High-conflict co-parenting situations can quickly become unmanageable, especially when communication breaks down and every minor issue turns into a dispute. When this happens, Florida courts may appoint a parenting coordinator to help parents reduce conflict and comply with their parenting plan.
A parenting coordinator is a neutral, court-appointed professional who assists parents in resolving day-to-day parenting disputes and improving communication — without requiring constant court intervention.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Actually Do?
A parenting coordinator helps manage ongoing implementation of the parenting plan by:
- Facilitating communication between parents
- Resolving routine disagreements
- Clarifying parenting plan language
- Encouraging cooperative decision-making
- Educating parents on effective co-parenting techniques
They do not replace the judge or modify custody orders but instead serve as a structured problem-solver to prevent repeated litigation.
When Will a Court Appoint a Parenting Coordinator?
Florida courts typically consider appointing a coordinator when:
- Parents have repeated litigation over minor issues
- Communication is hostile or non-existent
- The child is caught in ongoing conflict
- There is a pattern of non-compliance with the parenting plan
- Dispute resolution efforts have failed
The goal is to stabilize the situation and protect the child from continued emotional stress caused by parental conflict.
Is a Parenting Coordinator Voluntary or Mandatory?
A coordinator may be appointed:
- By agreement of both parents
- By court order after a hearing
The court must find that the appointment is in the child’s best interests and that less restrictive measures have been ineffective.
What Authority Does a Parenting Coordinator Have?
While they cannot change custody or time-sharing arrangements, a parenting coordinator may:
- Make recommendations to the court
- Issue temporary decisions on minor disputes
- Report persistent non-compliance
- Suggest modifications to improve functionality
Their involvement often leads to reduced court appearances and improved structure in volatile parenting dynamics.
Benefits of Using a Parenting Coordinator
Working with a coordinator can:
- Reduce conflict frequency
- Improve consistency in scheduling
- Protect the child’s emotional well-being
- Provide neutral mediation
- Save legal costs long-term
For many families, this approach creates stability and teaches tools that promote healthier long-term co-parenting.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Parenting coordination may not be appropriate in all cases, especially when:
- Domestic violence is present
- One parent refuses to cooperate entirely
- There is severe power imbalance
In such cases, direct court intervention or supervised arrangements may be more appropriate.
How Lipinski Family Law Can Help
At Lipinski Family Law, we identify when alternative dispute resolution tools such as parenting coordination may help or whether stronger legal intervention is required. We guide clients through the process of requesting, contesting, or navigating coordinator appointments effectively.
If you are dealing with chronic co-parenting conflict and want a structured solution, we can help evaluate your options.
📞 Contact Lipinski Family Law to discuss whether a parenting coordinator may be appropriate in your case.
