Parent Coordination
When parents go through divorce or custody disputes, disagreements can sometimes continue even after a court order is in place. In Cleveland, Ohio, one option to reduce conflict and help families move forward is parenting coordination.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator?
A parenting coordinator (PC) is a neutral third party appointed by the court to help parents:
-
Follow
existing
parenting
plans
or
custody
orders
-
Manage
ongoing
disputes
about
visitation,
responsibilities,
or
communication
-
Reduce
the
need
for
repeated
court
appearances
Think of a parenting coordinator as a bridge — someone who helps families resolve issues quickly, fairly, and with less stress than going back to court.
When Is Parenting Coordination Used?
Parenting coordination is most often ordered in high-conflict cases, such as when:
-
Parents
frequently
return
to
court
over
disagreements
-
There
are
repeated
disputes
about
visitation
or
custody
schedules
-
Communication
between
parents
has
broken
down
-
Children
are
caught
in
the
middle
of
parental
conflict
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?
According to the Ohio Supreme Court Rule of Superintendence 90(C), parenting coordination is a “child-focused dispute resolution process” that may include:
-
Assessment
of
family
issues
-
Education
about
parenting
responsibilities
-
Conflict
management
and
coaching
-
Case
management
-
Decision-making
when
parents
cannot
agree
Unlike mediators, parenting coordinators can step in and make certain decisions when parents reach an impasse, subject to court orders. This often saves families both time and money compared to traditional litigation.
Who Can Serve as a Parenting Coordinator in Cleveland, Ohio?
To qualify, a parenting coordinator must meet strict requirements, including:
-
Education:
A
master’s
degree,
law
degree,
or
equivalent
experience
approved
by
the
court
-
Professional
Experience:
At
least
two
years
working
with
families
and
children
(e.g.,
family
law
attorney,
counselor,
mediator,
guardian
ad
litem)
-
Specialized
Training:
-
12
hours
of
mediation
training
-
40
hours
of
family
or
divorce
mediation
training
-
14
hours
of
domestic
abuse
and
mediation
training
-
12
hours
of
parenting
coordination
training
-
12
hours
of
mediation
training
Who Pays for Parenting Coordination?
In most cases, both parents share the cost of a parenting coordinator’s services. This expense is usually far less than the cost of repeated court filings and hearings.
Why Consider Parenting Coordination in Cleveland, Ohio?
Parenting coordination can help families by:
-
Reducing
conflict
and
improving
communication
-
Ensuring
parenting
plans
are
followed
-
Providing
quicker
resolutions
than
court
battles
-
Keeping
the
focus
on
the
child’s
best
interests
If you’re dealing with a high-conflict custody or parenting situation in Cleveland, Ohio, a parenting coordinator may be the right solution. This process can save you time, money, and stress—while keeping your child’s well-being front and center. Consult with our experienced Cleveland, Ohio, family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Cara L. Santosuosso, LLC to see if parenting coordination is right for your situation.