Parental Coordination

Helping High-Conflict Parents Resolve Ongoing Co-Parenting Disputes

A custody order may resolve the major legal issues between parents, but it does not always end the conflict.

Parents may continue to disagree about schedules, school, activities, medical appointments, vacations, transportation, communication and other everyday decisions involving their children.

When these disputes repeatedly lead to arguments, attorney involvement or court proceedings, parental coordination, more commonly referred to as parenting coordination, may provide a more structured way to manage conflict.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz, I assist families with parental coordination and related custody matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I have more than 25 years of experience handling child custody, parenting time, divorce, domestic violence, and other family law disputes. My experience with high-conflict custody matters allows me to understand both the legal requirements of a parenting arrangement and the practical problems that can arise when parents struggle to communicate or cooperate.

Parenting coordination is not meant to determine which parent is “right.” It is to reduce recurring conflict, improve implementation of an existing parenting arrangement and keep the focus on the needs of the children.

Schedule a confidential consultation with me to discuss parental coordination or a high-conflict parenting matter.

What Is Parental Coordination?

Parental coordination, or parenting coordination, is a child-focused dispute resolution process designed primarily for parents who experience ongoing conflict after separation or divorce.

A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional who may help parents:

• Implement an existing parenting plan
• Resolve recurring parenting disputes
• Improve communication
• Reduce conflict
• Clarify practical details
• Develop more effective co-parenting procedures
• Address disagreements before they require additional court intervention

Parenting coordination is generally not intended to replace a judge’s role in deciding fundamental custody rights.

Instead, it often helps parents manage the practical issues that arise when implementing custody and parenting arrangements.

Who Can Benefit From Parenting Coordination?

Parenting coordination is most often considered when parents have difficulty working together even after a custody order or parenting agreement is in place.

It may be appropriate when parents repeatedly disagree about:

• Parenting schedules
• Pick-up and drop-off times
• Holiday schedules
• Vacations
• School activities
• Extracurricular activities
• Medical appointments
• Childcare
• Transportation
• Communication with the children
• Communication between parents
• Travel
• Routine decision-making

It may also be useful when parents frequently return to their attorneys or the court over relatively narrow parenting disputes.

My goal is to help provide a structured process for resolving those disagreements before they escalate into additional litigation.

Parenting Coordination for High-Conflict Parents

Some separated or divorced parents remain locked in conflict long after the relationship ends.

A high-conflict co-parenting relationship may involve:

• Constant disagreements
• Hostile communication
• Repeated accusations
• Difficulty following the parenting schedule
• Frequent changes to plans
• Arguments over minor parenting decisions
• Repeated court filings
• Involving children in parental disputes
• Difficulty exchanging information about the children
• Conflicting interpretations of the custody order

When nearly every parenting issue becomes a dispute, the conflict itself can become harmful to the family.

Parenting coordination is intended to create a process for addressing disagreements in a more organized and child-focused manner.

What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?

The precise role of a parenting coordinator depends on the jurisdiction, court order and agreement between the parties.

A parenting coordinator may help parents:

Interpret and Implement the Parenting Plan

Custody agreements cannot anticipate every situation that may arise.

A parenting coordinator may help parents work through practical questions concerning how an existing parenting plan should operate.

Facilitate Communication

High-conflict parents often struggle to communicate productively.

A coordinator may help establish more structured communication methods and keep discussions focused on the children.

Resolve Routine Parenting Disputes

Depending on the legal authority granted in the particular case, the coordinator may help parents resolve disagreements involving day-to-day parenting issues.

Reduce Repeated Court Involvement

Without an alternative process, parents may repeatedly ask attorneys or judges to resolve relatively small disputes.

Parenting coordination may reduce the need for some of those court proceedings.

Keep the Focus on the Children

The objective is to reduce the impact parental conflict has on the children and promote healthier implementation of the parenting arrangement.

What Issues Can Parenting Coordination Address?

The scope varies by jurisdiction and the specific appointment or agreement.

