When parents do not agree on their parenting plan, small problems can turn into big arguments. In Colorado, a court may appoint a parenting coordinator to help parents talk and solve these problems. Knowing when this can happen can help you prepare for a child custody case.
When can a court appoint a parenting coordinator?
In Colorado, a court can appoint a parenting coordinator after making a decision about parental responsibilities. If parents have trouble following their parenting plan or keep arguing about parenting issues, the court may appoint someone to help them solve these problems and reduce conflict.
What does a parenting coordinator do?
A parenting coordinator helps parents manage their responsibilities and reduce disagreements. Under Colorado law, the coordinator can help parents with several aspects of their parenting arrangement:
- Set clear guidelines: Help parents create a structured approach to following their parenting plan.
- Improve communication: Suggest ways to communicate and find resources to build better communication skills.
- Identify sources of conflict: Help parents recognize what causes disagreements and how their actions may add to them.
- Build better parenting strategies: Suggest practical ways to reduce conflict and manage parenting responsibilities.
A parenting coordinator cannot make court decisions. Instead, the coordinator helps parents solve problems while following the court’s order.
When can a parenting coordinator’s role end?
A parenting coordinator does not work with parents forever. The court decides how long the coordinator will help them. However, the court can end the appointment sooner if needed.
If the parents’ situation changes, they can ask the court to review the appointment. The court can then decide whether the coordinator should continue helping them or whether the appointment should end.
Get help with parenting disputes
If ongoing disagreements make it difficult to follow your parenting plan, consider speaking with a Colorado family law attorney. An attorney can explain whether a parenting coordinator may help in your situation, review your court orders and guide you through your legal options.