What is the role of parenting coordinators?

The role of parenting coordinators primarily involves resolving disputes related to child care arrangements, and their decisions can be binding in nature, depending on the jurisdiction and the agreement of the parties involved. They serve as neutral third parties who assist parents in managing conflicts that arise in the context of co-parenting after separation or divorce.

By focusing on the best interests of the child, parenting coordinators facilitate communication between parents, and their aim is to promote cooperative parenting and reduce the need for court intervention in minor disputes. This capacity to make binding decisions, as authorized by court orders or the parents' agreement, distinguishes their role from other professionals in family law, such as mediators or therapists.

The other options represent distinct roles that do not align with the primary responsibilities of parenting coordinators. For instance, enforcing court orders related to child support pertains more to the roles of enforcement agencies or attorneys rather than coordinators. Mediation in divorce settlements typically focuses on the division of marital assets and does not generally address ongoing parenting conflicts. Lastly, providing psychological assessments for parents is typically the domain of licensed psychologists rather than parenting coordinators, who are mainly focused on dispute resolution regarding child care.