Common areas of disagreement may include:

• School schedules
• Extracurricular activities
• Sports
• Tutoring
• Medical appointments
• Routine healthcare
• Transportation
• Pick-up and drop-off procedures
• Holidays
• Vacations
• Summer schedules
• Communication
• Childcare
• Clothing and personal belongings
• Exchange locations
• Travel arrangements
• Telephone or video contact

Clearly define the parenting coordinator’s authority.

In particular, parents should understand whether the coordinator can only facilitate discussions and make recommendations or whether limited decision-making authority has been granted for certain day-to-day issues.

Parenting Coordination Is Not the Same as Child Custody

Parenting coordination generally does not replace a custody determination.

A court or the parties must still establish the underlying custody arrangement.

That arrangement may determine:

• Legal custody
• Physical custody
• Decision-making authority
• Primary residence
• Parenting time
• Visitation

Once the larger custody framework exists, parenting coordination may help the parents carry it out.

Learn more about Child Custody.

Parenting Coordination vs. Mediation

Parenting coordination and mediation both involve dispute resolution, but they serve different purposes.

Mediation

Mediation generally helps parties negotiate an agreement on unresolved legal issues.

For example, parents may mediate:

• Custody
• Parenting schedules
• Property division
• Support

Parenting Coordination

Parenting coordination is often used after a parenting plan or custody arrangement has already been created.

The coordinator helps manage ongoing implementation and recurring disagreements.

A family may therefore use mediation to create a parenting plan and later use parenting coordination to help make that plan work.

Learn more about Family Law Mediation.

Parenting Coordination vs. Parental Representation

A parenting coordinator is neutral.

I am not.

As your family law attorney, I represent your interests and provide legal advice.

A parenting coordinator’s role is generally to facilitate implementation of the parenting arrangement and reduce conflict, not advocate for either parent.

Understanding this distinction matters.

You may still need your own attorney if:

• A custody modification is requested
• The other parent violates a court order
• Fundamental custody rights are disputed
• Domestic violence is involved
• The parenting coordinator exceeds the authorized role
• Court intervention becomes necessary

Parenting Coordination After Divorce

Divorce may end the marital relationship, but parents still share responsibilities for their children.

Common post-divorce disagreements may involve:

• Schedule changes
• School choices
• Activities
• Holidays
• Travel
• Healthcare
• Communication
• Transportation

Returning to court each time a disagreement occurs can be expensive, stressful and disruptive.

Parenting coordination may provide a process for resolving routine disputes while keeping the larger custody order intact.

Learn more about Divorce & Matrimonial Law.

Parenting Coordination and Parenting Time

Many parenting coordination disputes involve implementation of visitation or parenting time.

Parents may disagree about:

• Exact exchange times
• Exchange locations
• Transportation
• Holiday schedules
• School breaks
• Summer vacation
• Travel
• Make-up parenting time
• Communication during the other parent’s parenting time

A coordinator may help parents clarify these practical issues and reduce repeated disputes.

Learn more about Visitation & Parenting Time.

Parenting Coordination and School Decisions

Education can become a recurring source of conflict.

Parents may disagree about:

• School selection
• Tutoring
• Special education services
• Homework
• Attendance
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Extracurricular activities
• Educational testing

The coordinator’s authority to address these issues depends on the scope of the appointment and the parents’ underlying custody arrangement.

A parent or the court may retain fundamental educational decision-making authority even when a parenting coordinator is involved.

Parenting Coordination and Medical Issues

Healthcare decisions can also create conflict between parents.

Disagreements may involve:

• Routine medical appointments
• Dental care
• Therapy
• Scheduling
• Medication
• Communication with healthcare providers
• Transportation to appointments

A parenting coordinator may help parents communicate and implement existing decision-making arrangements.

However, significant medical decisions may remain subject to the legal custody provisions of the existing order.

Parenting Coordination and Extracurricular Activities

Children’s activities often create practical disagreements between separated parents.

Parents may disagree about:

• Which activities the child should attend
• Scheduling
• Transportation
• Cost
• Activities that interfere with parenting time
• Travel teams
• Summer programs
• Camps

These disputes may seem minor individually but can create significant ongoing conflict.

