Parenting Coordination

Parenting coordination is a form of non-adversarial alternative dispute resolution in which a suitably qualified professional assists parents to resolve disputes in ongoing high conflict co-parenting matters.

Parenting coordination requires legal, psychological and conflict resolution skills, combined with assessment, education, case management, conflict management and decision-making functions.

The appointment of a parenting coordinator is to assist and empower conflicting parents to develop their parenting skills and adapt to the change in circumstances to serve the interests of the minor children best. Should the parents be unable to do so, the parenting coordinator provides the parties with guidance and other services needed to enable an outcome that will be in the best interest of the minor children and which will limit the amount of conflict between the parents.

A parenting coordinator will attempt to mediate disputes regarding the minor children. Alternatively, where the parties have unsuccessfully attempted mediation, the parenting coordinator will issue a directive that is binding until such directive is set aside by a competent court.

In South Africa, there is currently no statute or court rules governing the appointment or authority of parenting coordinators. The basis of a parenting coordinator’s appointment is either by –

• a court order;
• a parenting plan; or
• a settlement agreement between the parties, which has been made an order of court.

The court order or relevant clause of the settlement agreement or parenting plan stipulates the scope of the parenting coordinator’s authority.

If you are involved in a high-conflict dispute with the other parent of your child or children, contact us to learn more about the appointment of a parenting coordinator to assist you and the other parent to resolve disputes.