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Why Appointing a Parent Coordinator in a Custody Dispute is Essential for Resolving Issues in a Fair and Impartial Manner

One of the most significant advantages of appointing a parent coordinator is that it provides a neutral third party to facilitate the negotiation process between parents.
April 24, 2023
As a natural observer, it is always amazing when I see the parents who simply cannot agree on anything regarding their children. I mean … come on … they created the child (or children) and simply cannot agree on anything after conception??? Since I’ve practiced for over 20 years now … believe me when I say that I see it all the time.

Let me tell you why appointing a parent coordinator in a custody dispute can be an essential step towards resolving issues in a fair and impartial manner. While it’s understandable that some parents may have concerns about the process, there are several compelling reasons why working with a parent coordinator can be beneficial for everyone involved.

One of the most significant advantages of appointing a parent coordinator is that it provides a neutral third party to facilitate the negotiation process between parents. By remaining impartial (caring primarily for the best interests of the minor child and resolving the conflict), the parent coordinator can help parents find common ground and identify solutions that are in the best interests of their child. This is particularly important in cases where parents are unable to communicate effectively or have a history of conflict.

Another advantage of working with a parent coordinator is that it can help parents maintain control over their own parenting decisions. While it’s true that a parent coordinator may make recommendations or provide guidance, ultimately, the parents have the final say in the parenting plan. This can help ensure that the custody arrangement is tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the family.

Some parents may have concerns about the cost of working with a parent coordinator. While it’s true that there is a cost involved, the investment can be well worth it in terms of the time, money, and emotional stress saved by resolving issues more quickly and effectively. Let’s just clear up that a parent coordinator is one fee instead of both parties paying for two attorneys for endless hours to try to triangulate between the attorneys and the court. Instead, parents go straight to the source of the parent coordinator to fix an issue. The cost saving benefits are clear.

Trust is another common concern for any parent considering a request to the court to appoint a parent coordinator. However, most parent coordinators are highly trained professionals who are required to remain impartial and abide by strict ethical standards. Additionally, parents can do their due diligence by researching potential parent coordinators, checking their credentials, and seeking recommendations from trusted sources.

Finally, some parents may worry that the time commitment involved in working with a parent coordinator will be overwhelming. While it’s true that the process can take some time, the benefits of finding a workable parenting plan that meets the needs of the child far outweigh the temporary inconvenience. By investing time upfront, parents can save themselves and their child from the long-term effects of a protracted custody dispute.

In conclusion, while some parents may have concerns about appointing a parent coordinator in a custody dispute, the benefits of doing so can be significant. By providing a neutral third party to facilitate negotiations, helping parents maintain control over their own parenting decisions, and offering a cost-effective way to resolve issues more quickly and effectively, working with a parent coordinator can be an essential step towards ensuring the best possible outcome for the child.

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Janet Gemmell
Practicing law for over 20 years may have caused Janet some gray hairs, but she remains young at heart, probably because she loves what she does. Janet's focus is to work with clients building new lives after relationship turmoil and although it is hard work, she finds it utterly rewarding. Such work and experiences gives Janet a ton of insight and along with her legal knowledge (afterall she is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist) she is able to get to the heart of any legal matter quickly in order to start helping clients find resolutions and to get their lives back on track.

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