What is Parent Coordination?

Parent coordination is a process of co-parent coaching in which a neutral party, a Parent Coordinator (PC), facilitates problem-solving related to co-parenting issues during separation and divorce. The focus is to minimize stress for children while supporting the necessary realignment of the co-parenting relationship. The PC focuses on the education of healthy communication patterns, conflict resolution skills, developmental and psychological needs of children, and common issues children experience in divorce.

The primary goal of parent coordination is to help your child adjust to the new normal (living in two homes or with one parent) that is created during separation and divorce by reducing the stress of high-conflict communication dynamics between co-parents. A PC combines assessment, education, case management, and mediation. The focus of this process is on the health, safety, and well-being of the child, which includes co-parents prioritizing choices based on the child’s best interest.

What are the Benefits of Parent Coordination?

When parent coordination is successful, it will reduce stress for children and save the co-parents the extra expense and emotional upheaval of ongoing litigation. Depending on specific circumstances, parents may need to seek further legal action, and some require the involvement of the courts. Due to the parent coordination process being non—confidential, with respect to the courts, the PC can provide information to attorneys when needed for the court to better understand the co-parenting dynamic. As a result, a PC can implement interventions aimed at improvements in the parental team.

What Happens in a Parent Coordination Session?

In a parent coordination session, the PC meets with co-parents individually for an initial session to establish each person’s perspective. Thereafter, sessions are generally held jointly. The PC will explain her role and the parent coordination process in greater detail.

During the session, the PC may ask to meet with each party separately in a brief private caucus to gather additional pertinent information. The PC will facilitate dialog between co-parents that is intended to improve the co-parenting relationship by focusing on building healthy communication skills, establishing healthy boundaries, and guiding choices with respect to the child’s best interest.

In most cases, a workbook regarding cooperative co-parenting is incorporated as an educational guideline and for additional support. Co-parents read and explore the workbook independently and review together in joint or individual sessions. After following the links below, please scroll down for chapter descriptions.

Workbook Link: Cooperative Parenting and Divorce: A Parent Guide to Effective Co-Parenting

https://cooperativeparenting.com/product/cooperative-coparenting-parenting-guide/

https://cooperativeparenting.com/shop/coco-parenting-guide-toc-and-sample-chapter/

Additional related reading: Crossroads of Parenting & Divorce: 5 Steps to Preventing Divorce Abuse

https://cooperativeparenting.com/product/crossroads-of-coparenting-parents-guide-2nd-edition/

The PC will continue to direct the discussion until all issues and concerns are voiced and all facts are identified. Depending on the age of the children and the circumstances involved, the PC may, on occasion, include children in the sessions. Once all options are considered and explored regarding specific concerns, the PC will facilitate evaluation between the parties until acceptable resolutions are reached.

What is the Cost of Parent Coordination?

A 15-minute consultation is available at no charge. The fee for parent coordination is $150. per hour ($75. per co-parent). Unless otherwise stated, fees will be equally divided between co-parents.

How Long Does Parent Coordination Take?

Initially, the PC will meet with each co-parent individually for a 1-hour session. This is followed by a series of three 1.5-hour joint sessions to begin. After this sequence, 1-hour to 1.5-hour joint sessions are available and will be determined based on your specific needs. The number of sessions required to support co-parents adequately is situationally dependent. Typically, the more complex the concerns, the longer it takes to reach a comfortable baseline. Some co-parents participate in a series of sessions and then return as needed throughout the co-parenting relationship. Some families benefit most from consistent, ongoing support and attend regular sessions—weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly.