Questions and Answers About Parenting Coordination
1. What is Parenting Coordination (PC)? How can it help my family? I cannot communicate with the other parent, is it appropriate for my situation?
Parenting Coordination involves alternative dispute resolution, parent education, and provision of appropriate options when disputing parties are unable to reach a solution. PC is a professional intervention that provides for a civil implementation of a parenting plan, parent education and alternative dispute resolution. PC can assist conflicting families regain control over their lives by providing information regarding the needs of children and by providing mediation and dispute resolution services. PC may even be useful in circumstances where there is non-existing or impaired parental communication, by providing dispute resolution via parent education and mediation services.
2. How does it differ from mediation or therapy?
Mediation by itself probably does not provide access to the expertise PCs have regarding the best interests of children. PC is distinct from therapy in that while it may lessen distress, it is not geared towards the resolution of psychological problems. Instead, PC is oriented towards the implementation of a parenting plan and alternative dispute resolution.
3. How does the PC process work? What does the PC do?
The PC typically schedules meetings with the parties separately, and if practical and appropriate, at times conjointly to develop familiarity with the issues and the parenting plan in need of implementation. Areas in dispute are defined and resolutions suggested. Under some PC arrangements the PC may decide when the parents choose not to.
4. Are my children involved? Others? How?
The children are not involved directly although a PC might meet or observe children in order to better inform the PC objective. Additionally, PCs confer with treating professionals in order to enable a comprehensive understanding of the children’s circumstances.
5. How often are meetings held?
As often as needed.
6. Will I have to meet with the other parent in the same room?
Not necessarily. It depends on the circumstances.
7. I am a victim of domestic violence. Can this work for me? How will I be protected?
The case dynamics has to be evaluated by the PC or forensic evaluator for domestic violence concerns. In some instances, an effective PC process can be implemented without the parties having to meet with the PC together.
8. What powers does the PC have? Is she or he like a judge? Do the parents have to listen to what the PC says? How are my legal rights protected?
By the time a PC is appointed, there may have been a forensic evaluation, which recommended what the parenting plan should look like. If the parties agreed to a settlement involving a PC, the process would entail the establishment of the previously agreed to parenting plan. In this case, the PC would most likely not be introducing anything too unexpected, since the scope of the PC process would have been laid out and previously agreed to. If there is an appointment of a PC without consent, the process could appear to be more challenging. The PC is not a judge, though some orders appointing PCs may provide the PC with the authority to make a required decision when the parties do not. Since the PC process is established to assist families in conflict it would be a good idea to listen to the PC. If you disagree with the PC you should feel comfortable in discussing your position with the PC. Your legal rights are always protected by virtue of your right to consult with your attorney regarding your situation.
9. Can the PC change custody or visitation?
The PC can not change custody. PCs implement a parenting plan, including visitation which has been previously defined. Visitation can not be modified by the PC. However, PCs educate parents about flexibility and compromise when it comes to visitation in order to provide and educate for the “give and take,” demanding lives necessitate.
10. Will the PC be able to make decisions and handle problems right away, by telephone if necessary?
Yes. PCs realize that parents having difficulty implementing a parenting plan will probably require telephone conferences to address issues as they arise.
11. What if I don’t like a decision by the PC, do I have to comply with it? What happens if I don’t?
PCs make decisions within the scope of their authority only when the parties have not been able to decide for themselves. PCs also educate parties as to why a certain decision was made and how and why it was deemed to be in the children’s best interests. While you can challenge a PC’s decision, there may be future instances where your opposite may not like a decision the PC makes. Developing the patience to see how the overall PC process benefits the family makes sense.
12. Will the PC report back to the court? Speak to my attorney? Speak to the schools, law guardian, therapists, or others working with my family?
PCs ordinarily do not report back to the court. PCs should have a previously discussed policy regarding who may be contacted for information once the PC process has begun. Ordinarily, the parties should execute releases to allow for communication in order to ensure that the PC is as fully informed as possible.
13. How much does it cost? What if the other parent stops paying?
The hourly cost of the process is determined by each PC. Both parties’ responsibility to pay for PC work should have been previously specified in the order appointing the PC. If one party stops paying, the process should be halted once the retainer deposit is exhausted.
14. What if I don’t like how things are going, can I stop, or can the other parent? How is this done?
These issues should be discussed with the PC in order that the reason for your concern may be determined. The PC should address your concern. You have the right to consult your attorney regarding your concerns and wishes. However, the PC process is focused upon issues in conflict, and the implementation of a parenting plan. If there are no issues in conflict and the parenting plan has been operating as planned, there will be no need for meetings. This does not mean the process has ended, it just means that the meetings are not necessary until such time as an issue arises.
15. How long do I have to commit to the process?
For as long as the court order specifies.
16. What kind of training/background does a Parent Coordinator have? Do all PC’s work the same way?
PCANY recommends that PCs must be an attorney, psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker, with five years of significant court related experience in litigation, evaluation and/or resolution of custody and visitation cases, with moderate and high conflict families. PCANY recommend that PCs must have completed 21 hours of mediation training related to resolving family conflicts in addition to training in the practice of Parent Coordination. PCANY recommends mandatory domestic violence training which addresses how domestic violence issues affect families in conflict as well as the parent coordination process. PCANY recommends that PC’s be trained to determine which cases having a history of domestic violence are appropriate for Parent Coordination, and those with a history of domestic violence, which are not appropriate for Parent Coordination work. PCANY recommends mandatory knowledge of family dynamics and psychopathology, which should in particular address the psychosocial dynamics of families in conflict. PCANY recommends mandatory knowledge of basic substance abuse issues, which should address how substance abuse problems affect families in conflict and the Parent Coordination process. Training in court procedures, including how the court system operates is mandatory. PC’s are highly experienced professionals who have gained significant interdisciplinary skills to enable appropriate Parent Coordination practice. PC’s should be engaged in ongoing continuing education. Check the PCANY web site for the names of Parenting Coordinators who have met the basic requirements for membership.