A parenting coordinator is a professional that’s experienced in resolving issues with a parenting plan without the need for costly litigation. Typically, they are family lawyers, social workers, counsellors or psychologists. Under BC’s Family Law Act, they must possess at least 10 years of experience in a family-related field and also embark upon specific training in parenting coordination, mediation, family law and family violence.
In this week’s blog, we’re going to highlight the important role a parenting coordinator plays, while sharing some of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you work with one. At Westside Family Law, our team possesses years of experience acting as Parenting Coordinators, and we’re standing by to assist.
What Parenting Coordinators Do
The main focus for Parenting Coordinators is ensuring co—parents are managing their parenting plan, keeping lines of communication open, and resolving any disputes before they progress. It’s a flexible role that varies based on what a family needs and what a court may require.
A parenting coordinator may monitor parents to ensure they are complying with their parenting agreement; they will educate and offer recommendations on how to solve issues. Ultimately, their main priority is to uphold the best interests of the child while encouraging each parent to do so.
Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy by working with a Parenting Coordinator.
Avoid Going to Court
A Parenting Coordinator works to smooth out disagreements, offer guidance, and even make decisions for parents when they can’t agree. Their presence prevents many arguments from escalating into litigation, meaning less trips to court, less fees to pay, and more opportunities for parents to make joint decisions on their children’s future. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid having a judge make these decisions for you. Working with a Parenting Coordinator is a proven way to achieve this aim.
Less Stress for the Family
Conflict creates a huge emotional burden for those surrounded by it. No matter how much we try to shield children from the impacts of parental disagreements, it will take a toll on them. Children are more perceptive than we give them credit for. They can sense tension and they will react to it. A Parenting Coordinator works to educate parents on ways to resolve conflicts promptly and peacefully. By promoting collaborative solutions, their presence also avoids lengthy court cases that can drag on for months.
Positive Impacts Upon Children
Children learn so much from their parents. When co-parents can communicate well and collaborate in a mature manner, their children see these behaviours and will carry them forward in their own lives. Introducing positive, mature behaviour in a child’s early life will reinforce good habits as they grow and develop.
Objective Expertise
A Parenting Coordinator is an objective outside observer who brings no biases into the equation. Whether it’s conscious or not, parents can struggle to separate their own issues from the decision-making process surrounding their children. Working with a Parenting Coordinator avoids this issue, developing a deep understanding of what is creating and persisting any conflicts before providing unbiased advice.
Here to Help
Looking to work with a Parenting Coordinator? At Westside, we’ve helped countless clients with this process. Contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you.