Parent Coordinator

Parent coordination is a form of dispute resolution for high conflict families that goes beyond mediation and psychotherapy. Often appointed by judges or referred by attorneys, parent coordinators are consulted when parents cannot make ongoing joint decisions for their children or when the child’s relationship with one or the other parent has been seriously disrupted. Parent coordinators work closely with the Attorney for the Children or the GAL in consulting with family members to facilitate communication and coordinate decision making. In general, parent coordinators are seen as not bound by confidentiality rules, so they are able to report noncompliant behaviors to the attorneys and to the Court in ways that protect the children. Parent Coordinators can be directive and confrontational when it is needed to advocate for the interests of the children.