Parenting Coordination

Separated parents face the challenge of working together to raise their children. When parenting orders get made, or a parenting agreement gets settled, it doesn’t always mean that conflict between parents is over. In fact, it’s often the beginning of new conflicts.

And it’s usually not the big stuff that causes conflict. It’s negotiating the little things that causes many arguments. Like changing a normal hand-over time to allow a child to attend their friend’s birthday party. Or discussing what you both consider to be a healthy dinner for your children.

Shared parenting relies on effective communication. If there was conflict and poor communication before you separated, it will likely continue in your post-separation parenting as well.

And it all leads to unnecessary stress on children. They feel caught up in the middle of two parents who fight over the smallest things.

That’s where a Parenting Coordinator can make a world of difference.

How Does Parenting Coordination Help?

Parenting Coordinators help separated parents by:

• Providing education about the impact of parental conflict on children
• Teaching parents how to communicate and resolve conflicts
• Helping negotiate the issues that come up as parents try to follow their parenting plan

And that’s good for the children. It provides a more peaceful home environment and reduces stress. And, most importantly, allows them to maintain strong relationships with both parents.

How Does Parenting Coordination Work?

The goal of parenting coordination is to help separated parents manage their shared parenting arrangements. A Parenting Coordinator educates parents and guides them to:

• Communicate effectively
• Put the needs of their children first
• Peacefully resolve conflict
• Comply with parenting orders or parenting plans

The process begins with both parents agreeing to engage a Parenting Coordinator. After the agreement is in place:

• Individual sessions are conducted with each parent, before progressing to join sessions. If there are any safety concerns or other concerns, joint sessions can be held without requiring both parents to be present in the same location.
• Joint sessions continue monthly until conflict has been reduced, and then continue on an as-needed basis.
• The Parenting Coordinator can also assist with ad-hoc disputes outside of the scheduled sessions.

When all parties feel ready, the Parenting Coordinator can disengage, and the parents can continue to manage the shared parenting of their children.

Our Expert Parenting Coordinator

Hayley Cunningham is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, legal practitioner director, and solicitor in charge of Family Law Group Solicitors.

Hayley is a trained Parenting Coordinator, Collaborative Practitioner, National Accredited Mediator/Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, and a member of Queensland Collaborative Law.