Frequently Asked Questions About Parenting Coordination

1. What is a parenting coordinator, and what do they do?
   A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional who helps high-conflict parents implement their parenting plan, resolve disputes, and improve communication. They focus on reducing conflict and making recommendations in the best interest of the child.
2. Is a parenting coordinator the same as a mediator?
   No, a parenting coordinator has an ongoing role in assisting parents with co-parenting issues, whereas a mediator helps resolve disputes at a specific point in time. Unlike mediators, parenting coordinators may have decision-making authority depending on the court order.
3. When is a parenting coordinator appointed in Indiana?
   A parenting coordinator may be appointed by the court or agreed upon by both parents in cases where ongoing conflict affects the child’s well-being. They are often used in high-conflict custody and parenting time cases.
4. Can a parenting coordinator make legal decisions?
   Parenting coordinators can make recommendations, but their authority depends on the court order. In some cases, they can make binding decisions on minor disputes, but they do not replace a judge or modify court orders.
5. How long does a parenting coordinator stay involved in a case?
   The duration of a parenting coordinator’s involvement varies. They may be appointed for a set period, such as six months to a year, or until the court determines their services are no longer needed.

10 Common Terms and Definitions About Parenting Coordination

1. Parenting Coordinator (PC) – A neutral third party appointed to help high-conflict parents implement their parenting plan, resolve disputes, and improve communication.
2. High-Conflict Parents – Parents who have ongoing disputes over custody, parenting time, or decision-making, often requiring intervention from a parenting coordinator.
3. Parenting Plan – A court-approved agreement outlining custody, parenting time, and decision-making responsibilities for each parent.
4. Decision-Making Authority – The level of power given to a parenting coordinator by the court, which may include making minor decisions related to parenting disputes.
5. Best Interests of the Child – The legal standard used to determine what arrangements best promote a child’s well-being, safety, and development.
6. Court Appointment Order – A legal document issued by the court that outlines the parenting coordinator’s role, responsibilities, and authority in a case.
7. Co-Parenting – The process by which divorced or separated parents work together to raise their child, often with the help of a parenting coordinator in high-conflict situations.
8. Conflict Resolution – Strategies and techniques used by a parenting coordinator to help parents settle disputes and communicate effectively.
9. Parallel Parenting – A method of co-parenting where each parent operates independently with minimal direct communication, often recommended in high-conflict cases.
10. Parenting Coordination Agreement – A document detailing the terms under which parents agree to work with a parenting coordinator, including their responsibilities and scope of authority.