Parenting Coordinator/Decision-Maker

A parenting coordinator (“PC”) is appointed to assist in the resolution of disputes between parties concerning parental responsibilities. A PC will help the parties create an agreed-upon, structured guideline for implementation of the parenting plan, develop guidelines for communication between the parties, suggest resources to assist the parties in learning appropriate communication skills, inform the parties of resources to assist them in developing improved parenting skills, assist the parties in identifying the sources and causes of conflict between them, and assist the parties in developing parenting strategies to minimize conflict.

On the other hand, a decision-maker (“DM”) is appointed with binding authority to resolve disputes between the parties as to implementation or clarification of existing orders concerning the parties’ minor or dependent children, including, but not limited to, disputes concerning parenting time, specific disputed parental decisions, and child support. A DM shall have the authority to make binding determinations to implement or clarify the provisions of a pre-existing court order in a manner that is consistent with the substantive intent of the court order.

The PC and DM may be the same person, though stepping into different roles as needed. Both a PC and a DM require an executed Court Order.