What is a Parenting Co-Ordinator

A parenting co-ordinator is a neutral, child-focused professional engaged to assist separated parents to implement parenting orders, parenting plans or parenting agreements, and to resolve practical day-to-day disputes that arise in co-parenting.

The process is particularly directed to high-conflict parenting matters, where parents may have agreed arrangements or court orders in place but continue to dispute issues such as changeovers, holiday arrangements, communication protocols, extracurricular activities, or the practical interpretation of orders. Parenting coordination is commonly described as an ongoing, structured dispute-resolution process rather than a one-off mediation session.

What a Parenting Co-ordinator Does

A parenting co-ordinator may assist by:

• helping parents understand and apply existing parenting orders or agreements;
• facilitating communication between parents;
• resolving recurring practical disputes, such as changeover arrangements, special occasions and school-holiday logistics;
• assisting parents to develop more effective co-parenting practices;
• keeping the focus on the children’s best interests;
• monitoring patterns of conflict and encouraging compliance with agreed or ordered arrangements.

The role is not to advocate for either parent, but to act as an independent professional focused on reducing conflict and improving the practical functioning of the parenting arrangements.

What a Parenting Co-ordinator Is Not

A parenting co-ordinator is generally not:

• a judge;
• an arbitrator;
• a therapist or counsellor;
• a lawyer for either parent;
• a family report writer;
• a person who can rewrite parenting orders.

In Australia, parenting coordination is still an emerging and relatively unregulated process. It is generally not a mechanism by which a third party can make binding determinations changing substantive parenting arrangements. Any significant change to parenting orders ordinarily requires either agreement formalised appropriately or further court orders.

When It Is Useful

Parenting coordination is commonly suitable where:

• there are parenting orders or a parenting plan already in place;
• parents repeatedly argue about practical implementation;
• communication is poor or hostile;
• the parties are frequently returning to lawyers or court over relatively minor issues;
• the children are being exposed to ongoing parental conflict.

It may be inappropriate where there are unresolved issues of family violence, coercive control, serious power imbalance, unmanaged mental health issues, substance misuse, or active allegations requiring forensic determination.

Parenting coordination is not presently a separately codified statutory profession in Australia. However, parties may voluntarily agree to engage a parenting co-ordinator, and in some cases the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may support or order participation in appropriate post-separation services or dispute-resolution processes. The effectiveness of parenting coordination usually depends on clear written terms setting out:

• the co-ordinator’s role and limits;
• confidentiality or reportability;
• cost-sharing;
• duration of appointment;
• the types of disputes the co-ordinator may assist with;
• the relationship between the process and any existing court orders

A parenting co-ordinator is an independent professional who helps separated parents reduce conflict and practically implement parenting arrangements. The role is child-focused, ongoing and problem-solving in nature. It does not replace the court, does not provide legal advice, and generally cannot change parenting orders, but it can be a useful mechanism for managing recurring co-parenting disputes without repeated litigation.

If you would like advice about whether a Parenting Co-Ordinator is right for you, contact the Family Law Team at Solari & Stock to discuss your options. Speak with a member of our experienced Family Law Team on 8525 2700, or click here to request an appointment.

Article by Nikita Ward
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