When Does Parenting Coordination Make Sense?

Navigating parenting decisions during a separation or divorce can be emotionally challenging. When communication between parents becomes strained or high-conflict situations persist, Florida courts may recommend or require the assistance of a parenting coordinator.

With the right support, you can work toward a more peaceful, organized, and child-centered parenting arrangement. A plan that supports your child’s well-being and helps both parents move forward. Have a conversation with a West Palm Beach family attorney about how parenting coordination can be a valuable tool to reduce conflict and help parents focus on the best interests of their children.

When Is Parenting Coordination Used in Florida?

Parenting coordination is a child-focused dispute resolution process. A parenting coordinator is typically a trained mental health or legal professional who works with separated or divorced parents to implement and manage parenting plans, improve communication, and resolve disagreements related to child-rearing.

These professionals act as neutral third parties, supportive experts who help parents move through decision-making about day-to-day issues. Some areas of support include school schedules, extracurricular activities, health care concerns, and holiday arrangements. Then, the parents can resolve differences without needing to constantly return to court.

In Florida, parenting coordination is most commonly used in high-conflict custody cases, but parents can also voluntarily agree to use a parenting coordinator if they believe it would be helpful. Under state statute, a parenting coordinator may be appointed when:

• There is significant disagreement about the parenting plan.
• Communication between the parents is hostile or ineffective.
• The children are caught in the middle of parental conflict.
• One or both parents need help developing healthier co-parenting habits.

The goal is not to replace the court’s role in making legal custody decisions but to help families resolve minor disputes more efficiently, without repeated litigation.

For a lot of families, parenting coordination leads to improved co-parenting relationships, reduced stress, and greater stability for the children. For instance, coordinators can guide discussions and offer strategies to defuse tension, leading to faster solutions. Coordinators work to ensure that the children’s emotional and physical needs remain a top priority, and they may help parents build better communication habits, too.

Is Another Support Right for You?

While there are many families who benefit from parenting coordination, it is not necessarily the right fit for every separating couple. It is most helpful when parents struggle to communicate constructively or when disagreements about the parenting plan are frequent and intense. If your case involves domestic violence or one parent is unfit, different legal protections may be more appropriate.

If you’re ending a union and are concerned about co-parenting challenges, a knowledgeable West Palm Beach family attorney can walk you through whether parenting coordination might make sense for your situation. Share your current concerns and hopes with a legal professional so next steps can be explored.

Were you hoping to connect with more support as you navigate a parenting conflict? Have a conversation about your goals for the future with the knowledgeable legal team at Bruce S. Rosenwater & Associates. Schedule your confidential consultation today.