Parenting Coordinator Services

In high-conflict custody cases, parents are often unable to resolve their child-related disputes on their own. In such cases, you may be able to ask the court to appoint a parenting coordinator to assist your family.  In North Carolina, the court may appoint a parenting coordinator at any time during a child custody action involving minor children if all the parties consent.

What is a Parenting Coordinator (“PC”)?

The primary role of the PC is to reduce conflict by identifying disputed issues, reducing misunderstandings, clarifying priorities, exploring compromise, developing methods of collaboration in parenting, and ensuring compliance with the court’s order of custody. In addition, the court may authorize a PC to determine issues regarding the implementation of the parenting plan that are not specifically governed by the court order when the parties are unable to reach an agreement.

Who Can Become a Parenting Coordinator in North Carolina?

The district court maintains a list of qualified parenting coordinators. To be eligible, the person must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a master’s degree in psychology, law, social work, counseling, or a related subject area.
2. Have at least five years of related professional experience.
3. Hold a current license in the PC’s area of practice.
4. Complete the required training in topics related to the developmental stages of children, the dynamics of high-conflict families, stages and effects of divorce, problem-solving techniques, mediation and legal issues.
5. To remain eligible, the person must also attend PC seminars providing continuing education, group discussion, peer review, and support.

The use of a PC is a beneficial child-focused method of alternative dispute resolution in high-conflict custody cases. At Gailor Hunt, we strive to reduce parental conflict and protect the child’s best interest. Partners Jaime Davis, Meredith Cross and Stephanie Gibbs are Certified Parenting Coordinators and have the experience to help your family through this difficult process.

In our Podcast, host and Certified Parenting Coordinator Jaime Davis discusses the topic of Parenting Coordinators in child custody cases with fellow family law attorney and Parenting Coordinator Katie King. She explains what a Parenting Coordinator is and how to get one, and also offers tips for working with your Parenting Coordinator once one has been appointed.