A Parent Coordinator is a neutral third-party professional who is appointed by the court. Their main role is to assist parents in resolving disputes and making decisions regarding the care and custody of their children. Their professional and unbiased presence is to help facilitate communication, mediate conflicts, and help implement parenting plans in high-conflict custody cases. This article will detail key components on their responsibilities as well as how and why the court appoints them.
Role and Responsibilities
In Oklahoma, Parent Coordinators reduce the stress and contentiousness often associated with custody disputes, promoting the best interests of the child. The primary function is to mediate disputes between parents and help them reach agreements on issues related to their children. This includes matters such as visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, and day-to-day parenting decisions. Parent Coordinators will also assist in the implementation and adherence to court-ordered parenting plans. They will help ensure that both parents follow the agreed-upon terms and address any misunderstandings or violations. By improving communication between parents, a Parent Coordinator helps reduce conflict and encourages cooperative co-parenting.
The coordinator is especially important in high-conflict cases where direct communication between parents may be challenging. In some cases, Parent Coordinators may make recommendations to the court regarding custody and visitation arrangements. While their recommendations are not binding, they can carry significant weight in court proceedings. Further, they monitor compliance with court orders and parenting plans, addressing any issues that arise and reporting non-compliance to the court if necessary. The coordinator can provide parents with education and guidance on co-parenting strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and effective communication methods. The Parent Coordinator is there to be able to help reach the best outcome for not only the parents, but also the child.
When Does the Court Order a Parent Coordinator?
The Wagoner County court may order the appointment of a Parent Coordinator in various situations. These typically involve high-conflict custody cases where ongoing disputes and communication issues negatively impact the children. Some common scenarios include:
- High-Conflict Cases: When parents are unable to communicate effectively and are frequently in conflict over custody and visitation matters, a Parent Coordinator can help manage and resolve disputes.
- Repeated Court Involvement: In cases where parents repeatedly return to court to resolve minor disputes, the court may appoint a Parent Coordinator to handle these issues outside of the courtroom, reducing the court’s involvement.
- Parenting Plans: When parents have difficulty with the terms of a parenting plan, a Parent Coordinator can help.
- Complex Custody Arrangements: In cases involving complex custody arrangements, a Parent Coordinator can provide the necessary support.
For these reasons and more, the Parent Coordinator plays a crucial role in child custody cases.
Appointment and Qualifications of a Parent Coordinator
A Parent Coordinator is typically appointed by the court, either on their initiative or at the parents’ request. The court order will specify the scope of the Parent Coordinator’s authority and responsibilities. They are usually professionals with experience in family law, mediation, psychology, or social work. They must have specialized training in conflict resolution, child development, and family dynamics. It is crucial that they are neutral and impartial, with no bias towards either parent. Their role is to act in the best interests of the child and facilitate cooperative co-parenting.
The parents will usually share the costs, unless the court orders otherwise. Fees can vary based on the coordinator’s qualifications, experience, and the complexity of the case. In some instances, the court may allocate costs based on each parent’s ability to pay. This may include giving a larger portion to the parent with a higher salary, or who already has an alimony order against them.
Wagoner Child Custody Attorneys
In conclusion, a Parent Coordinator in Oklahoma is a neutral third-party professional appointed by the court to assist parents in resolving custody disputes. They become crucial in decisions for the best interests of the children involved. The court may order the appointment of a Parent Coordinator in high-conflict custody cases, when parents frequently return to court, or when implementing complex parenting plans. If you are facing extreme challenges with co-parenting, we can help you. Our team here at Wagoner County Attorneys have seen every type of custody case imaginable. If you’re dealing with custody questions or disputes, reach out to us at 918-283-7394 or ask a question online.
