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 Stephenson, Sarah Hink, and Kelli 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 Stephenson
Elizabeth Stephenson is a managing partner, experienced family law attorney, and trained parenting coordinator with more than 24 years of experience advocating for families and children. Drawing on her legal experience and background in social work, Elizabeth helps families navigate high-conflict custody matters, reduce conflict, and work toward healthier co-parenting relationships while protecting the parent-child bond.
Sarah Hink
Sarah Hink is a managing partner, experienced family law attorney, and trained parenting coordinator who regularly practices in Wake and Durham Counties. She works with families navigating high-conflict custody situations, balancing patience and candid guidance to help deescalate conflict and keep the focus on the best interests of the children involved.
Kelli McGonagle
Kelli McGonagle is an experienced family law attorney and trained parenting coordinator serving families in Wake and Johnston Counties. She helps families navigate high-conflict co-parenting situations by implementing custody orders, reducing parental conflict, and encouraging healthier co-parenting relationships while keeping the best interests of the children at the forefront.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a parenting coordinator?
A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional appointed by the court or agreed upon by the parents to help resolve ongoing parenting disputes after a custody order has been entered. Their role is to assist parents with implementing the existing custody order, improving communication, and reducing conflict for the benefit of the child.
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.
What issues can a parenting coordinator help resolve?
Depending on the court order and the coordinator’s authority, parenting coordinators may assist with disputes involving exchange locations, scheduling adjustments, extracurricular activities, communication between parents, healthcare appointments, educational issues, and other day-to-day parenting concerns. Their authority is limited by North Carolina law and the specific terms of the appointment.
Can a parenting coordinator change my custody order?
Generally, no. A parenting coordinator cannot fundamentally change a custody order. Their authority is limited to the scope established by the court and applicable law. Significant modifications to custody generally require court approval.
Is a parenting coordinator appropriate for every custody case?
No. Parenting coordinators are generally most effective in cases involving repeated disagreements or communication challenges. Many families successfully co-parent without one, while others benefit from having a neutral professional to help reduce conflict and keep the focus on the child’s needs.
When is a parenting coordinator appointed?
Parenting coordinators are most commonly used in high-conflict custody cases where parents have difficulty communicating or repeatedly disagree about parenting issues. The court may determine that appointing a parenting coordinator is appropriate to help minimize future disputes and promote consistent decision-making.
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.
Is a parenting coordinator the same as a mediator?
No. A mediator helps parties negotiate a resolution to a dispute, often before a final agreement or court order is entered. A parenting coordinator typically becomes involved after a custody order exists and focuses on helping parents implement that order and resolve ongoing parenting disagreements.
Do both parents have to cooperate with a parenting coordinator?
Parents are generally expected to participate in good faith when a parenting coordinator has been appointed. Failing to cooperate may become relevant if future disputes are presented to the court. Effective participation often helps reduce conflict and improve communication over time.
Why should I consult an attorney if a parenting coordinator is involved?
Even when a parenting coordinator is helping resolve day-to-day disputes, important legal rights and obligations remain governed by your custody order and North Carolina law. An experienced attorney can explain how the parenting coordinator’s role affects your case, advise you on your options, and represent your interests if court intervention becomes necessary. At New Direction Family Law, our family law attorneys are ready to help you take the next step. Contact us today for a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation at New Direction Family Law
Ongoing parenting disputes can be emotionally exhausting, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re considering a parenting coordinator or need guidance resolving co-parenting challenges, our attorneys will work with you to understand your family’s unique needs and develop a strategy focused on reducing conflict and protecting your child’s best interests.
Backed by more than 100 years of combined family law experience, our NC Bar Certified Family Law Specialists have helped families throughout Raleigh and surrounding areas navigate complex custody matters with confidence. Together, we’ll help you build a healthier foundation for co-parenting and move forward with clarity.
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When communication between co-parents becomes challenging, a parenting coordinator can help reduce conflict and keep the focus on the best interests of the child. Explore our related blog articles to learn how parenting coordination works, when it may be appropriate, and how it can support families navigating ongoing custody and parenting issues.
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