Understanding the Role of a Parenting Coordinator in Florida Custody Cases

Introduction

When parents struggle to cooperate on child custody and time-sharing issues, Florida courts may appoint a parenting coordinator to help manage disputes. A parenting coordinator serves as a neutral third party who works with both parents to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and ensure that the parenting plan is followed in the best interests of the child.

This guide explains how parenting coordinators operate in Florida, when they may be appointed, and how they help parents navigate high-conflict custody cases.

What Is a Parenting Coordinator?

A parenting coordinator is a court-appointed professional who assists parents in implementing and managing their parenting plan. They are typically used in high-conflict cases where parents cannot effectively co-parent on their own.

Parenting coordinators:

• Help parents resolve disputes over time-sharing, decision-making, and parenting schedules.
• Educate parents about effective co-parenting strategies.
• Ensure that court-ordered parenting plans are followed.
• Reduce stress and conflict for children caught in custody disputes.

Parenting coordinators do not have the authority to make final legal decisions, but they can provide recommendations and guidance to help parents avoid returning to court.

When Can a Florida Court Appoint a Parenting Coordinator?

Florida courts may appoint a parenting coordinator when:

• Parents repeatedly disagree about child-related issues.
• Conflict between parents negatively affects the child’s well-being.
• A judge determines that professional intervention is needed to prevent custody disputes from escalating.

In some cases, parents may mutually agree to use a parenting coordinator, while in others, the court may require it.

What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?

Parenting coordinators provide various services, including:

Conflict Resolution

• Helping parents navigate disputes without resorting to litigation.
• Teaching problem-solving techniques to minimize future conflicts.

Parenting Plan Implementation

• Clarifying the terms of a court-ordered parenting plan.
• Ensuring that both parents understand their rights and responsibilities.

Facilitating Communication

• Encouraging respectful communication between parents.
• Reducing hostility to create a more stable environment for the child.

Making Recommendations to the Court

• If parents cannot agree, the parenting coordinator may submit reports to the court outlining their observations and recommendations.

A parenting coordinator acts as a bridge between parents, helping them work together while keeping the child’s best interests as the top priority.

How Long Does Parenting Coordination Last?

The length of time a parenting coordinator is involved varies by case. Some parents may only need a few months of guidance, while others may require long-term coordination.

Typically, a parenting coordinator is appointed for one to two years, but their involvement may end sooner if the parents show improvement in communication and conflict resolution.

When Is Parenting Coordination Not Appropriate?

In some cases, parenting coordination is not recommended or may be denied by the court. Examples include:

• Cases involving domestic violence or abuse, where direct communication between parents may be unsafe.
• Situations where one parent refuses to cooperate in good faith.
• When one parent has severe mental health or substance abuse issues that prevent productive participation.

If the court determines that parenting coordination is unlikely to be effective, it may explore other legal options, such as modifying the custody arrangement.

How Much Does Parenting Coordination Cost in Florida?

Parenting coordinators charge fees for their services, and the cost varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of the case.

• Fees are typically shared between both parents, unless the court decides otherwise.
• Some counties offer reduced-cost parenting coordination services for low-income families.

Because private parenting coordinators set their own rates, parents should discuss costs upfront to avoid unexpected financial burdens.

How to Prepare for Parenting Coordination

If a parenting coordinator has been assigned to your case, taking the following steps can help ensure a productive experience:

• Be open to compromise – The goal is to improve co-parenting, not to “win” against the other parent.
• Follow the court-ordered parenting plan – Demonstrating cooperation can strengthen your case.
• Keep detailed records – Document time-sharing exchanges, communication attempts, and any parenting conflicts.
• Stay child-focused – Make decisions based on what is best for the child, not personal grievances.
• Be respectful and cooperative – Parenting coordinators report their observations to the court, so maintaining a positive attitude can work in your favor.

Approaching parenting coordination with a willingness to cooperate can help create a more stable and peaceful co-parenting arrangement.

What to Do If the Other Parent Does Not Cooperate

If one parent refuses to follow the parenting coordinator’s guidance, possible legal actions include:

• Filing a motion with the court to enforce compliance.
• Requesting modifications to the parenting plan if one parent consistently refuses to cooperate.
• Seeking legal counsel to determine whether further action is necessary.

While parenting coordination is designed to reduce court involvement, a judge may intervene if one parent refuses to participate in good faith.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help

A family law attorney can assist with:

• Requesting or opposing the appointment of a parenting coordinator.
• Reviewing reports from the parenting coordinator and ensuring that recommendations are fair.
• Modifying custody or time-sharing arrangements if one parent fails to cooperate.
• Protecting parental rights in cases involving parenting coordination disputes.

At Bonderud Law, we help parents navigate the complexities of custody disputes and parenting coordination. If you need legal guidance, contact us today for a free consultation.

Conclusion

Parenting coordination is a valuable tool for resolving high-conflict custody disputes and ensuring that children maintain healthy relationships with both parents. While it is not suitable for all cases, it can help parents improve communication, follow parenting plans, and avoid unnecessary legal battles.

If parenting coordination has been ordered in your case, understanding the process and working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure the best outcome for your child.