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Parenting Coordination
Parenting Coordination: Helping Parents Reduce Conflict After Separation
Separation doesn’t end parenting—it just changes how it’s done. For many families, co-parenting after separation or divorce can be filled with stress, miscommunication, or repeated conflict. That’s where Parenting Coordination can make a real difference.
Parenting Coordination is a child-focused process designed to help parents reduce conflict, make day-to-day decisions more effectively, and stay on track with their parenting plan or court order. It’s a structured service that offers both support and accountability, led by a trained neutral professional who helps parents navigate the challenges of raising children across two households.
What does a Parenting Coordinator do?
A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is often a mental health professional or lawyer with advanced training in family conflict, child development, and alternative dispute resolution. They help parents carry out their parenting plan by providing guidance, education, and—when necessary—binding decisions on specific issues.
Unlike a therapist, a PC doesn’t focus on the past or explore emotional dynamics. Their goal is to keep communication child-focused, reduce high-conflict interactions, and offer fast, fair ways to resolve parenting disputes without returning to court. This includes helping with things like:
- Transitions between homes and parenting time exchanges
- Managing children’s schedules, activities, and holidays
- Resolving disagreements over health, school, or counselling
- Reducing conflict in communication between parents
- Intervening when a child is refusing contact with a parent
- Clarifying vague or confusing parts of an agreement
- Ensuring follow-through on what has already been agreed
If parents can't reach an agreement, the Parenting Coordinator will attempt to mediate. If that fails, they are authorized—within their scope—to make decisions that both parents must follow. These decisions are always guided by the child’s best interests.
Who is Parenting Coordination for?
Parenting Coordination is ideal for families who already have a parenting plan or court order in place but continue to experience high levels of conflict when it comes to co-parenting. It’s particularly useful for families who need fast decisions around everyday issues and want to avoid the delays, expense, and emotional toll of returning to court.
That said, both parents must agree to work with a Parenting Coordinator, and they must sign a formal agreement before services begin. Parenting Coordination is not suitable for every situation, especially where there are serious concerns about safety or abuse. However, all our coordinators are trained to screen for these issues and ensure that any services provided can be done safely and respectfully.
What makes this different from going to court?
Unlike court, Parenting Coordination is faster, more flexible, and tailored to your family’s needs. It helps reduce tension in day-to-day parenting decisions and protects children from being caught in ongoing parental conflict. Children benefit when parents communicate more calmly, follow through on agreements, and stop using them as messengers or middlemen.
Over time, the goal is to help parents gain the skills and confidence to manage on their own—without needing ongoing intervention.
How we can help
At The Story Isn’t Over, we provide Parenting Coordination services to support families in reducing conflict, improving co-parenting, and protecting children from stress during separation and divorce. Our professionals bring warmth, neutrality, and experience to each situation, helping families find structure, clarity, and peace of mind.
If you're not sure whether Parenting Coordination is right for your family, we’d be happy to help you explore your options. Contact us to learn more or book a free consultation.
