What is a Parenting Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator is a person meeting the qualifications set forth in Texas Family Code Section 153.610 and is appointed by the court for the purpose of working with a family to minimize conflict before, during and after a family law court proceeding. The authority of a Parenting Coordinator must be specified in the Order Appointing the Parenting Coordinator and limited to matters that will aid the parties in: (1) identifying disputed issues; (2) reducing misunderstandings; (3) clarifying priorities; (4) exploring possibilities for problem solving; (5) developing methods of collaboration in parenting; (6) developing a parenting plan; and (7) complying with the court’s order regarding conservatorship or possession of and access to the child. The appointment of a Parenting Coordinator does not divest the court of its exclusive jurisdiction and power to determine issues of conservatorship, support, and possession of and access to a child. The Court retains the authority to exercise
A. In high-conflict cases the court can appoint a “parenting coordinator.” This is to help the parents comply with the court’s orders. Usually, this coordinator will be a court- registered “guardian ad litem.” These are people specially trained to look out for the “best interests of the child” during a divorce, or other family law case. The “parenting coordinator” can be some other qualified person if both parties agree. The “parenting coordinator” interprets the court’s “parenting plan.” He helps the parents make parenting decisions that work for the children and that follow the court’s orders. If either parent refuses to comply with the coordinator’s advice, the court can step in. Also, a parent can ask the court to review a coordinator’s advice. Both parties must follow the coordinator’s advice until the court makes its decision.
