A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is a neutral professional who helps separated or divorced parents resolve child-related disagreements. Parents and their attorneys choose to involve a PC so they can avoid the frustration, expense, and emotional toll of repeated trips to court. PCs are typically lawyers or therapists with additional training in dispute resolution, and conflict coaching.

The PC can help the parents resolve any child-related issue that requires joint decision making. Common examples include:

• Schedule changes
• Religious education
• Nonemergency medical
• Private school or college
• Extracurricular activities
• Military enlistment

Research shows that using a PC can greatly reduce the number of court visits in high-conflict cases. The PC provides prompt, consistent, and responsive assistance to parents who cannot resolve issues by themselves.

How does it work?

The PC meets with the parents individually or together, depending on the situation. The PC may also talk with the children or other professionals to gather information necessary to understand all the issues.

The PC will help parents communicate more effectively by serving as a buffer between them. If parents are stuck in old communication habits, a PC can provide coaching about how to negotiate more effectively.

PCs are trained to help parents reduce conflict and encourage effective communication, allowing them to stay in control of decisions about their children. However, if the parents cannot reach a decision, the PC is also empowered to make the decision for the parties.

Referral numbers