Parenting coordination is a crucial service that helps divorced or separated parents manage and resolve conflicts related to their children. At Boyd & Early Family Law, our Montgomery County Parent Coordination Attorneys are dedicated to providing the support and guidance necessary to create a cooperative parenting environment.
The reality of many child custody cases is that the parties are no longer an intact family unit because substantial differences have arisen between the parties. Decisions about their children that may have been easy to resolve when the family was sharing one household can become more complicated as the parents or caretakers work through separation and the establishment of separate homes. In certain extremely high conflict cases, the court may appoint a third party, called a parenting coordinator, to help the parties work through disputed issues that require quick resolutions without repeated visits back to the Court.
The authority of a parenting coordinator is limited by the Pennsylvania Rules on Parenting Coordination. A parenting coordinator can help you with the following topics:
There are also topics and issues that a parenting coordinator can not handle including:
The scope of the parenting coordinator’s authority is narrow and focused and intended to resolve “minor” day-to-day custody disputes while still deferring to the court for more substantial custody issues.
Parenting coordinators are highly trained family-law attorneys or mental health professionals with a master’s degree or higher. A parenting coordinator must have achieved certain professional benchmarks and have completed an intensive training program. Liz Early, one of the partners at Boyd & Early Family Law, is a seasoned parenting coordinator who regularly participates in educating and training new parenting coordinators across the state.
A parenting coordinator can only be appointed by the Court and the parties will need to demonstrate to their judge that they would benefit from the service. The parties also must have a final Custody Order in order to ask for a parenting coordinator. The goal is to limit parenting coordinators to cases where the conflict level is high enough to require third-party intervention in custody decisions.
Given the number of cases that come before our Court system daily, the Court simply does not have the time or resources to monitor and resolve day-to-day parenting disputes. A skilled parenting coordination can help broker compromises and, where agreements cannot be reached, the parenting coordinator can and will provide a decision on how the issue should be resolved. Most families appreciate having a well-reasoned decision, even if they do not agree with the outcome, and also appreciate the cost savings experienced by using one parenting coordinator instead of two private attorneys.
If you are interested in utilizing a parenting coordinator, you should talk with your attorney about the best way to have this tool added to your case.
Parenting coordination offers numerous benefits to both parents and children. By reducing conflict and fostering better communication, parenting coordination helps create a more stable and positive environment for children. Some key benefits include:
Understanding the legal process of parenting coordination can help parents navigate this essential service more effectively.
The parenting coordination process typically begins with an initial assessment. During this assessment, the parenting coordinator meets with both parents to understand their concerns, the nature of their conflicts, and the needs of their children. This assessment helps the coordinator develop a tailored approach to address the specific issues at hand.
One of the first tasks in parenting coordination is developing a comprehensive parenting plan. This plan outlines the responsibilities and expectations of each parent, including schedules for parenting time, holidays, vacations, and other important events. A well-defined parenting plan reduces ambiguity and provides a clear framework for co-parenting.
When disputes arise, the parenting coordinator acts as a mediator, helping parents to communicate effectively and reach mutually acceptable solutions. The coordinator uses various conflict resolution techniques to facilitate discussions and address issues such as parenting time adjustments, decision-making responsibilities, and other child-related concerns.
In some cases, the parenting coordinator may need to make recommendations to the court regarding unresolved disputes. The coordinator provides detailed reports and recommendations based on their interactions with the parents and the best interests of the children. These recommendations can significantly influence the court's decisions, ensuring that the children's needs are prioritized.
At Boyd & Early Family Law, we understand the complexities and challenges involved in co-parenting. Our team of skilled Parenting Coordination Lawyers in Montgomery County is committed to providing the highest level of support and guidance to help parents navigate these challenges effectively.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling parenting coordination cases. We are familiar with the legal intricacies and the emotional dynamics involved in these cases. Our expertise enables us to provide effective strategies and solutions that promote positive outcomes for both parents and children.
We believe in a personalized approach, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of each family. Our attorneys take the time to understand your specific situation, listen to your concerns, and develop a customized plan that addresses your needs and goals. We are dedicated to helping you achieve a cooperative and stable co-parenting relationship.
If you are facing challenges in your co-parenting relationship, our Montgomery County Parenting Coordination Lawyers are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our services can benefit you and your children.
