issues and activities
- Making recommendations to the court regarding custody and parenting time
Remember, a parenting coordinator is not a judge. He or she is an unbiased third party who is there to simply make recommendations for dispute resolution. Parenting coordinators do not have the authority to recommend issues relating to child support, changes in custody, or substantial alterations to parenting time. They can, however, make recommendations in writing if they believe a child’s safety is at stake.
What Can a Parenting Coordinator Legally Change or Control?
The courts in Sacramento can determine the types of decisions that a parenting coordinator can legally make in terms of parenting plans. If the parents hire a coordinator voluntarily, the extent of the coordinator’s control will be left up to them, instead. If desired, parents can choose not to let a parenting coordinator make any decisions on their behalf.
In most cases, parental coordinators cannot modify court orders. However, they can make minor changes to a parenting plan, such as limiting where parents can take children during visits. When necessary, a parenting coordinator can refer the family to providers in the community and collaborate with other professionals who are already involved with the family, such as medical professionals for a child with special needs.
With a court-appointed parenting coordinator, a parent can take an issue to court if he or she disagrees with the coordinator’s decision, change or recommendation. Any decision made by the parenting coordinator is subject to the review of the court. This is important for safeguarding the best interests of the children involved.
Could You Benefit From a Parenting Coordinator?
California statutes permit the courts to appoint a parenting coordinator in certain circumstances. In general, a couple might need a parenting coordinator if they are constantly in conflict with one another, if they argue about every aspect and activity of childcare, if one or both spouses has issues with substance abuse, if a child has special needs, or if there are concerns about either parent’s mental health. If appointing a parenting coordinator would be in the best interests of the child, that is what the courts will do.
Each county can create its own guidelines for parenting coordinators. For example, Monterey County laws state that the courts may appoint one if a divorce case involves child custody or visitation issues, upon stipulation of the parties and court approval. Check with your county courts to find out the exact procedures for using parenting coordinators. If you believe your family could benefit from a parenting coordinator, let the courts know that you wish to work with one. This might be the case if you feel you and your spouse cannot come to agreements about child custody or support on your own.
Pros and Cons of Parenting Coordination During a Divorce Case in Sacramento
While parenting coordinators do not magically solve communication issues or deep-rooted differences between co-parents, they can minimize conflict with strategic communication and conflict resolution methods. The coordinator can help a family come up with creative solutions to parenting problems in a way that is best for everyone involved – especially the children.
Pros:
- Reducing conflicts between the parents.
- Shielding children from parental arguments and stress.
- Resolving current issues and establishing problem-solving methods for the future.
- Solving child custody and visitation matters without court involvement.
- Helping to maintain safe and healthy parent-child relationships.
- Protecting the best interests of the children throughout a divorce or legal separation.
Cons:
- Parental coordinators generally charge a few hundred dollars per hour.
- Relying too heavily on a coordinator can prevent co-parents from resolving their own disputes.
- One parent could communicate more frequently with the coordinator to try to assert his or her dominance or will.
- Parenting coordination is not something that should be used in lieu of marriage or family counseling.
- A coordinator could potentially abuse his or her power or block resolutions to continue making money.
To determine if parenting coordination is something that could benefit your family (if you are considering voluntary coordination and a parental coordinator has not been assigned to you by the courts), discuss your specific circumstances with a divorce attorney. A Sacramento divorce lawyer can analyze your case to help your family come to the right decision.
How Much Does a Parenting Coordinator Cost in California?
It generally costs between $200 and $400 per hour to work with a parenting coordinator. The couple will pay for the coordinator by splitting the costs equally or in proportion with their incomes. One parent may pay the entire cost of the parenting coordinator if he or she has a significantly higher income than the other. While this may seem expensive, it can be well worth the cost for many parents.
How to Make the Most of Your Parenting Coordinator
Choose the correct parenting coordinator for your family. Each option will bring something different to the table, depending on his/her profession, experience, and training. Determine your needs when deciding who to select. If possible, obtain referrals from family law attorneys and court services to find a qualified and reputable parenting coordinator in Sacramento.
You and your spouse can pick a specific coordinator, or you can leave the assignment up to your Sacramento family law attorneys. Then, attend meetings with your coordinator with an open mind. The goal is to compromise with your spouse for the benefit of your children. Coming to the table with an open mind can facilitate the process.
Make a list of specific issues you want the coordinator to address. This can keep discussions focused and efficient. Set clear goals and work with the coordinator to achieve practical solutions. Attend all meetings and implement the recommendations given by your parenting coordinator as much as possible. Otherwise, it is a waste of a valuable resource.
Every case is unique. To discuss whether parental coordination could benefit you and your family during a divorce or legal separation case in Sacramento, contact Boyd Law to request a free consultation with an attorney.
