What is a parenting coordinator in a divorce?

A parenting coordinator in a divorce is a court-appointed neutral professional, often a mental health professional such as a psychologist, mediator, or social worker, who helps parents with developing a parenting plan and coordinating its implementation. The parenting coordinator’s role is to help parents reach agreements on issues such as parenting time and decision-making. In Maryland, a court can appoint a parenting coordinator in divorce proceedings to help address conflicts between the parents concerning decision-making authority, parenting time, relocation, child support, and other parenting issues. The parenting coordinator works with both parties to identify the issues, develop a plan, and manage the implementation of the plan. The parenting coordinator is also available to mediate disputes between the parents. In Maryland, the court can impose restrictions on the parenting coordinator’s role. For example, the court may limit the parenting coordinator’s authority to make decisions for the parties and instead require them to make decisions for themselves. The parenting coordinator is also not to be used as a substitute for legal advice. Parenting coordinators help parents transition to their post-divorce lives and minimize conflict in the process. They can make the divorce process less stressful by easing communication between parents and helping to reach beneficial agreements.

Related FAQs

What is a qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?
Do I need a lawyer to file for a divorce?
How is a prenuptial agreement enforced?
What is a separation agreement?
What is a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO)?
What is a default judgment?
How do I modify a divorce decree?
Are there any grounds for an at-fault divorce?
How does a court determine spousal maintenance or alimony?
How is a divorce settlement divided?

What is a parenting coordinator in a divorce?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts