Parenting Coordination is a post-separation intervention designed for parents experiencing on-going conflict after court orders or parenting agreements have been finalised. When parents separate and the legal process ends the co-parenting conflict does not end. Infact it often gets worse.

Parenting Coordination is a neutral, structured process that supports separated or divorced parents especially in high-conflict situations, by helping them reduce conflict, protect their children and build healthier communication patterns over time. A Parenting Coordinator works with both parents to manage day-to-day co-parenting challenges such as hand-overs, communication difficulties and managing schedules. While Parenting Coordination does not replace mediation or court orders, it complements them by offering practical, real-time support to help parents implement agreements and navigate disputes as they arise. Parenting Coordinators are typically appointed by the court and serve as a consistent, impartial resource to help families stay focused on their children’s well-being.

The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) is a professional membership association that offers support and guidance to parenting coordinators. 

Co-parenting after separation or divorce is rarely easy and in high-conflict situations, it can feel overwhelming.

1. Reduce conflict and protect children

Parenting Coordinators work to shield children from ongoing parental conflict. They help parents follow court orders or parenting plans more consistently and focus on their children’s well-being instead of reliving past grievances.

• Children benefit from less stress and greater predictability.

• Parents get coaching on how to handle disagreements without putting kids in the middle.

2. Clarify and implement agreements

Even well-written parenting plans and court orders have a lot of grey areas, which leaves room for confusion or disagreement. A Parenting Coordinator helps the parents interpret and clarify the terms of the plan when disputes arise.

• They help resolve disagreements about holidays, transitions, school issues, extracurriculars and more.

• They can make non-binding recommendations in the event that the parents can’t make a decision themselves.

3. Improve communication

High-conflict families often struggle with hostile or unproductive communication. Parenting Coordinators help parents develop more effective ways to talk to one another.

• They may recommend tools like structured email formats or shared parenting apps.

• They coach parents on how to communicate about their children without escalating tension.

4. Teach parents conflict management skills

A Parenting Coordinator doesn’t just settle today’s disagreement, they help parents learn how to manage conflict better in the future.

• Parents learn how to stay focused on child-related topics.

• They support better problem-solving and respectful decision-making.

5. Provide accountability and monitoring

When conflict keeps recurring or court orders are ignored, a Parenting Coordinator can offer ongoing oversight and accountability.

• They track patterns, note compliance issues and offer early intervention.

• In some cases, they may report to the court or make recommendations to other professionals.

6. Offer emotional support and referrals

While a Parenting Coordinator is not a therapist, they are trained to understand the emotional dynamics of conflict. They help parents manage strong feelings that interfere with good decision-making and refer families to other professionals when needed.

7. Act as a case manager

An important part of a Parenting Coordinator’s case management role involves liaising with other professionals involved in the family’s life to ensure consistent and informed support. This may include communicating with therapists, educators, medical providers, family justice professionals, or child welfare workers to gather relevant input about the children’s needs and the parents’ behavior. With appropriate consent or within the scope of their court appointment, the Parenting Coordinator may consult these professionals to better understand the dynamics affecting the children and co-parenting relationship. This collaborative approach allows the Parenting Coordinator to monitor patterns over time, flag concerns, and support more informed decision-making by the parents, always with the goal of reducing conflict and keeping the focus on the children’s best interests.

8. Education

Parenting Coordinators also educate parents about the impact of their conflict on their children to support healthier, more constructive co-parenting. They help parents understand common patterns in high-conflict dynamics and teach them practical skills for managing disagreements—such as how to communicate respectfully, de-escalate tension, and stay focused on child-related issues. They also provide guidance on child development, helping parents recognize how children of different ages experience separation, stress, and loyalty conflicts. By increasing parents’ insight into their children’s emotional needs and developmental stages, parenting coordinators encourage decisions that are more responsive to each child’s well-being. This educational support is not therapy or legal advice—it’s practical, forward-looking guidance designed to promote more effective co-parenting and reduce the emotional toll of ongoing conflict.

