What Is A Parenting Coordinator During A Florida Divorce?
Navigating child custody arrangements during divorce or separation can be distinctly challenging. For this reason, the Florida courts make parenting coordinators available to parents who are currently in dispute over child custody arrangements. Parenting coordinators can help resolve disputes over parenting decisions, schedules, timesharing, and more. Such matters often result in stress for parents. The role of the parenting coordinator is to help resolve disputes between parents and improve communication.
How can a parenting coordinator help during your Florida divorce? In this article, the Florida divorce lawyers at Greater Orlando Family Law will discuss the role of parenting coordinators in a Florida divorce.
Understanding the role of the parenting coordinator
What is a parenting coordinator? Essentially, a parenting coordinator is a neutral third party appointed by the court to assist parents in resolving conflicts related to co-parenting and child custody. The primary goal of the parenting coordinator is to help parents implement a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their children.
Parenting coordinators do not have the authority to make legally binding decisions. However, they can help parents avoid conflicts, facilitate communication, negotiate, and help parents solve problems related to their child custody case.
Florida’s parenting coordinators play a crucial role in the system. They are particularly important for high-conflict parents who are attempting to draft an actionable time-sharing schedule for their children.
How a parenting coordinator is assigned to your case
- Appointment by the court – The Florida courts will appoint parenting coordinators to assist parents in resolving disputes related to caring for their children and child custody. The court can appoint someone of its own initiative or at the request of the parents.
- Assessment and recommendations – Parenting coordinators will conduct an assessment of the family’s situation, including the needs of the children and the dynamic between the parents. Based on this assessment, the parenting coordinator will make recommendations to the court regarding custody arrangements, communication protocols, and conflict resolution.
- Mediation and conflict resolution – Parenting coordinators will work closely with parents to identify areas of conflict and develop strategies for resolving disputes. They could be involved in mediation sessions, help parents develop effective communication skills, and provide guidance on co-parenting techniques.
- Monitoring and compliance – Parenting coordinators will monitor the parents and how they construct parenting plans. They will review the case and ensure that the parents comply with court orders. They can also assist parents in resolving disagreements or violations of court orders through mediation.
- Education and support – Parenting coordinators will provide education and support to parents on child development, effective communication, conflict resolution, and co-parenting strategies. Parenting coordinators may also refer parents to additional resources such as parenting classes or counseling services.
Talk to an Orlando Family Law Attorney Today
Greater Orlando Family Law represents the interests of Florida residents who are considering divorce. Call our Orlando divorce lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin advising you on key aspects of your divorce such as equitable distribution of the marital estate, alimony, child custody, and child support.
