Parent Coordination & Decision-Maker Services (PC/DM)

Parent coordination services support families in implementing their parenting plans while fostering effective co-parent communication and collaboration. The frequency of sessions or contact varies based on the needs of the family, ranging from weekly to semi-annual meetings. Parent coordination is a court-ordered process designed to reduce conflict and facilitate smoother co-parenting dynamics.

When authorized, decision-making services provide a structured process for resolving disputes within the framework of an existing court order. As a decision-maker, binding decisions can be made to clarify and implement court-ordered parenting provisions while maintaining the substantive intent of the original order. 

• A PC must be court-ordered. 
• Decision-making authority requires mutual agreement between parents and court approval.
• PC/DM appointments are established for a term of up to two years and must be an order of the court.

A Parent Coordinator/Decision-Maker (PCDM) may be beneficial when co-parents experience ongoing conflicts that interfere with implementing their parenting plan.   Consider seeking a PC/DM if:

• Communication between co-parents is ineffective or consistently leads to conflict.
• There are frequent disputes over parenting time, decision-making, or other aspects of the parenting plan.
• Court interventions have been necessary to resolve disagreements.
• A neutral third party is needed to help facilitate cooperation and accountability.
• Parents agree that a structured process for resolving disputes could reduce stress for both them and their child.