What is a Parent Coordinator?

A Parent Coordinator (PC) is a professional who is employed to assist parents in implementing a parenting plan, including a Custody and/or Visitation Court order.  Their main function is to assist parents to resolve disputes, to help reduce conflict between parents and to teach parents communication skills in an effort to achieve long-term, successful co-parenting in the best interests of the children.

While North Carolina General Statute provides for a court ordered PC, upon consent of both parents, parents may also choose to employ a PC without utilizing a Court order.  Parents can privately and directly employ a PC to assist them in developing and /or implementing parenting plans, including custody/visitation arrangements.

In either of the above situations, the role of a PC is multi-functioning; as they can concurrently serve as a Mediator, Arbitrator, Conflict Manager and Communication Skills Coach, all in an effort to assist parents in resolving disputes concerning their children so that they can co-parent effectively and meet the ever changing needs of their family.

Why employ a Parent Coordinator?

Parenting can be difficult even for intact families.  The added dynamic of a separation and divorce can make parenting even more complicated.  A parent coordinator can be employed at any time the individuals have been unable to reach agreement on particular co-parenting issues. 

A parent coordinator is a mediator skilled in facilitating the resolution of disputes so parents can effectively co-parent.  As children get older, parents sometimes find they do not agree on important decisions impacting their children.  Instead of each individual having to return to an attorney or even worse, return to court, every time they cannot mutually agree on a matter involving their children, individuals can voluntarily seek assistance from a parent coordinator.

If the parties do not ultimately reach a mediated decision, the PC can make a final decision about certain matters; however, modifications to legal agreements may require the assistance of legal counsel.

What is the first step?

To schedule an informational consultation with Attorney Deborah Throm, you can and mention "CONSULTATION" in the subject line.  You can also contact her law office in Durham at (919)544-7402 to make your appointment for a consultation.