In some Wagoner County custody cases, the court may appoint a parent coordinator to help reduce conflict and improve cooperation between the parents. The goal is not to replace the judge or take custody away from either parent, but rather to help parents resolve disputes before they escalate into repeated court appearances. Parent coordinators are most commonly used in high-conflict custody cases where ongoing disagreements are negatively affecting the children or making it difficult for the parents to comply with court orders.
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A Parent Coordinator Helps Reduce Conflict
The primary purpose of a parent coordinator is to reduce conflict between parents and encourage effective co-parenting. Many custody disputes involve recurring disagreements over visitation schedules, transportation arrangements, school activities, medical decisions, extracurricular events, and communication issues.
When parents are unable to resolve these issues on their own, they often return to court repeatedly. A parent coordinator can help address many of these disputes before they become costly and time-consuming litigation.
The ultimate objective is to minimize parental conflict and promote a healthier environment for the child.
The Focus Is Always on the Child
A parent coordinator is not appointed to determine which parent is right or wrong. Instead, their focus is generally directed toward the best interests of the child.
The coordinator may work with both parents to:
- Improve communication;
- Encourage cooperation;
- Resolve scheduling disputes;
- Clarify parenting plan provisions;
- Reduce the child’s exposure to conflict.
Judges understand that children often suffer when parents remain locked in constant disputes. Parent coordination is intended to help shift the focus away from the parents’ disagreements and back toward the child’s needs.
Parent Coordinators Commonly Assist High-Conflict Families
Not every custody case requires a parent coordinator. Courts generally reserve these appointments for situations where parents have demonstrated an inability to effectively co-parent without assistance.
Examples may include:
- Frequent motions for contempt;
- Repeated visitation disputes;
- Constant disagreements regarding the child;
- Communication breakdowns;
- Allegations of interference with parenting time;
- Ongoing hostility between the parents.
In these situations, the court may determine that additional assistance is necessary to help the family function more effectively.
The Coordinator May Help Interpret Existing Orders
Many custody disputes arise because parents interpret court orders differently.
A parent coordinator may help explain and implement the terms of:
- Parenting plans;
- Custody orders;
- Visitation schedules;
- Holiday schedules;
- Transportation provisions.
While the coordinator cannot rewrite the judge’s order, they can often help parents understand how the order should operate in everyday situations.
This frequently prevents minor disagreements from becoming major legal disputes.
They Can Improve Communication
Poor communication is one of the most common sources of conflict in custody cases.
A parent coordinator may assist parents in developing healthier communication practices by:
- Establishing communication protocols;
- Encouraging respectful interactions;
- Reducing hostile exchanges;
- Creating systems for sharing information regarding the child.
When parents communicate more effectively, disputes often become easier to resolve.
The Coordinator Is Not a Therapist
Many people mistakenly believe a parent coordinator serves as a counselor or therapist. While some coordinators have backgrounds in mental health, the role of a parent coordinator is generally different.
Their primary responsibility is helping parents implement court orders, resolve disputes, and improve co-parenting. Therapy, counseling, and psychological treatment generally remain separate services.
The coordinator’s role is practical and focused on reducing conflict related to parenting issues.
Recommendations May Be Made to the Court
Depending upon the scope of the appointment and the court’s order, a parent coordinator may provide reports or recommendations to the court regarding ongoing disputes.
These recommendations can sometimes influence future custody decisions if the court determines that additional intervention is necessary.
For this reason, parents should treat interactions with the coordinator professionally and respectfully.
Demonstrating cooperation and a willingness to place the child’s interests first often reflects positively on a parent.
Parent Coordination Can Save Time and Money
Repeated trips to court can become expensive and stressful. Attorney fees, missed work, and ongoing litigation often place significant financial burdens on families.
By helping resolve disputes before they require judicial intervention, a parent coordinator can sometimes save both parents considerable time and expense.
Many families find that addressing problems through the coordinator is faster and less disruptive than filing repeated motions with the court.
Wagoner Child Custody Attorneys
Although a parent coordinator can help resolve many day-to-day parenting disputes, the coordinator is not a substitute for legal representation. Significant custody modifications, enforcement actions, relocation disputes, and other major issues still require court involvement and legal guidance. Because the recommendations and interactions involving a parent coordinator can affect the future of your custody case, parents should consult with an experienced family law attorney whenever significant issues arise. Our team here at Wagoner County Attorneys can look at your situation and help you decide your best course of action. If you need help, reach out to us at 918-283-7394 or ask a question online.
