Assisting in Parents Who Cannot Get Along

What happens where two estranged parents just cannot seem to get along in ways that best meet the needs of their children?  In North Carolina (and probably most all other states), we have what are known as Parenting Coordinators or “PC” for short.  A PC is a neutral professional—usually an experienced family law attorney or mental health provider—appointed by the court to help high-conflict parents implement and follow their custody order.

A PC’s authority is limited by a court order, which limits the authority of the PC and explains what the PC’s authority is.  Typically, a PC has the authority to:

1. Implement the custody order. This can be clarifying a particular provision of the custody order, resolving ambiguities or logistical issues, or helping ensure that the order is followed as written.
2. Mediating or facilitating communication. The PC can assist the parents with teaching healthy communication, reducing hostile exchanges, and encouraging cooperative decision-making.
3. Making Limited Decisions. When certain decisions need to be made concerning the health or general welfare of the child and the parents are unable to agree on what the decision will be, the PC can often make the decision after talking to both parents, the child(ren), and anyone else that might be able to provide some insights into the decision-making process.

A Parenting Coordinator cannot:

• provide therapy or counseling
• serve as a guardian ad litem
• change custody orders
• impose major new obligations not found in the order or clarified by the court

How the Parenting Coordinator’s Decisions are Enforced

The PC’s decisions are:

• Binding upon the parties unless or until modified by a judge
• Subject to judicial review if a parent objects

Fees

Parents typically pay the PC hourly, with allocation set by the court (often 50/50 unless otherwise ordered). Fees can be adjusted based on each party’s financial circumstances.

If you find yourself in a high conflict situation with the other parent of your children, call to schedule a consultation with the child custody attorneys at Schmitz Law, PC at 336-714-2380.