Parenting Coordination: What is it and Why Should I Do it?

What is Parenting Coordination?

Co-parenting can be a complex and emotionally charged journey. While some parents navigate decisions and communicate with relative ease, others may face major disagreements or even complete avoidance of communication. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to co-parent. However, when conflict becomes persistent, it can place significant stress on both parents and, more importantly, on the child.

To help manage these high-conflict situations, co-parents can elect a conflict-management process called parenting coordination. Parenting coordination is a child-focused process of dispute resolution between parents.

How Does the Parenting Coordination Process Work?

The parenting coordination process requires consent from both parents rather than a mandated order from the judge. Since the parents must agree on appointing a parenting coordinator (“PC”), the process often has a good chance of success, as both parents are making an active choice to participate.

Once parents have consented, a PC is appointed. PCs are either licensed mental health professionals, attorneys, or certified family mediators. The PC’s purpose is to help facilitate safe, healthy, and meaningful parent-child relationships. Their purpose is not to “parent” the parents. 

What Issues Can a Parenting Coordinator Help Resolve?

PCs help parents solve conflicts that affect a child’s time with their parent, extra-curricular activities, healthcare, and many other areas of potential conflict. This role can include creating conflict management strategies for the parents, facilitating effective co-parenting communication, and making legally binding decisions for parents in some cases.

These decisions may encompass more specific issues such as custody exchange locations, determining if a child may obtain a passport, or enrolling a child in a summer camp. PCs also provide clarification to parents on each parent’s responsibilities and scheduled parenting times based on the family’s parenting plan.

Through parenting coordination, parents can more effectively make decisions for their child and resolve conflicts on their own over time without the PC’s or the court’s involvement.  

Why Should You Consider Parenting Coordination?

If you are involved in a high-conflict co-parenting situation, an experienced family law attorney can guide you through the parenting coordination process. Getting started with this process can improve the lives of both you and your child and strengthen your relationship with your child.

*The author, Robert Parson, Jr., is grateful for the assistance of Caroline Vaaler, Saint Louis University School of Law student, anticipated graduation May 2026, in the preparation of this article.