Parenting coordination may help parents develop predictable procedures for handling activities without repeatedly involving the court.

Parenting Coordination and Holiday Disputes

Holiday schedules are another frequent source of post-divorce conflict.

Disputes may arise concerning:

• Start and end times
• Transportation
• Religious holidays
• School vacations
• Birthdays
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Winter holidays
• Summer vacations

Clear communication and consistent implementation can prevent many of these disputes from escalating.

A parenting coordinator may help parents interpret or implement an existing holiday schedule when disagreements arise.

Can a Parenting Coordinator Make Decisions?

The answer depends heavily on the jurisdiction and the terms of the parenting coordinator’s appointment.

A parenting coordinator does not automatically have authority to make binding decisions.

In some jurisdictions, the coordinator’s role may be limited to facilitating communication and making recommendations.

In others, the coordinator may have limited authority over certain day-to-day parenting issues when properly authorized.

Fundamental questions such as legal custody and major visitation rights generally remain matters for the court.

The appointment order or written agreement should clearly explain:

• What issues the coordinator may address
• Whether recommendations are advisory
• Whether any limited decisions are binding
• How disagreements with the coordinator are handled
• When a parent may return to court

Parents should understand the scope of the coordinator’s authority before the process begins.

Can Parenting Coordination Reduce Legal Costs?

Potentially.

Parents who repeatedly return to court over parenting disputes may incur substantial legal fees.

Parenting coordination may offer a less formal way to address recurring disagreements.

However, parenting coordination is not free.

Parents are often responsible for paying the coordinator’s fees under the terms of the court order or agreement.

Whether it ultimately reduces costs depends on how frequently disputes arise and whether the process successfully reduces litigation.

When Parenting Coordination May Not Be Appropriate

Parenting coordination is not appropriate for every family.

Serious concerns may arise when there is:

• Domestic violence
• Coercive control
• A substantial power imbalance
• Child abuse
• Serious substance abuse
• Safety concerns
• An inability to participate meaningfully
• A need for immediate judicial intervention

These circumstances require careful evaluation.

A structured dispute resolution process should never substitute for appropriate safety measures or court intervention when those protections are necessary.

Learn more about Domestic Violence.

Parenting Coordination and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can fundamentally change whether parenting coordination is appropriate.

A process based on direct communication and ongoing cooperation may not be safe or effective when one parent fears the other.

Courts and professionals may need to consider:

• Existing protective orders
• Safety risks
• History of abuse
• Communication restrictions
• Power imbalances
• Whether separate communication methods are necessary

If domestic violence is present, the safety of the parents and children should remain the priority.

What Happens if Parenting Coordination Does Not Work?

Parenting coordination does not guarantee that parents will stop disagreeing.

If the process fails, additional options may include:

• Attorney negotiation
• Mediation
• Enforcement proceedings
• Modification of custody
• Modification of parenting time
• Court intervention

Some disputes cannot be resolved within the limited scope of parenting coordination.

When the disagreement concerns fundamental custody rights or a significant change in circumstances, a court proceeding may be necessary.

Parenting Coordination and Custody Modification

A parenting coordinator generally does not replace the legal process required to change an existing custody order.

If circumstances have changed substantially, a parent may need to seek modification through the court.

Potential issues may include:

• Relocation
• Major changes in parenting time
• Significant safety concerns
• Changes in the child’s needs
• Repeated violations of the existing order
• Changes affecting legal custody

I can evaluate whether the issue can be managed through parenting coordination or whether a formal custody modification is more appropriate.

New York Parental Coordination

I have been licensed to practice law in New York since 2007 and represent clients in custody and parenting disputes throughout New York.

New York courts describe parenting coordination as a child-focused process in which a trained mental health or legal professional helps high-conflict parents carry out their parenting plan.

The goal is to help parents resolve disputes involving their children efficiently and promote safe, meaningful parent-child relationships.

New York courts have also recognized important limits on a parenting coordinator’s authority.

A coordinator may assist parents in communicating, mediate disputes and help implement a parenting plan, but courts generally may not transfer their fundamental authority to decide custody and visitation issues to the coordinator.

