Redefining parental roles and responsibilities due to divorce or a breakup can cause emotional strain and high-conflict parenting. This can be a challenging journey, but you’re not alone. Learn more about our parenting coordinators, who are your allies in fostering healthier co-parenting dynamics.
Parenting
Coordinators
Parenting
Coordinators
Redefining parental roles and responsibilities due to divorce or a breakup can cause emotional strain and high-conflict parenting . This can be a challenging journey, but you’re not alone. Learn more about our parenting coordinators, who are your allies in fostering healthier co-parenting dynamics.
No matter if you and the other parent are amicable or locked in a bitter fight, co-parenting is tough. This can be especially true if you’re navigating the separation and divorce process. Not only are you struggling to overcome the loss of your marriage, but as parents you are redefining roles and responsibilities. Some parents become locked in a cycle of tension and an inability to come together regarding issues related to the children. These high-conflict parental stalemates are frustrating and exhausting, but a parenting coordinator can help. Parenting coordinators are licensed mental health professionals or attorneys who can step in to assist parents in navigating the stressors in high-conflict parenting situations.
At New Direction Family Law, Elizabeth A. Stephenson, Sarah J. Hink, and Kelli D. McGonagle are seasoned divorce and child custody attorneys and trained parenting coordinators. With their experience and dedication, they empower parents to develop better co-parenting skills, mitigating high-conflict custody situations, and prioritizing the well-being of the children.
Elizabeth A. Stephenson
As a trained parenting coordinator, Elizabeth assists families in high-conflict custody cases, helping them develop healthy co-parenting relationships. As a mother of a teenager, she understands the deep bond between parents and children and is committed to protecting those relationships during difficult times.
Common Questions for Parenting Coordinators
What are the signs of high conflict parenting?
Look out for excessive court involvement, persistent anger, distrust, or communication breakdowns, and any form of abuse—physical, emotional, or verbal. If you recognize these signs, it may be time to consider a parenting coordinator.
How does the Parenting Coordinator process work?
North Carolina General Statute §50-90 allows the court to appoint a parenting coordinator at any stage of custody proceedings, or parties can agree to it. Simply put, a parenting coordinator transforms ‘No Win’ situations into ‘Win-Win’ scenarios, benefiting both parents and children.
The parenting coordinator’s role and authority is outlined in the court order that appoints them as the parenting coordinator and is limited to matters that will aid the parents in:
1. Identifying disputed issues.
2. Reduce misunderstandings.
3. Clarifying priorities.
4. Exploring compromise possibilities.
5. Developing collaborative parenting methods.
6. Ensuring compliance with court orders of custody, visitation, and guardianship.
While a parenting coordinator can’t alter custody schedules, they can help parents find creative compromises. Child focused and solution-oriented, parenting coordinators equip parents with communication and problem-solving skills, fostering a co-parenting environment for the children’s best interests.
Schedule a Consultation at New Direction Family Law
Contact New Direction Family Law today to explore how our experienced parenting coordinators can support you through this challenging journey. Take the first step towards a healthier, more harmonious co-parenting dynamic for you and your children.
