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Parenting Coordination in Ontario with Care, Compassion, and Expertise

Even after signing a Final Court Order, Separation Agreement or Parenting Plan, parenting disputes can come up. These disputes are often emotionally charged and complex. This is when a Parenting Coordinator can be an invaluable ongoing resource to parents trying to co-parent and make day-to-day decisions that are best for their children.

A Parenting Coordinator is a professional. They are often an experienced Ontario Family Lawyer (and/or a mental health expert) equipped with specialized training in managing difficult often high-conflict family dynamics.

Purposes of a Parenting Co-ordinator:

Parenting Coordinators help educate parents on effective problem-solving and communication strategies while imparting crucial insights into child development principles. Parenting Coordinators can aid parents in implementing the Parenting Plan, ensuring that both parties adhere to the agreed-upon terms.
In cases where disagreements arise over the Parenting Plan, Separation Agreement or Court Order, the Parenting Coordinator engages in a brief mediation style process to help facilitate an agreement between the parents on the issue at hand. Should this fail, the Parenting Coordinator can arbitrate the issue and make a binding decision in accordance with what they feel is in the child(ren)’s best interests.

Jurisdiction and Voluntary Participation:

Parenting Coordinators usually get their authority from either a binding Separation Agreement or Court Order.

Participation in parenting coordination is voluntary. Parents must consent to the process; it cannot be imposed on them.

Scope of Parenting Coordination:

Parenting Coordinators do not dictate major decisions. Instead, they primarily focus on resolving day-to-day issues. From scheduling extracurricular activities to managing pick-up and drop-off arrangements, they address various day-to-day aspects to try to ensure smooth co-parenting.

Expertise and Support:

Trained in mediation, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving, Parenting Coordinators should possess the skills to navigate even the most challenging and high conflict situations. Accordingly, they are to remain impartial, making decisions solely in the child(ren)'s best interests.

Why Choose Parenting Coordination?

There are several reasons to opt for parenting coordination:

Professional Assistance: Parenting Coordinators provide ongoing support, particularly beneficial as children's needs evolve over time.
Efficiency: Faster resolution compared to lengthy court proceedings, once the process details are agreed upon.
Cost Effective: A cost-efficient alternative to addressing minor parenting disputes through court intervention.

Parenting coordination empowers parents to take control of the process, foster effective communication, and safeguard the well-being of their children.

At Krol & Krol, we have experienced family lawyers and Parenting Coordinators to help you with your family law matters.