The Ins and Outs of Parenting Coordination

For separated, divorcing, or divorced parents in Florida, it is normal to experience conflict when deciding matters concerning their children. In the past, most of these matters had to be discussed and settled by a judge in order to make sure that both parties complied. This setting would, however, cause some difficulties for one party or the other because of the limits of the courtroom and the amount of time and effort it takes to deal with attorneys, judges, and other judicial procedures. Moreover, it would exert a detrimental influence on the children of the disputing parties because of their exposure to disagreements concerning their parents.

Some parents, as well as the law, recognizing the effort it takes to stick to the often strict stipulations set by the courtroom and the damage it can instill in the children of the parties, are now turning to alternative ways of resolving conflict in family life and figuring out how to best maximize the time each parent spends with the children. One of the alternative ways to avoid the courtroom (or at least keep courtroom time to a minimum) is parenting coordination.

Basic Things to Know About Florida Parenting Coordination in Jacksonville

Parenting coordination is a relatively new alternative process in the US. It was passed into law by some states (in various forms) in an effort to decrease the workload of courts when it comes to cases surrounding family and childcare, as well as to offer highly conflicting parents with a way to resolve issues without having to spend time and money in court.

As stated by Florida state law, parenting coordination is a “child-focused alternative dispute resolution process.” In short, it is a way for two disputing parties to create a parenting plan with the aid of a parenting coordinator, a person who serves as the intermediary and adviser in issues such as education, activities, and the extent of involvement with the child.

The parenting plan agreed upon through arrangements with the parenting coordinator is expected to be followed by the parties involved. It may include anything from which activities a party is allowed to participate in with the children to how much time the party can spend with the children.

What is the Role of a Florida Parenting Coordinator?

Since parenting coordination takes place outside of the courtroom, parenting coordinators (PCs for short) serve as a link to and hopefully a substitute for court. Though they do not have the power to change any legal status concerning custody of a child, PCs have enough power to be a very influential part of the coordination process. Some of those powers include the ability:

• To work out when, where, and for how long non-custodial parents can spend time with their child;
• To limit the conversational topics between parent and child;
• To make decisions or recommendations based on any kind of complaint submitted by either party;
• To report to Child Protective Services any suspicions of possible child abuse, and;
• To file a motion with the court should either parent refuse to comply with his or her recommendations. In this case, the court will have the final say about the issue in question.

Though it may seem that PCs are given too much power to resolve conflicts, there are safeguards in place in Florida law that keeps them from abusing power. Parenting coordinators can become disqualified in certain situations.

Background of Parenting Coordinator

A Florida parenting coordinator’s background is either medical or legal. In order for persons to qualify as parenting coordinators, they must either be mental health professionals, physicians with a similar background, or attorneys “in good standing of The Florida Bar.

When should you Consider Resorting to Florida Parenting Coordination?

Parenting coordination is not meant to solve all types of family law cases. Neither is it appropriate for all types of conflicts that land in court. It was mostly developed to help high-conflict parties to resolve their issues without having to be constantly entrenched in court battles surrounding minute details of issues, such as time-sharing, allowed activities with children, and the length of time spent with them.

As such, you should consider parenting coordination when:

• Your monthly legal bills get so expensive that they cost more than rent or mortgage;
• You are spending more and more time with your attorney than with family and friends, or;
• Your children are showing signs of stress, withdraw or anger;
• Your children are starting to exhibit trouble in school (disrespectful behavior, failing grades, skipping class, etc.) with older children it could be the use of alcohol and/or drugs).

Parenting Coordination Summary

Though parenting coordination is a relatively new alternative to courtroom dispute settlements, it offers highly conflicting parties the opportunity to work out their problems with much more flexibility. It also helps minimize the stress and damage inflicted on children who have to deal with constantly disagreeing parents. It lowers the risk of these children developing a number of academic, social, or health problems. The larger aim of parenting coordination is to ultimately resolve all conflicts between parents so that they can develop an environment for their children that fosters confidence and a feeling of well-being despite having separated, divorcing, or divorced parents.

Copyright © 2013 Steven A. Leitman
Original posting on 904Divorce.com