Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parenting Coordination?
Parenting Coordination is an emerging alternate dispute resolution process being offered in Australia by specialist practitioners for high conflict parents. Parenting Coordination combines assessment, education, case management, conflict management and negotiation in a tightly managed process with the aim of supporting parents to resolve disputes without further court intervention.
Who Needs Parenting Coordination?
Parenting Coordinators are assigned by high conflict parents to help them manage and comply with their court orders or agreements.
How do I Engage a Parenting Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator can be assigned by the parents in their Parenting Plan or by Court order. A template for appointing Tara Weir as your Parenting Coordinator can be found above.
Is Parenting Coordination Confidential?
No. The only part of the process that is confidential is the individual parent intake appointment. All other sessions are 'on record' and 'with prejudice'. This means that session notes may be admitted into evidence if the matter returns to Court, thereby holding parents accountable for their behaviours.
How Long do we work with a Parenting Coordinator?
During your intake appointment you will be guided through a detailed Parenting Coordination Agreement which will state the duration of the process. Generally, a Parenting Coordinator is appointed to work with parents for between 12 - 24 months. In certain circumstances, Parenting Coordination may be terminated earlier, the details of which will be outlined in the Parenting Coordination Agreement.
What Issues can a Parenting Coordinator Assist with?
A Parenting Coordinator can help with resolving any parenting issues that arise between parents. Often, this will include changes to time arrangements, clarification of orders, travel disputes, health and education decisions, issues around communication, boundaries and child rearing. Court orders do not give parents the answers for all issues that may arise in the parenting of children and high conflict parents often need support in resolving these issues.
Is Parenting Coordination Always Appropriate?
No. Even if you have been ordered to engage in the process of Parenting Coordination, your Parenting Coordinator must first assess whether it is a suitable and safe process for you. This assessment is done after your individual intake appointments. It would be unethical to offer a process that is not suitable.
