You couldn’t agree on anything when you were married why should it be any different after you are divorced? Prior to divorce, communication is usually strained if not broken. Often times, the process of separation and divorce only exasperates prior communication problems. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you are one of the millions of parents for whom co-parenting doesn’t work.
Do disagreements arise regarding the interpretation of the parenting plan that is in place? Do you have difficulty agreeing to temporary schedule changes? Do conflicts arise because of different household rules or discipline styles? Does your ex-spouse have difficulty complying with the parenting plan that is in place? Are you or your ex-spouse angry at the other? Do you distrust your spouse? Do you and your ex-spouse frequently have to resort to the court for resolution of your disputes? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” a parent coordinator may be in your child’s best interest.
What is a parent coordinator?
Simply stated, a parent coordinator is a person appointed by the court to help a family reduce and resolve conflict.
In North Carolina, the court may appoint a “parent coordinator” at any time during a child custody action involving minor children if all the parties consent. The primary role of the parent coordinator is to reduce conflict by identifying disputed issues, reducing misunderstandings, clarifying priorities, exploring compromise, developing methods of collaboration in parenting, and ensuring compliance with the court’s order of custody. In addition, the court may authorize a parent coordinator to determine issues regarding the implementation of the parenting plan that are not specifically governed by the court order when the parties are unable to reach an agreement.
My ex-spouse and I can’t agree on anything. What happens if my ex-spouse will not agree to a parent coordinator?
In North Carolina, the court may appoint a parent coordinator without the consent of both parties upon entry of a parenting plan or custody order. The order must result from a hearing in which both parties were present; not an ex parte order. In addition, the court must find that the case is a “high conflict” case, that the appointment of the parenting coordinator is in the best interests of any minor child, and that the parties are able to pay for the cost of a parent coordinator.
Can anyone act as a parent coordinator?
No. In North Carolina the district court maintains a list of qualified parenting coordinators. To be eligible, the person must meet the following requirements:
1) Hold a master’s degree in psychology, law, social work, counseling, medicine, or a related subject area.
2) Have at least five years of related professional experience.
3) Hold a current license in the parent coordinator’s area of practice.
4) Complete the required training in topics related to the developmental stages of children, the dynamics of high-conflict families, stages and effects of divorce, problem solving techniques, mediation and legal issues.
5) To remain eligible, the person must also attend parent coordinator seminars providing continuing education, group discussion, peer review, and support.
What is the court’s role following the appointment of a parent coordinator?
Following the appointment of a parenting coordinator, the court retains authority to determine fundamental issues of custody, visitation, and support, as well as the authority to exercise the management and control of the case.
Is a parent coordinator a good idea in every case?
While many cases may benefit from the appointment of a parent coordinator, there are some cases where a parent coordinator may not be appropriate because of financial constraints, issues of domestic violence, or substance abuse. However, even in cases where there has been domestic violence or substance abuse a parent coordinator with specialized training in these areas may be helpful.
By: Carole Gailor - Raleigh North Carolina Divorce Attorney / Family Lawyer
Experienced in all aspects of divorce and family law including child support, child custody, alimony, and asset distribution, the Raleigh, North Carolina law firm of Gailor Wallis & Hunt is dedicated to excellence in the practice of divorce law and commitment to their clients.
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