What Is a Parenting Coordinator and When Does a Florida Court Appoint One?
If you and your co-parent are constantly at odds over parenting decisions, you may have heard the term “parenting coordinator” come up. But what exactly does that mean, and could a Florida court appoint one in your case? Understanding this role can help you better navigate what is often one of the most stressful aspects of a divorce or custody dispute.
Understanding the Role of a Parenting Coordinator
A parenting coordinator is a neutral, impartial third party whose job is to help parents work through conflicts related to their parenting plan. Under Florida Statute § 61.125, parenting coordination is defined as a nonadversarial dispute resolution process that is either court ordered or agreed upon by the parties. The coordinator does not take sides. Instead, they work to keep communication productive and help both parents stay focused on what matters most: the well-being of their children.
Think of it this way: if your parenting plan is the rulebook, the parenting coordinator is the referee helping both sides follow it without turning every disagreement into a courtroom battle. This can be a welcome alternative to the time, expense, and emotional toll of repeated litigation.
Who Qualifies to Serve as a Parenting Coordinator?
Florida law sets clear professional requirements for anyone serving in this role. To be appointed, a parenting coordinator must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
- Be licensed as a mental health professional under Florida law
- Be a licensed physician with certification in psychiatry
- Be certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a family law mediator with at least a master’s degree in a mental health field
- Be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar
On top of professional credentials, a qualified parenting coordinator must complete a minimum of 24 hours of parenting coordination training and at least 4 hours of training specifically related to domestic violence and child abuse. Florida courts can also require additional qualifications depending on the unique circumstances of the case.
When Might a Florida Court Step In?
Courts can appoint a parenting coordinator on their own initiative or upon the request of one or both parties. This tends to happen when parents have an especially high level of conflict, when communication has completely broken down, or when frequent disputes are disrupting the children’s lives. If you find yourselves back in court over and over again about parenting issues, a judge may decide that a parenting coordinator could help resolve those conflicts more efficiently.
It is important to note that there are situations where a referral to parenting coordination may not be appropriate. For example, if there is a history of domestic violence, the court generally may not refer the parties to parenting coordination unless both parents freely and voluntarily consent, and each party has had the chance to speak with an attorney or domestic violence advocate first.
Ready to Talk Through Your Options? Contact Us Today
Parenting disputes are rarely simple, and the legal framework surrounding them can be hard to navigate on your own. Whether you are wondering if a parenting coordinator might be part of your case or you are facing broader custody challenges, having the right guidance makes a difference. Our Boca Raton child custody attorneys at Schwartz | White are here to help you understand how Florida law applies to your situation. We encourage you to reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward a resolution that puts your children first.
Source:
law.justia.com/codes/florida/title-vi/chapter-61/part-i/section-61-125/
