PARENTING COORDINATION for Columbus, Seymour, Nashville, Franklin and Greensburg, Indiana

WHAT IS PARENTING COORDINATION?

It is a relatively new intervention process for child-focused resolution of disputes in order to assist high-conflict parents in implementing
their parenting plan.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARENTING COORDINATION?

It protects children from the impact of their parent’s conflict and assists parents getting a timely resolution of disputes
and reduces the need for Court intervention to resolve family conflict.

HOW DOES THE PARENTING COORDINATOR ASSIST FAMILIES?

By assessing family conflicts, facilitating mutual agreements, educating and coaching, coordination/case management, monitoring parental communications and compliance with the parenting plan and taking action to deescalate conflicts and sometimes making day-to-day decisions within the scope of the Court Order. Parenting Coordinators respond to issues much faster than a Court, usually within 48-hours of a dispute. Any decision making by a Parenting Coordinator is subject to review by the Court, but, the parties are bound by the Parenting Coordinator’s decision until a Court says otherwise.

HOW IS PARENTING COORDINATION DIFFERENT FROM MEDIATION OR FROM USE OF AN ATTORNEY?

Parenting Coordination is not confidential. All information is subject to discovery and the Parenting Coordinator can be called as a witness in Court. A Parenting Coordinator may not have ex parte communications with the Court, but can with the parties, the
children, their attorneys, service providers, and other significant individuals involved with the family. The Parenting Coordinator may alert the parties’ attorneys and the Court of violations of existing Orders and the need for additional, more specific Court Orders.

HOW IS PARENTING COORDINATION DIFFERENT FROM JUST GOING TO COURT?

Parenting Coordinators can sometimes make decisions for the parties, if allowed within the scope of the Court Order, but the Parenting Coordinator may not make decisions about custody, relocation, or substantially alter existing access schedules or change child support.

HOW IS A PARENTING COORDINATOR APPOINTED?

Typically by Court Order or by a private consent agreement. Most often, the term of appointment is two years.