Parenting Coordinator Services
Helping you stay focused on the business of keeping your children happy
What is a Parenting Coordinator?
A parenting coordinator is a trained expert, usually a therapist or lawyer, who assists separated or divorced parents in high-conflict cases with decisions about their children's care. They focus on resolving conflicts and improving communication, prioritizing the children's best interests. Coordinators advise on schedules, discipline, and communication, and can lead discussions, teach co-parenting skills, or suggest solutions. If parents cannot agree, they may make decisions. Their main goal is to reduce conflict, encourage teamwork, and ensure a stable environment for children.
Why have a Parenting Coordinator?
Time and Cost Efficiency: A parenting coordinator saves time and reduces legal costs, making co-parenting simpler and cheaper.
Conflict Resolution & Less Court: Parenting coordinators are trained mediators who help parents settle disagreements, which results in faster solutions and less need for court involvement.
Focus on the Children: Ultimately, the goal of a parenting coordinator is to ensure that the children's needs are prioritized. This means we won’t focus on the parent’s past relationship, but the children and co-parenting relationship.
Better Communication: A parenting coordinator can give parents specific tools to communicate better. This can reduce misunderstandings and encouraging teamwork.
No Taking Sides: Parenting coordinators offer an unbiased perspective, providing neutral feedback and advice. This can help parents see issues from different viewpoints, leading to more constructive discussions.
Custom Parenting Plans: They assist in creating or modifying parenting plans that suit the unique needs of your family. This personalized approach can help ensure that the best interests of the children are prioritized.
Emotional Support: The process of co-parenting after separation can be emotionally taxing. A parenting coordinator can provide support and guidance, helping parents navigate their feelings while focusing on their children's well-being.
Consistency for Children: With a parenting coordinator’s involvement, there can be more consistency in parenting styles and decisions, which can benefit the children’s stability and sense of security.
Education and Resources: Parenting coordinators often provide access to valuable resources and information about co-parenting strategies, child development, and conflict resolution techniques.
Post-Divorce Guidance: They can help parents adjust to the changing dynamics of their family, providing guidance on how to effectively co-parent moving forward.
Pricing
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Retainer $2500 - must be paid prior to the start of services.
The cost of hiring a parenting coordinator is generally split between both parents unless determined to be split differently by the court or parent coordinator.
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$200 per hour - billed in 15-minute increments (retainer includes meeting with parents, court appearances, traveling to court appearances or other engagements related to the case, research, reports, phone calls, emails, and any other actions related to the case).
Fees for depositions and testimony must be received two weeks prior to the scheduled date and will be charged in blocks of five hours including travel (with five hours being the minimum block of time). There is a no-refund policy for depositions and court testimony: once the parenting coordinator has agreed to appear and the fee is paid, it is non-refundable under any circumstance.
The cost of parenting coordinator services is generally split between both parents unless determined to be split differently by the court or parent coordinator.
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Once $1500 of the retainer has been exhausted, replenishment to $2500 retainer amount is required.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to hire a parenting coordinator?
A: The cost of hiring a parenting coordinator is generally split between both parents unless determined to be split differently by the court or parent coordinator. Price can vary based on their qualifications, location, and the complexity of the situation. The cost at Home for Family Intimacy is a retainer of $2500 which must be paid prior to the start of services. Services are then $200 per hour & billed in 15-minute increments. Once the amount in the retainer has dropped to $1000, it must be replenished to $2500.
Q: When should parents consider hiring a parenting coordinator?
A: Parents may consider hiring a parenting coordinator when they struggle to communicate effectively or frequently disagree about parenting issues. This can be particularly beneficial for high-conflict situations or when ongoing disputes disrupt the child's well-being.
Q: How does the process of working with a parenting coordinator work?
A: The process involves an initial meeting where parents discuss their concerns and the coordinator outlines the services offered. Subsequent sessions may involve mediation, discussions on specific issues, and creating a structured parenting plan. The coordinator may also follow up regularly to ensure compliance and address new concerns.
Q: Are parenting coordinators legally binding?
A: The decisions made by a parenting coordinator are legally binding if there is already a court order in place.
Q: How are parenting coordinators selected?
A: Parents can choose a parenting coordinator, or they may be appointed by a court. It is essential to select someone with appropriate training in family dynamics and conflict resolution.
Q: What qualifications should a parenting coordinator have?
A: A parenting coordinator should have relevant qualifications in fields such as psychology, social work, or family law. Additionally, they should be trained specifically in parenting coordination, conflict resolution, and have experience working with families in transition.
Q: Can a parenting coordinator make decisions for parents?
A: No, a parenting coordinator does not make decisions for parents but aids in the decision-making process. They facilitate discussions, help clarify issues, and provide guidance to assist parents in reaching mutual agreements. If no decision can be made, a parent coordinator may make the final decision for the child.
Q: What if one parent does not agree to work with a parenting coordinator?
A: If one parent is unwilling to work with a parenting coordinator, the other parent may seek a court order to require participation. However, cooperation from both parties is required if ordered by the court.
Q: How can parents prepare for meetings with a parenting coordinator?
A: Parents should come prepared by outlining specific issues they wish to address, being open to different perspectives, and focusing on the best interests of the child. It can be helpful to keep records of past communications and agreements to reference during sessions.