Parenting Solutions

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In almost every case, it is better for children to have continued contact with both parents. In every
case it is best for children to be free of parental conflict. The fact that the parenting coordinator is impartial and therefore not aligning with either parent is paramount in the effectiveness of the parenting coordination process.

This neutrality promotes a safe environment for parents. In this safe environment parents can put aside and manage the pain, disappointment, fear, anxiety, and grief associated with separation and divorce long enough to negotiate parenting solutions that not only utilizes the strengths of both parents but also keep the needs of the children as a top priority.

During the parenting coordination process a skilled mental health professional uses skills learned over
many years of education and experience to help parents:

* Manage their emotions
* Communicate more effectively
* Learn about impacts of conflict on children
* Learn about children’s developmental needs
* Negotiate appropriate post-divorce or separation boundaries
* Identify their children’s needs
* Identify mutually agreeable parenting goals
* Brainstorm options to meet goals
* Evaluate options to reach agreements within legal guidelines

With a signed consent for exchange of information, the parents and the parenting coordinator are free to communicate with the parent’s legal council to exchange any necessary information. This freedom is helpful as it comes time for the parenting coordinator to record written agreements, in such a way as to make drafting of the final documents more efficient.

Once the parenting coordinator has helped the parents come up with agreements that fit their family’s needs, he/she forwards the information to both attorneys. An added benefit of the parenting coordinator is her/his availability through the years as the family’s needs change.

When children’s needs change or if conflict arises between the parents, the same parenting coordinator, knowing the background and how their agreements were reached, can be available to consult with the parents to re-negotiate agreements instead of starting a law suit.