Depending on the appointment, a parenting coordinator may recommend solutions to disputed issues, while final legal authority remains with a parent or the court.

I help New York parents understand:

• Whether parenting coordination is appropriate
• The scope of the coordinator’s authority
• How the process relates to an existing custody order
• When court intervention may still be necessary

New York Office
1 Liberty Street
Suite 2327
New York, NY 10006

917-791-4157

Parenting Coordination in Washington, D.C.

I have been licensed in the District of Columbia since 2001 and represent families in custody and parenting matters throughout Washington, D.C.

D.C. law recognizes parenting coordinators in appropriate high-conflict custody cases.

D.C. courts have permitted parenting coordinators to help parents resolve day-to-day parenting disputes while maintaining an important distinction between routine implementation issues and fundamental custody decisions.

A parenting coordinator may assist with issues such as:

• Parenting schedules
• Pick-up and drop-off logistics
• Holidays
• Vacations
• Communication
• Everyday parenting disputes

However, the court remains responsible for core decisions about custody and visitation.

The coordinator’s exact authority depends on the appointment order and circumstances.

I can help D.C. parents understand how a parenting coordinator fits within an existing custody arrangement and when legal action may still be required.

Washington, D.C. Office
700 12th Street NW
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005

202-972-2701

Maryland Parenting Coordination

I have been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 1999 and represent clients in parenting and custody matters throughout Maryland.

Maryland specifically addresses parenting coordination under Maryland Rule 9-205.2.

Maryland defines parenting coordination as a process in which parents work with an impartial parenting coordinator to reduce the effects or potential effects of parental conflict on their child.

Parenting coordination may be used in matters involving:

• Initial custody
• Visitation or parenting time
• Modification of existing custody arrangements

Maryland courts may appoint a parenting coordinator when appropriate in a custody matter, subject to the applicable rules and circumstances.

Some Maryland circuit courts also provide parenting coordination services for high-conflict families or families needing frequent intervention.

I assist Maryland parents in understanding parenting coordination agreements, custody orders and how the process may affect their rights and responsibilities.

Parenting Coordination Across Multiple Jurisdictions

Parenting disputes can become more complicated when parents live in different states.

For example:

• One parent lives in Washington, D.C. and the other in Maryland.
• A custody order was entered in New York and one parent later relocated.
• Children attend school in one jurisdiction while a parent lives in another.
• Parenting exchanges cross state lines.

These situations may involve questions about:

• Which court has jurisdiction
• Which custody order controls
• Who may appoint a parenting coordinator
• Whether an existing order can be modified
• Enforcement across state lines

My admission to practice in New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland can be particularly valuable for families whose parenting arrangements cross jurisdictional boundaries.

How to Prepare for Parenting Coordination

Parents can often make the process more effective by arriving prepared.

Useful information may include:

• Existing custody orders
• Parenting plans
• Parenting schedules
• School calendars
• Extracurricular schedules
• Medical appointment information
• Communications concerning current disputes
• Travel schedules
• Prior agreements
• A list of specific unresolved issues

Try to identify the actual parenting issue rather than focusing only on the history of conflict between the adults.

For example, instead of focusing on a broader argument about the other parent, identify the specific question that needs to be resolved:

• Who is responsible for transportation?
• What time does the holiday period begin?
• Can the child participate in a particular activity?
• How will schedule changes be communicated?

A more focused process is usually more productive.

Why Choose Me for a Parental Coordination Matter?

More Than 25 Years of Family Law Experience

I have practiced law since 1999 and have handled child custody, parenting time, divorce, child support and domestic violence matters throughout my career.

Experience With High-Conflict Parenting Cases

Parenting coordination is most useful when parents struggle to resolve recurring disagreements.

My experience with contested custody and litigation matters helps me understand the patterns that can send disputes back to court repeatedly.

Licensed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland

I have been licensed in:

• Maryland since 1999
• Washington, D.C. since 2001
• New York since 2007

This multijurisdictional experience can be especially useful for parents whose children, homes, or custody orders have connections to multiple states.

