WATCH: How does the parenting coordination process work once a PC is appointed by the Court?

Nissa M. Ricafort answers:

The parenting coordination process in a particular case is governed by the terms of the Court order appointing the parenting coordinator. That order will contain specific topics for the parenting coordinator to address with the parties and will define whether or not the parenting coordinator can issue a binding recommendation on disputed issues. In general, most parenting coordinators will schedule an initial meeting with each party individually to learn the history of the case and to gain an understanding of the communication issues between the parties.

The parenting coordinator will also ask each party to identify areas of conflict that the parenting coordinator can address with the parties. The parenting coordinator will then generally communicate with the parties via email or in person meetings to address conflicts on an as needed basis as determined by the parties. Most parenting coordinators will also work with the parties to draft and finalize a parenting time calendar for the upcoming year in an effort to prevent any disputes about the parenting time schedule.