If you went through a custody case in Florida, you may have heard the term “parenting coordinator” come up in court. Knowing what this role involves can help you decide if it is right for your family.
The parenting coordinator role in Florida
Florida law defines parenting coordination as a child-focused dispute resolution process that helps parents create or carry out a parenting plan. These professionals are not judges, therapists or mediators. They fill a unique hybrid role that blends education, conflict resolution and limited decision-making power.
The day-to-day duties of the coordinator
A parenting coordinator works with both you and your spouse to address disputes that tend to surface after custody orders take effect. Common issues include holiday schedules, drop-off logistics, activities and sudden changes in routine.
When you and your co-parent cannot agree, the coordinator can offer guidance. With prior approval from both parties and the court, a parenting coordinator may also make limited binding decisions within the scope of the court’s referral order.
The appointment process under Florida law
In Florida, a judge may appoint a parenting coordinator on their own, or either parent can file a motion to request one. If both parties agree, the court can typically make the appointment without a hearing, it become necessary if there are objections, fee disputes or a history of domestic violence.
In cases involving a history of domestic violence, the court cannot refer parents to this process unless both parties give voluntary consent. Each parent must also have a chance to consult with an attorney or a domestic violence advocate first.
The costs and privacy rules of this program
The cost of parenting coordination depends on whether the coordinator comes through a court program or a private practice. Some Florida court programs offer reduced hourly rates, while private coordinators often charge more per session.
If the parents do not consent to the process, Florida law mandates that the court must confirm they can afford the fees before ordering parenting coordination. Even so, the total cost tends to be lower than going back to court repeatedly to resolve each small dispute.
Sessions are mostly private. Florida law keeps communications during parenting coordination confidential, with a few exceptions, such as suspected child abuse, neglect or the wrongful removal of a child from the court’s jurisdiction.