Understanding of Both Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

My practice includes litigation as well as mediation and parental coordination.

That allows me to evaluate whether a disagreement can realistically be resolved through a structured dispute resolution process or whether court intervention is necessary.

Direct Attorney Involvement

Clients work directly with me.

I take the time to understand the existing custody arrangement, history of conflict and specific issues causing repeated disagreements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parental Coordination

What is parental coordination?

Parental coordination, more commonly called parenting coordination, is a child-focused process designed to help separated or divorced parents resolve recurring parenting disputes and implement an existing custody or parenting arrangement.

What is a parenting coordinator?

A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional who helps high-conflict parents manage disagreements involving their children.

Is parental coordination the same as parenting coordination?

Yes. “Parenting coordination” is the more widely used legal and professional term, although people also search for and refer to the service as parental coordination.

Who needs a parenting coordinator?

Parenting coordination is commonly used for parents who experience frequent conflict over implementation of custody or parenting arrangements.

What kinds of issues can a parenting coordinator address?

Depending on the appointment, issues may include schedules, transportation, holidays, activities, communication, school logistics, and other day-to-day parenting matters.

Can a parenting coordinator change custody?

Generally, a parenting coordinator does not replace the court’s role in deciding fundamental custody rights. A custody modification typically requires the appropriate legal process.

Can a parenting coordinator make binding decisions?

Sometimes limited authority may be permitted depending on the jurisdiction and appointment. The specific court order or agreement determines the coordinator’s authority.

Does a parenting coordinator represent either parent?

No. A parenting coordinator is neutral and does not serve as the attorney for either parent.

Is parenting coordination confidential?

Confidentiality rules depend on the jurisdiction and the terms of the appointment. Parents should understand what communications or records may potentially be disclosed before participating.

Is parenting coordination the same as mediation?

No. Mediation generally helps parties negotiate unresolved legal issues. Parenting coordination more commonly helps parents implement an existing parenting arrangement and manage recurring disputes.

Can parenting coordination help with visitation disputes?

Yes. Parenting time, scheduling, transportation and holiday disagreements are common issues addressed through parenting coordination.

Can parenting coordination help reduce court appearances?

Potentially. One purpose of the process is to help parents resolve recurring disputes without repeatedly seeking judicial intervention.

Can a parenting coordinator help with school disputes?

Potentially, depending on the scope of authority. Coordinators may assist with scheduling and implementation issues, although fundamental educational decision-making authority may remain with a parent or the court.

Can parenting coordination be used after divorce?

Yes. It is commonly used after divorce or separation when parents continue to experience conflict in implementing their parenting plan.

Can parenting coordination be used before a final custody order?

Potentially. Availability and scope depend on the jurisdiction and the case circumstances.

Is parenting coordination appropriate when domestic violence is involved?

Not always. Domestic violence, coercion, or significant safety concerns may make parenting coordination inappropriate. Courts should evaluate these issues carefully before the process begins.

Who pays for the parenting coordinator?

The parents are often responsible for the fees. The allocation of those costs depends on the appointment order or agreement.

What happens if the other parent refuses to cooperate?

The available options depend on whether parenting coordination was voluntary, agreed upon, or court-ordered, and on the jurisdiction’s law. Further legal action may sometimes be necessary.

Can I still have my own attorney?

Yes. A parenting coordinator is not your lawyer. You may continue to receive independent legal advice from your family law attorney.

Do I handle parental coordination matters in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland?

Yes. I assist clients with parental coordination, custody, parenting time and other family law matters throughout all three jurisdictions.

Speak With an Experienced Parental Coordination Lawyer

Ongoing co-parenting conflict can take a toll on parents and children alike.

When every schedule change, activity, or parenting decision becomes another dispute, parental coordination may offer a more structured way to address problems without repeatedly returning to court.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz assists families with parental and parenting coordination matters throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I work directly with clients to evaluate the existing parenting arrangement, identify the source of recurring conflict, and determine whether parenting coordination, negotiation, or further court involvement is the appropriate path.