PARENT COORDINATOR
FAQs

How do I get to a Parent Coordinator?

     Speak to your lawyer and have them get in touch with the other parent’s attorney. If both parents agree that a Parent Coordinator is the way to go, the lawyers will have a judge issue an Order for a Parent Coordinator.

What qualifies someone to be a Parent Coordinator?

     Parent Coordinators may be someone in the mental health field who has expertise in child development, parenting, high conflict resolution and a working knowledge of custody issues. Some family law attorneys are also Parent Coordinators.

Who gets to choose the Parent Coordinator?

     It could be anyone including the parents, the lawyers or the Judge. If the parents or lawyers agree on someone the Judge just has to write and sign the Order. Otherwise, Family Court Judges may select a PC on their own.

Can a Parent Coordinator rule on everything related to custody and visitation?

     The Parent Coordinator cannot change the Order of a Court, but may assist the parents in implementing strategies, consistent with Court Orders. All parties will sign a lengthy contract detailing the responsibilities and limitations of the PC. The Parent Coordinator may consider matters as simple as “should my child attend karate. I think it’s too violent, but my ex-spouse thinks it’s fine.” Other matters may relate to medical issues, school placement, summer activities, camp and travel, pick-up and drop-off issues, changes in schedule and the like. The PC is usually permitted to only rule on issues related to parenting, not personal finances or equitable distribution.

Who pays for the Parent Coordinator?

     Typically both parents share the cost in some fashion. The parents, lawyers or Courts should determine how costs are split before hiring a PC. The Parent Coordinator should not broker or negotiate this issue.

What if I disagree with the Parent Coordinator’s ruling?

     You are always free to return to Court and challenge their ruling. But remember that the PC has been assigned by the Judge, who trusts the Parent Coordinator. A good PC will weigh all factors before issuing a ruling.

How long will it take before the Parent Coordinator rules on an issue?

     It may vary, but after looking at all information, the PC may issue a ruling within a few hours, but typically they rule within a matter of days.

Parent Coordination seems expensive. Why not just go back to Court?

     Parent Coordination is far less expensive than going to Court. In some matters a ruling may take less than an hour of the PC’s time, while in others more time is necessary. A lot of their work is done by email and on the telephone. You are not paying lawyer’s fees and having to spend a full day in Court when only a short amount of time is necessary to settle most issues.

To make an inquiry or an appointment, call 215-355-8812.