Parent Coordinator in New York City

Helping Parents Navigate Divorce & Co-Parenting

Parenting is a tough job under any circumstances, but it can be especially challenging for divorced or separated parents who are trying to raise their children together while living apart. In many cases, parents have different ideas about how to raise their children or they may have difficulty communicating, which can lead to serious disputes and make it hard for them to co-parent effectively. When these disputes arise, it is important to have a mechanism for resolving them and preventing them from escalating into litigation.

This is where a parent coordinator can help.

What is a Parent Coordinator?

A parent coordinator is a trained, neutral third party who is appointed by the court to help parents resolve disputes regarding child custody, parenting time, and other issues. The parent coordinator is authorized to make recommendations to the court regarding these disputes, so long as the recommendations are in the best interests of the child. The parent coordinator’s goal is to help parents resolve disputes in a way that minimizes the child’s exposure to the parents’ conflicts, while ensuring that the child’s needs are met.

At Eiges & Orgel, PLLC, we are committed to helping our clients resolve their child custody disputes in a way that is best for their children. We are here to help you understand what to expect from the parent coordination process and how to make the most of the experience.

For more information about parent coordinators in New York City and the surrounding areas, call (347) 848-1850 or contact us online. We offer confidential initial consultations.

How Does Parent Coordination Work in New York?

In New York, parent coordination is a voluntary process that may be ordered by the court or agreed to by the parents. In either case, the process begins with the appointment of a parent coordinator. The parent coordinator must be a lawyer, mental health professional, or other professional with training in parent coordination. In some cases, the court may appoint a parent coordinator based on a specific recommendation made by one of the parties. In other cases, the court may choose a parent coordinator from a list of qualified professionals maintained by the court.

Once the parent coordinator is appointed, the parents will meet with the parent coordinator, either together or separately, to discuss their concerns. The parent coordinator will then work with the parents to develop a parenting plan that meets the child’s needs and addresses the parents’ concerns. The parent coordinator may also provide the parents with information about child development and suggest ways to improve their communication and parenting skills.

If the parents are unable to resolve a dispute on their own, the parent coordinator may make a recommendation to the court. The court will then review the parent coordinator’s recommendation and issue a ruling. In some cases, the court may choose to adopt the parent coordinator’s recommendation as its own. In other cases, the court may modify the recommendation or reject it outright. The parent coordinator’s role is to assist the parents in resolving their disputes, not to decide the disputes for them.

The parent coordination process is confidential, which means that anything said or written during the process cannot be used against either parent in court. This encourages the parents to be open and honest with each other and with the parent coordinator, which can help to facilitate the resolution of disputes. However, there are some exceptions to the confidentiality rule. For example, if the parent coordinator has reason to believe that the child is being abused or neglected, he or she is required to report the abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

Issues A Parenting Coordinator Can Help Resolve

Whenever parents cannot or will not reach an agreement, and if authorized by the Court, or with the consent of the parents, a parent coordinator may make suggestions or modifications. A Parent Coordinator's authority may be granted to aid or resolve such matters as:

• health care planning and management
• small changes to access schedules
• protocols for transitioning and exchanging the child from one parent to the other
• daily schedules, household rules, and guidelines to ensure consistency and continuity in the child's home life
• education, which included daycare, school, any education-related testing
• any extracurricular / summer activities
• method and extent of communication between the child and parents, particularly regarding the parent's access to the child while with the other parent
• parenting classes
• and many more

Benefits of Working with an Experienced New York City Parent Coordinator

Engaging the services of an experienced Parent Coordinator in New York City can offer numerous advantages for parents navigating the complexities of co-parenting. The benefits of working with an experienced Parent Coordinator include:

• Conflict Resolution: A Parent Coordinator assists in resolving conflicts that may emerge between parents, fostering amicable solutions and minimizing the necessity for court intervention.
• Effective Communication: Facilitating open and effective communication is a key role of a Parent Coordinator. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and minimize tension.
• Consistent Co-Parenting: Establishing consistent co-parenting strategies and guidelines ensures a stable environment for the child. A Parent Coordinator helps develop and maintain these routines.
• Customized Parenting Plans: Tailored parenting plans are crucial for addressing the unique needs of each family. An experienced Parent Coordinator assists in creating plans that suit the family dynamics.
• Education and Support: Providing education and support on effective co-parenting practices is part of a Parent Coordinator's role. This empowers parents with the knowledge and skills needed for successful co-parenting.
• Reduced Court Involvement: With effective conflict resolution and communication, the need for court appearances may decrease, saving time and resources for all parties involved.

Our experienced New York City parent coordinator plays a vital role in promoting positive co-parenting dynamics and ensuring the well-being of the child in a separated or divorced family.

To speak with an experienced New York City Parent Coordinator, give us a call at (347) 848-1850 or contact us online today.