Parenting coordination is an option in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that allows a third party to work with the parents in child custody cases when they are unable to work together to address specific issues regarding their children. A parenting coordinator can help relieve some of the tension between parties and also reduce the constant back and forth by rendering decisions on discreet problems.
Typically, parenting coordination can only be ordered after a final child custody order, and a parenting plan has been issued and approved by the court. Parenting coordination is most commonly used when parents continue to have frequent and lingering disagreements. Such disagreements may revolve around child care or holidays. A parenting coordinator can step in to mediate a solution without additional court involvement, but then can render a decision if an agreement cannot be reached.
Who Can Be Appointed as a Parenting Coordinator?
Not everyone can be a parenting coordinator. In Pennsylvania, a parenting coordinator must be a licensed lawyer or mental health professional with an educational level of a master’s degree or higher.
The parenting coordinator must have at least five years of experience practicing law or in a mental health field like psychiatry, psychology, counseling, or family therapy. They must also participate in specialized training approved or certified by various organizations, including the American Psychological Association.
Parenting coordinators must take the following trainings:
- Five hours of parenting coordination process training
- Ten hours of family mediation training
- Five hours of domestic violence training
Further, parenting coordinators are required to participate in additional training every two years, including at least two more hours of domestic violence training.
What Can a Parenting Coordinator Do?
In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, parenting coordinators can assist parents with a wide variety of issues. Examples of important issues a parenting coordinator can handle include:
- Deciding locations for custodial exchanges
- Assisting with temporary variations from the parents’ and children’s typical schedules for special events
- Resolving disputes between the parents regarding their child’s extracurricular activities and schedule
- Helping the parents arrange child care when necessary
- Determining a child’s access to a cell phone
- Coordinating court-mandated services, such as behavioral or psychological testing or drug testing for the parents and children
What Can’t a Parenting Coordinator Do?
While parenting coordinators can do a lot, they can’t do everything. Limitations on their powers include:
- Changes in legal or physical custody
- Changes in residence
- Changes to the parenting plan
- Determinations regarding financial obligations
- Major decisions about the child’s health or education
How Long Does Parenting Coordination Last?
In Pennsylvania, parenting coordination can last for up to one year. In New Jersey, parenting coordination can be ordered for a longer period of time. However, if necessary, a judge can extend the appointment, or either parent can petition the court to have the coordination extended. An extension may be necessary if there are continued disagreements between the parties and they have not been able to work together to make decisions in the best interest of the children.
Contact Our Firm to Speak with a Parenting Coordinator in Pennsylvania
If you’re having difficulties with your child’s other parent despite having a parenting plan in place, contact BKW Family Law LLC for assistance from a highly qualified parenting coordinator. Attorney Lisa Shapson is a trained parent coordinator, mediator, and collaborative family lawyer who has been practicing for over 20 years. She can serve as a parenting coordinator in your case or provide additional legal assistance as needed.