Parenting Coordination
Once a final order is made or a parenting plan signed in relation to the living arrangements for a child or children, then what?
Lawyers and report writers are no longer required or involved, and the Court proceedings have ended. How do parents navigate the orders or communicate about their children when the haven’t been able to do so in the past?
An option is the appointment of a Parenting Coordinator (PC). This can occur when final orders are made, and in some cases when interim orders are made.
A PC is an independent qualified practitioner appointed by agreement between the parents or ordered by the Court. They assist high conflict parents to:
Assist in the resolution of disagreements arising from the implementation of their parenting orders (or parenting plan)
Educate parents about the ongoing impact of conflict on their children and encourage healthy conflict resolution and communication
Monitor communication between parents
Educate parents on how to make decisions about their children
Reduce or eliminate on-going solicitor involvement
Help avoid the prospect of further litigation
Parenting coordination can benefit those clients who are struggling to develop resilience and effective co-parenting after separation. It is different to mediation which is a confidential process. Parenting Coordination is non-confidential and is reportable. Whether parents engage in the process voluntarily by agreement or as ordered by the Court, they are kept accountable and their conduct and attitude inside the process is recorded.