Parenting Coordination: Navigating High-Conflict Co-Parenting with Expert Support
For separated parents trapped in a cycle of ongoing conflict, implementing parenting orders or agreements can feel like an endless battle. Constant disagreements, misunderstandings, and repeated returns to court exhaust resources and, most importantly, inflict significant stress on children.
Parenting Coordination is a specialised, child-focused service designed to help high-conflict separated parents manage and implement their existing parenting orders or agreements. A Parenting Coordinator acts as an impartial third party who helps parents resolve day-to-day disputes, interpret their parenting plan, and develop more effective communication and co-parenting skills, all without the need for constant court intervention.
Who is this service for?
Parenting Coordination is particularly beneficial for:
High-conflict separated parents who have existing parenting orders or written agreements but struggle with consistent implementation.
Families where children are exposed to ongoing parental conflict, leading to distress and instability.
Parents who frequently return to court for minor disputes or clarifications of orders.
Parents needing support to transition from a litigious mindset to a more co-operative co-parenting relationship.
Families seeking to protect their children from direct exposure to parental disputes.
How does it work? A Proactive and Child-Focused Approach
Parenting Coordination is distinct from traditional mediation; it's a more active and, at times, directive process focused on real-time problem-solving and skill-building. The Parenting Coordinator (PC) works with parents to:
Review and Interpret Orders/Agreements: Clarify the meaning and intent of existing parenting orders or written agreements.
Resolve Day-to-Day Disputes: Help parents quickly resolve minor, recurring disagreements related to the parenting plan (e.g., scheduling changes, pick-up/drop-off issues, extra-curricular activities, health decisions) outside of court.
Improve Communication: Coach parents on effective, child-focused communication strategies, helping them to reduce reactivity and increase productive dialogue.
Develop Co-Parenting Skills: Guide parents in building problem-solving and conflict management skills tailored to their unique dynamics.
Monitor Compliance: Help parents understand and adhere to the terms of their agreement, providing accountability.
De-escalate Conflict: Intervene promptly to prevent minor disagreements from escalating into major conflicts.
The PC is appointed for a specific period, often by consent, to provide ongoing support and stability.
Outcome Goals: Stability, Compliance & Reduced Conflict
Through Parenting Coordination, our goal is to help parents achieve:
Consistent implementation of parenting orders/agreements.
Significant reduction in parental conflict and its negative impact on children.
Improved co-parenting communication and problem-solving skills.
Greater stability and predictability for children.
Fewer returns to court, saving time, money, and emotional strain.
A healthier environment for children to grow and thrive, free from chronic parental discord.
Key Benefits of Choosing Parenting Coordination
Child Protection: Shields children from direct exposure to parental conflict, fostering a more secure environment.
Conflict De-escalation: Provides immediate support to manage disputes, preventing them from spiralling.
Long-Term Skill Building: Equips parents with tools and strategies for sustainable, effective co-parenting.
Court Avoidance: Significantly reduces the need for repeated and costly court applications.
Clarity & Compliance: Helps parents understand and adhere to the nuances of their existing agreements.
Stability for Children: Creates a more predictable and consistent routine for children, reducing their stress.
Expert, Impartial Support: Benefit from a professional dedicated to helping parents navigate high-conflict situations constructively.
Is high-conflict co-parenting impacting your family?
Contact Family Pathways WA today to to discuss how Parenting Coordination can bring stability, reduce conflict, and help your children thrive.