Parenting Coordinators as Advocates

Emotional and logistical challenges may be part of the process should you be ending a marriage and setting up a new schedule for children as the family changes. In Florida and across the country, parenting coordinators are available to assist families through this difficult transition.

Acting as neutral facilitators, parenting coordinators can also become strong advocates for healthy outcomes, focusing on what’s best for the kids while assisting parents in building effective co-parenting relationships. If you’re navigating a divorce or struggling with co-parenting arrangements, speaking with a Port St. Lucie family law attorney can be a crucial step toward finding the right solutions for your family.

Who Appoints Coordinators and What Is Their Role?

A parenting coordinator is a specially trained professional who works with parents to reduce conflict and support optimal outcomes for the children. Their main goal is to help parents implement and manage parenting plans, resolve disagreements, and improve communication. Unlike a mediator who works with parents to reach a specific agreement, a parenting coordinator may be involved over a longer period, guiding parents through ongoing parenting challenges.

While these professionals do not provide legal advice, parenting coordinators can offer valuable insight, structure, and conflict resolution tools. They can help resolve issues like schedule changes, holiday arrangements, or disagreements over educational or medical decisions. When tensions arise, they step in to refocus the conversation on cooperative parenting rather than conflict.

In Port St. Lucie and throughout Florida, a parenting coordinator can either be agreed upon voluntarily by the parents or appointed by the court. When parents are unable to communicate effectively or when repeated disputes disrupt their co-parenting efforts, a family court judge may recommend or order the involvement of a parenting coordinator. Sometimes, lawyers will suggest hiring a coordinator to avoid unnecessary court appearances and to keep matters as amicable as possible.

Typically, both parents share the cost of the parenting coordinator, though arrangements can vary based on the court’s direction or the parents’ financial agreements.

What Makes Them Strong Advocates?

While parenting coordinators are neutral in their approach, their work can directly support the desired outcome a parent is seeking. By helping both parties stay focused on creating a workable parenting plan, the coordinator can advocate for practical solutions that create an arrangement in which a child is able to thrive.

For example, if one parent is seeking a more predictable visitation schedule to support a child’s school success, the parenting coordinator can facilitate that conversation and help design a structure that meets everyone’s needs.

Engaging a parenting coordinator can reduce stress, minimize court battles, and create a more peaceful path toward co-parenting. Working with an experienced Port St. Lucie family law attorney can ensure that the right professionals, including parenting coordinators, are involved to support the transition and pave the way to a supportive, stable future.

Should you hire outside professionals? Share the details of your situation with the experienced attorneys at Baginski, Brandt & Brandt to learn about your options. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.