For Parents:

• Provides a structured way to resolve day-to-day parenting disputes

• Reduces the need for repeated court appearances and legal costs

• Helps clarify parenting plans and reduces confusion or miscommunication

• Supports more respectful, focused communication between co-parents

• Teaches practical conflict management and problem-solving skills

• Encourages more consistent parenting practices

• Reduces stress associated with high-conflict interactions

For Children:

• Protects children from exposure to ongoing parental conflict

• Promotes a more stable, predictable environment

• Reduces emotional stress and loyalty conflicts

• Supports stronger, healthier relationships with both parents

• Encourages parenting decisions that are more aligned with children's developmental and emotional needs

• Improves children's overall well-being and sense of security.

This typically involves the following steps. While procedures may vary depending on the jurisdiction, this outline reflects best practices that balance legal process, professional standards, and the needs of families.

1. Referral or recommendation

• Who can refer: A Parenting Coordinator may be recommended by a judge, family law professional, mediator, or therapist. In some cases, parents themselves or their lawyers may request the appointment.

• When referrals happen: Typically after interim or final court orders have been made and co-parenting conflict continues.

• Referral sources: Family court, lawyers, family report writers or other professionals.

  2. Court appointment

  • By consent: Parents may agree to work with a PC voluntarily and make the appointment in their consent orders.

  • By court order: In high-conflict cases, a judge may issue an order appointing a Parenting Coordinator, especially when repeated court appearances or serious communication issues are evident.

  • Scope and authority: The court order or agreement will outline the PC’s scope and authority—e.g., to educate, mediate, monitor, and in some cases, make binding decisions on minor parenting issues and also set a time limit for the appointment.

    3. Selection and appointment

  • Choosing a PC: Parents or their lawyers may select a Parenting Coordinator from an approved roster or professional list or the court may appoint one directly.

  • Professional qualifications: PCs are usually trained in family law, mediation, child development, and high-conflict dynamics.

  • Conflict checks: The PC will confirm there are no conflicts of interest before proceeding.

• 4. Engagement agreement and court documentation

  • Written agreement: The PC prepares a detailed agreement outlining:

    • Scope of services

    • Confidentiality limits

    • Fees and billing practices

    • Communication protocols

    • Reporting obligations (if any)

    • Duration of service (e.g., 12 months, renewable)

  • Court order (if applicable): The PC ensures the appointment is supported by a clear order specifying their authority and process.

• 5. Intake and assessment Process

  • Separate intake sessions: Each parent attends an individual intake session to:

    • Review the agreement

    • Share concerns and history of the conflict

    • Identify goals and challenges

    • Provide relevant documents (e.g., parenting plan, court orders, family report or any other relevant information)

  • Risk screening: The PC may screen for issues such as:

    • Domestic violence or coercive control

    • Mental health concerns

    • Substance use

    • Parenting capacity

  • Consent forms: Parents sign releases to allow limited communication with professionals (e.g., lawyers, therapists, schools) if necessary.

• 6. Cost and payment arrangements

  • Fee structure: Parenting Coordination is usually a private, fee-for-service process.

    • Rates vary by jurisdiction and practitioner.

    • Some PCs charge hourly; others offer flat monthly rates.

  • Cost-sharing: Parents typically share costs equally unless the court orders otherwise.

  • Deposits/retainers: Some PCs require a retainer or monthly prepayment to begin services.

• 7. Ongoing parenting coordination services

  Once intake is complete and all documents are signed, the Parenting Coordinator begins working with the family. Services may include:

  • Coaching parents on communication strategies

  • Assisting with implementation of the parenting plan

  • Managing disputes over scheduling, school, travel, etc.

  • Facilitating structured communication (e.g., monitored email or apps)

  • Liaising with professionals (therapists, teachers, medical providers)

  • Monitoring compliance with court orders

  • Making decisions (if authorized) on limited, day-to-day parenting issues

  • Reporting to the court only if required by the agreement or order

• 8. Periodic review and exit

  • Review period: Some agreements set review points (e.g., every 6 months).

  • Duration: Typical terms last 12–24 months, renewable if needed.

  • Termination: The PC process may end by agreement, completion of term, or court decision. Some PCs prepare a closing summary or exit recommendations if appropriate.