Hello, my name is Bo Luan and I am an associate at the Feldstein Family Law Group. In today’s video, I will be discussing the role of a parenting coordinator and how he or she can assist parties in their matrimonial matters.

A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party that can assist parties when they have a dispute on matters relating to the children. The role of the parenting coordinator is to minimize conflict by helping parents develop parenting and communication skills and by mediating disputes regarding existing parenting plans.

Sometimes, where a Parenting coordinator has failed to mediate a parenting plan, the parties will empower the parenting coordinator to make a binding decision in the best interests of the child. Where this occurs, the parenting coordinator will gather the necessary information from the parents and external sources and make a decision. It is important to note, however, that parenting coordinators cannot make decisions about legal matters, such as custody, mobility, or parenting schedules, other than those of a minor or temporary nature.

Parenting coordinators are professionally required to screen parties prior to the provision of services, and to identify any power imbalances or evidence of domestic violence that may exist between the parties. They receive training in appropriate screening procedures and must also receive training in family law.

The parties will be screened for domestic violence and will begin to provide information regarding their family history and current challenges. When the parenting coordinator has enough information, they can begin their involvement with the family.

The costs of a parenting coordinator are typically shared by the parties, unless there is a court order specifying how costs will be shared between them.

A parenting coordinator’s help can be very valuable. It can help you avoid the costs, delays and emotional turmoil involved in the litigation process, both by helping sort out an immediate dispute and by improving the parenting relationship to avoid further conflicts from arising.

The lawyers at Feldstein Family Law Group work with a number of skilled and professional parenting coordinators around the Greater Toronto Area. For more information regarding parenting coordinators, and to see whether one might be appropriate for your situation, please contact our office for a consultation at 905-581-7222.

I hope you found this video helpful! Thank you for watching and I will see you next time!