Overview of Parenting Coordination
Parenting coordination is a structured, child-focused process designed to help separated or divorced parents manage ongoing conflict and improve their ability to make effective, child-centered decisions. For families experiencing high conflict, frequent miscommunication, or difficulty implementing parenting agreements and court Orders, parenting coordination provides a practical and timely solution. As a Parenting Coordinator (PC), I serve as a neutral professional appointed to assist parents in reducing conflict, resolving disputes, and improving co-parenting dynamics, with the ultimate goal of supporting the emotional well-being of their children.
My Role as a Parenting Coordinator
In my role, I help parents carry out the terms of existing parenting plans while addressing areas of disagreement that may arise along the way. The process includes education about child development, coaching in effective communication if needed, clarification of the children’s needs as they relate to conflict, and guided efforts to reach agreements. If parents are unable to come to a resolution on their own, I will make recommendations—and when permitted by court order, binding decisions—based on the best interests of the children. This helps prevent issues from escalating into prolonged legal disputes. I incorporate evidence-informed methods, including skills-based strategies from the New Ways for Families® model, which are specifically designed for high-conflict co-parenting. These strategies include structured tools for written communication, managing emotional reactivity, and developing more flexible, solution-oriented thinking.
Process and Structure
The parenting coordination process begins with individual meetings with each parent so that I can learn about the family history, the children, and the issues at hand. Once this foundation is established, most communication takes place through structured email or virtual platforms, and additional sessions—either individual or joint—may be held as needed. Parents are requested to use a secure platform, such as Our Family Wizard (OFW), for co-parenting communication, which allows for full transparency and organized issue tracking. This structure helps ensure that communication remains clear, child-focused, and efficient.
Neutrality in the Parenting Coordinator Role
One of the distinguishing features of my practice is that I serve in a neutral role. I am not an advocate for either parent. My responsibility is to approach each matter objectively, provide informed guidance, and remain focused on what is in the best interests of the children. Unlike confidential therapy, parenting coordination is a forensic process, meaning that information shared with me is not protected by therapist-client privilege and may be shared with both parties, attorneys, or the court if relevant to my recommendations.
Why Work with a Forensic Psychologist
Families and attorneys may choose to work with aclinical and forensic psychologist as a Parenting Coordinator because of the added benefit of clinical and developmental expertise. My background allows me to consider not only the legal and logistical elements of a parenting dispute, but also the emotional and psychological factors that may be impacting the family system. This depth of understanding is particularly valuable in cases involving personality disorders, parent-child contact problems, trauma histories, or entrenched conflict dynamics that are not easily addressed through legal mechanisms alone. While attorneys are trained in legal process and negotiation, a psychologist brings a distinct skill set focused on child development, family dynamics, and behavioral insight—allowing for more nuanced guidance, especially when a family is emotionally stuck.
Insurance and Fee Structure
Parenting coordination is not considered a medically necessary clinical service and therefore is not covered by health insurance. My services are provided on a private pay basis and operate under a retainer model. An initial retainer is required before services begin, and all time spent on the case is billed against that retainer. As the retainer is spent down, additional replenishments will be requested to continue services. For current rates and retainer requirements, please contact the practice directly.