{"id":15344,"date":"2023-06-28T16:26:42","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T16:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/?page_id=15344"},"modified":"2026-06-09T09:51:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T14:51:25","slug":"parenting-coordinators","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wrightfamilylawgroup-migrate.cwdevelop.com\/?page_id=15344","title":{"rendered":"Parenting Coordinators"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Massachusetts Parenting Coordinators<\/h6>\n

Conflict Co-Parents<\/h2>\n

When co-parents<\/a> communicate well and follow their plan, a parenting coordinator (PC) is usually unnecessary. But when parents conflict<\/strong> and struggle to follow court orders<\/strong>, a PC can reduce disputes, improve parental communication<\/strong>, and help protect the well-being of parents and children<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What Is a Parenting Coordinator?<\/h3>\n

A Parenting Coordinator is a neutral professional who helps resolve day-to-day disputes in high conflict cases<\/strong>\u2014including scheduling, exchanges, school and activity logistics, and other child-related issues. The PC\u2019s job is to implement the details of the parenting plan while keeping the child\u2019s best interests front and center.<\/p>\n

Qualifications & Specific Training<\/h3>\n

Parenting Coordinators typically have a background in family law or are mental health professionals<\/strong> (e.g., psychologists, social workers) with specific training<\/strong> in mediation, child development, domestic violence screening, and the AFCC Parenting Coordination Guidelines. Many are trained to recognize dynamics common in high conflict cases<\/strong>, coach effective parental communication<\/strong>, and de-escalate disputes.<\/p>\n

Court-Appointed or By Agreement<\/h3>\n

In Massachusetts, a PC may be court appointed<\/strong> or chosen by the parties and memorialized in a stipulation. The scope of the PC\u2019s role is defined in the court orders<\/strong> or written agreement\u2014what issues the PC can decide, how parents bring issues to the PC, and how recommendations become enforceable.<\/p>\n

How Parenting Coordination Works<\/h3>\n

The process\u2014modeled on AFCC best practices\u2014combines assessment, education, case management, and conflict resolution. The PC helps set clear parental communication<\/strong> protocols (e.g., email, co-parenting apps), runs joint or individual meetings, and may confer with collateral sources such as teachers or therapists where appropriate. When parents cannot reach agreement, the PC may issue written recommendations or limited decisions consistent with the governing court orders<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Parenting Coordinator vs. Custody Evaluator<\/h3>\n

A custody evaluator<\/strong> conducts a formal investigation and makes recommendations to the court about legal and physical custody. A Parenting Coordinator does not replace an evaluator; instead, the PC works after orders or agreements are in place to help parents implement the plan and resolve everyday disputes. In some matters, the PC may consult with a custody evaluator<\/strong> or other mental health professionals<\/strong> to better support the family system.<\/p>\n

Who Benefits from a PC?<\/h3>\n