Parenting Coordination (PC) is a post-parenting plan dispute resolution process. It helps to avoid continued litigation and provides a method for parents to work through their parenting disputes in a child focused manner.

A PC can help implement court orders or address details that may be in dispute or unclear in a Separation Agreement. A Parenting Coordinator can help with the practical aspects of co-parenting that come up after you set your intentions in writing (or the court has done that for you). Some parents have difficulty communicating, disengaging or have different views of what is in the best interests of their child/ren which is not uncommon after the breakdown of the adult relationship. A PC can help parents identify the child/ren’s needs, find a better way to communicate or simply make a decision when the parents find it just too difficult to do so.

At a high level, the process requires commitment from both parents to engage in Parenting Coordination for a period of time which ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Neither parent can arbitrarily terminate Parenting Coordination however both parents can agree on consent to terminate.

At the beginning of the process, meetings will take place more frequently to provide structure and then will be scheduled at regular intervals or as needed dependent on the parent’s unique needs.

Families First Mediation provides a Closed Parenting Coordination model which is confidential process and does not allow for reporting to court or the PC to testify.

The PC will act as coach, educator, communication specialist, case manager, mediator and/or arbitrator depending on the parent’s needs. As the PC may make decisions that are binding, we require that parents obtain Independent Legal Advice (ILA) before signing the Parenting Coordination Agreement.

Parenting Coordination Process

Parents complete intake forms

Parents provide Families First Mediation with court order, arbitration award or separation agreement

Individual intake/screening meetings

Joint meetings

  • Assessment, identify issues and further documentation
  • Work through issues
  • Provide support and education
  • Assist with communication between the parents
  • Coaching when/as needed
  • Help create processes where parents can resolve disputes on their own

Mediation phase for a disagreement:

  • If agreement, it can be made into a consent award
  • If no agreement, PC will move to the arbitration phase

Arbitration phase for a disagreement:

  • Parents will provide support for their positions
  • PC will made a decision and prepare an award which is binding on the parents

Continue the process as disagreements arise

(The process can be completed through Zoom meetings, telephone calls and/or emails)

Fees (+hst)

Parenting Coordination Intake

$200    Flat rate for 1 hour confidential intake/screening meeting.

Parenting Coordination

The Parenting Coordinator’s current hourly rate is $300 plus HST.

The fees will be shared equally by the parents, unless indicated otherwise. Each parent will provide an initial retainer of $2,500 plus HST following the completion of the PC Agreement. A minimum of $1,000 (plus HST) will be maintained in the account at all times. The parents will be advised in advance when further retainer top ups are required. (Should the Parenting Coordination be terminated, any unused portion of the retainer will be returned after fees and disbursements have been allocated).

The PC will record all contact with the parents and a minimum fee of .1 hour or 6 minutes will be charged for all telephone calls, emails, correspondence, meetings, document review and arbitrated decisions.