In what situations do you need to hire a parenting coordinator in New South Wales?
Co-parenting after separation or divorce can prove tumultuous, particularly when the parties involved conflict with their parenting arrangements. Disputes about visitation time, breakdown of communication, or enforcement of parenting plans add to the stress the co-parents endure and, most importantly, to that of the children involved. In NSW, a Parenting Coordinator is the answer to assist in managing and settling some of these conflicting situations.
A Parenting Coordinator assists parents in implementing and adhering to their parenting plans while minimizing approaches to resolving conflict detrimental to the children in this arrangement. But when should such a person be brought in? This article defines a parenting coordinator, discusses when the need arises for one, and explains how to access the services of one in NSW.
Understanding Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination is a process of child-centred dispute resolution geared toward co-parenting conflict resolution and compliance with court-ordered parenting plans. Parenting Coordination differs from traditional mediation in that mediation sees an end to its processes once a settlement is reached. In contrast, Parenting Coordination is an ongoing process that helps parents in the practical enforcement of their contracts.
A Parenting Coordinator’s expertise may lie in family law, mediating disputes, psychology, or social work. The work of a Parenting Coordinator can be summarized as follows:
- Reducing conflict between co-parents.
- Encouraging effective communication to circumvent misunderstandings.
- Ensuring compliance with parenting orders and agreements.
- Keep the child’s best interests in mind by promoting a stable environment.
Signs That Call for a Parenting Coordinator
If any of the above issues pertain to your situation, consider hiring a Parenting Coordinator in NSW:
-
High-Conflict Co-Parenting
Arguing frequently, disagreeing constantly, and facing unresolved disputes create a hostile environment for children. If you cannot resolve your disputes peacefully with your co-parent, having a Parenting Coordinator intervene for mediation would help prevent further escalation and guide the parties to find efficient solutions.
-
Difficulty in Following Parenting Plans or Court Orders
Even after the finalization of a parenting plan or court order, disputes can arise concerning interpretation and implementation. A Parenting Coordinator helps ensure that both sets of parents understand and comply with the arrangements they’ve agreed to, limiting the need for more court proceedings.
-
Blocked Communication Between Parents
Poor communication can breed misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and ensuing hostility and in this way, a Parenting Coordinator can work with parents to help them establish constructive communication directed toward ever-child-focused issues rather than giving in to parents’ grievances.
-
Continuous Court Litigation
Constantly returning to the court over minor parenting disputes is not only costly and time-consuming but also emotionally exhausting for the parents and their children. Parenting Coordination is an affordable alternative to litigation, as it resolves disputes before they grow.
-
Serious Threats to the Emotional Well-Being of the Child
When the fight between the parents weighs down on the child’s mental health and emotional stability, this is a time when help needs to come in. By lessening parental stress and increasing cooperative interactions, Parenting Coordination will assist in establishing a co-parenting atmosphere conducive to the child’s emotional healing.
How a Parenting Coordinator Can Help
The benefits of Parenting Coordination to parents who have been separated or divorced include the following:
- It helps with communication, is objective and child-focused, and reduces hostility.
- Less court-injected- peace is made away from continual family-court involvement.
- Compliance snooper- ensuring parents keep to their word vis-a-vis their parenting plans or Agreed Orders.
- Child-centered- resolving conflicts based on what truly serves the child’s interest.
- Monitoring Co-Parenting Issues- giving in-the-moment support and guidance for issues before they escalate.
When Should You Think About Hiring a Parenting Coordinator?
Generally, the point when one should ponder hiring a Parenting Coordinator is contingent upon the nature and severity of the co-parenting difficulties faced. Here are some events in which you should consider retaining their services:
-
Before or Following a Final Parenting Agreement
If the parties anticipate difficulty administering a new parenting agreement, hiring a Parenting Coordinator ahead of time would be advantageous to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize any ensuing conflicts before they arise.
-
In Situations Where Disputes Are Escalated to Put Pressure on the Child Welfare
When parental disputes seriously interfere with the child’s emotional state, it is time to get a Parenting Coordinator. The Parenting Coordinator will maintain a healthier environment free of strife for the children.
-
After Mediation Breaks Down
Mediation may be useful in settling disagreements; however, once mediation has proved unsuccessful in solving the dispute, a Parenting Coordinator can help support the parties and resolve any continuing conflicts.
-
Upon Order of the Family Court in NSW
In some instances, the Family Court will impose a Parenting Coordinator, especially in high-conflict custody disputes. Court-ordered Parenting Coordinators assist in the enforcement of orders and the mediation of ongoing conflicts.
How to Secure a Parenting Coordinator in NSW
Once you think that a Parenting Coordinator might be beneficial to your family, the next step is to follow various steps to help you locate an appropriate practitioner:
- Seek Family Law Recommendations – Numerous family lawyers in NSW may be able to recommend Parenting Coordinators.
- Search Parenting Coordination Australia – Bodies such as Parenting Coordination Australia make lists of suitable practitioners available.
- Court-Recommended Services – If the court makes an order for a Parenting Coordinator, the court will usually make recommendations.
- Investigate Qualifications and Experience – Try looking for practitioners with inputs in law, family mediation, and conflict resolution.
The Costs of Hiring a Parenting Coordinator
The costs incurred in hiring a Parenting Coordinator within New South Wales depend on factors such as their qualifications and the complexities involved in a case. On average, fees are charged anywhere from $200 to upwards of $400 per hour, although some professionals offer flat-rate packages for ongoing services.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Options
Although Parenting Coordination is very useful when it comes to managing co-parenting disputes, there are alternative ways to ADR that might work better:
- Mediation – A neutral mediator helps parents come to agreements on parenting arrangements.
- Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) – This government-funded program provides separating parents with dispute resolution services.
- Court Intervention – When all else fails, you may be forced to go to court concerning your disputes.
Conclusion
Deciding regarding the right time to hire a Parenting Coordinator in NSW often depends on two things: the complexity of your co-parenting situation and whether or not frequent arguments, communication issues, or challenges in implementing parenting plans make it increasingly stressful. If so, a Parenting Coordinator can provide vital assistance toward creating a healthier co-parenting dynamic.
Conflict resolution, by its proactive handling, reduces the risk of getting into legal battles and provides a more stable environment for the child’s future. Consult a family law practitioner to assist in your decision-making process if you are in doubt about the applicability of the Parenting Coordinator model to your particular situation.
FAQs
Q1. Is it mandatory to hire a Parenting Coordinator in NSW?
No, hiring a Parenting Coordinator is voluntary unless otherwise ordered by the Family Court under highly conflicted situations.
Q2. Can a Parenting Coordinator make any legal decisions?
No, although they assist in implementing parenting plans and resolving conflicts without being able to change court orders.
Q3. How much does a Parenting Coordinator charge in NSW?
Costs range from $200 to $400 per hour, depending on the practitioner’s experience.
Q4. How long does Parenting Coordination last?
Depending on the complexity of the case, it might last anywhere from a couple of months to over a year.
Q5. Can Parenting Coordination avoid returning to court due to disputes?
Yes. By resolving conflicts early, Parenting Coordination helps avoid many hassles returning to the court.
