What is a Parent Coordinator and When Do I Need One?

Navigating child custody issues in a divorce can be exhausting for many. Sometimes, parties are not able to co-parent effectively which can lead to concerns surrounding their child’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Parenting coordination is “a process in which the parties work with a parenting coordinator to reduce the effects or potential effects of conflict on the parties' child.” Md. Rule 9-205.2.

Generally, parties should consider parent coordination if they are in a high conflict situation, if they frequently have difficulty making joint decisions regarding their children, if there are frequent communication breakdowns, or if there are frequent violations of court-ordered custody orders.

Parties can hire a parenting coordinator on their own or petition the court to appoint one. If the court approves the appointment, the judge will decide which party pays for the parent coordinator (if not both) based on their financial circumstances.

Maryland Rule 9-205.2(g) outlines the services a parent coordinator can render which include:

(1) if there is no operative custody and visitation order, work with the parties to develop an agreed plan for custody and visitation;

(2) if there is an operative custody and visitation order, assist the parties in amicably resolving disputes about the interpretation of and compliance with the order and in making any joint recommendations to the court for any changes to the order;

(3) educate the parties about making and implementing decisions that are in the best interest of the child;

(4) assist the parties in developing guidelines for appropriate communication between them;

(5) suggest resources to assist the parties;

(6) assist the parties in modifying patterns of behavior and in developing parenting strategies to manage and reduce opportunities for conflict in order to reduce the impact of any conflict upon their child;

(7) in response to a subpoena issued at the request of a party or an attorney for a child of the parties, or upon action of the court pursuant to Rule 2-514 or 5-614, produce documents and testify in the action as a fact witness;

(8) if concerned that a party or child is in imminent physical or emotional danger, communicate with the court or court personnel to request an immediate hearing; and

(9) decide post-judgment disputes by making minor, temporary modifications to child access provisions ordered by the court if (A) the judgment or post-judgment order of the court authorizes such decision making, and (B) the parties have agreed in writing or on the record that the post-judgment parenting coordinator may do so.

If you have any questions about your case and whether a parent coordinator will be helpful in your situation, contact us at (443) 741-2568 to schedule a consultation. There are proactive measures you can take to ensure you resolve conflicts and create a healthier environment for your child.