A Parenting Coordinator May Make Things Easier

When two people divorce and there are children involved, the stress is magnified. Conflicts can grow exponentially and parents sometimes cannot see through the intense emotions. That is why help exists in many forms, such as the parenting coordinator. Parenting coordination brings in an impartial third party to help settle child-related disputes in a divorce. In some cases, this is the best possible way for everyone to come to agreement on what is best for the children.

Trusting a Coordinator

When conflicts reach all-time highs and parents are finding it difficult, or impossible to negotiate the children’s needs, a coordinator can help. Parenting coordinators are there to settle disputes; they are particularly helpful when the arguments move from finances and assets, and into family matters. Getting this sort of help can prevent the issues from harming the children. This doesn’t typically occur during the divorce. Rather, the coordinator enters post-divorce to help parents implement parenting plans. The coordinator takes the court-ordered plan and helps parents develop it, and work through it.

Though the divorce is over, executing a parenting plan can still be daunting; the feelings during divorce don’t always dissipate, at least not right away. Parenting coordinators help ex-spouses make the parenting plan or timeshare schedule work. They also help manage disputes that may arise later. If the parents still cannot agree on details, though the court has already made decisions, the coordinator aids the parents in making them work.

Transitions

Parenting coordinators have the authority to make small changes to schedules and timeshare details. They also help clarify things to parents. Those scheduling decisions may include getting healthcare, education, engaging the children in extracurricular activities, and moving the children from one parent to another. Parenting styles and communication will also be negotiated.

Overall, all of this help is not about forcing parents to adhere to the rules set before them. It is about giving them new confidence in parenting-necessary for many, since parenting after divorce can be a challenge. This reduces a lot of anxiety for everyone and may resolve a lot of conflict. It also may help parents be more involved in the children’s lives than ever before, which can, in turn, help the children adjust better. These are the true purposes of having a parenting coordinator enter and help; the benefits to both the parents and children in the long term.

From these experiences, parents can gain a great deal of skills in conflict resolution that could be very useful throughout the future. Of course, possibly the most important benefits of coordinators are those for the children; protecting children is part of the court’s job, and that means making sure parents provide the best possible situations for the children after a divorce.

At Miller Law, we know Florida family law. We want to help you get through your divorce quickly, affordably, and properly. Ask us about making those transitions easier on you and your whole family, particularly your children.