Parenting coordination protecting the child's best interest

 A parenting coordinator (PC) helps parents communicate, defuse tension and make day-to-day child-rearing decisions. In some states, the PC can make decisions when parents can't agree. PCs are also called parental coordinators or parent coordinators.

PCs are usually specially-trained mediators, mental health professionals, or family lawyers.

The parental coordinator's goals are:

• Protecting the child's best interest
• Encouraging cooperation between parents
• Encouraging respectful interactions between parents
• Keeping parents out of court

A parent coordinator helps parents make timely decisions so the parents can tend to their child's needs. A PC meet with parents individually or together to help them:

• Settle their case
• Follow court orders
• Resolve disputes
• Improve communication

The frequency of parenting coordination meetings depends on the case.

In the beginning, you might attend a few sessions so the PC can familiarize themself with your situation and you can get used to the process.

From there, you might only meet with the parent coordinator when you're at odds with the other parent. The PC usually keeps an open line of communication through phone, email, and other remote methods.

Parental coordinators cannot modify court orders but can make minor changes to the current parenting plan. For example, the PC might:

• Place limits on where parents can take the kids during visits
• Keep parents from discussing certain things in front of their kids
• Decide which sports kids participate in

The court or the parents specify what kinds of decisions the PCs can make ahead of time. If parents go voluntarily, they can choose not to let the PC make any decisions.

If a parent disagrees with the PC's decision or recommendation, they can take the issue to court. Judges may assign a different PC if needed.

Some families turn to parent coordination as an intervention for parental alienation. A PC could identify the signs of alienation and act to make sure the parent-child relationship remains intact.

Parental coordinators must always report suspected child abuse to authorities.