Is the term Parenting Coordinator foreign to you? We’re not surprised. It may seem pretty novel to many New Jersey families. In reality, it started as a court-ordered pilot program in four different vicinages in 2007. Although the pilot program ended in 2012, it is still used as a model.
The purpose of the program has good intentions for those who have problems with day to day parenting issues. Often, judgment is clouded with anger from divorce disagreements. In theory, it it is intended to help the best interests of the children .
The Components of the Pilot on Parenting Coordinators
Here’s what you need to know about the components of the initial pilot program:
- The court selects the Parenting Coordinator
- The appointee is a neutral party, or
- The parties may have mutually agreed upon someone to act as a Parenting Coordinator
- A restraining order negates the appointment of a Parental Coordinator
- The Parenting Coordinator is designated after the parenting plan is approved
- The purpose of the Parenting Coordinator is to avoid misunderstandings, facilitate compromise and promote and easier decision making process between the parents
- The primary objective is the best interests of the children. The Parenting Coordinator is considered an interim position to get the parents on track.
Did the End of the Pilot Mean Parenting Coordinators Stopped?
When the pilot program on program on Parenting Coordinators ended in 2012, NJ.com ran an interesting opinion piece on the subject. The author felt that in concept the idea was noble. However, she also felt that it was wrong for strangers to tell parents what to do with their children. She also cited cost. Apparently the social worker who was assigned as her family’s Parenting Coordinator charged $13,000 for a year’s work.
With or without the formal program, Parenting Coordinators still work in New Jersey. Although the author of the above article didn’t think it worked for her, it may be beneficial for some. Here’s why:
- Parenting styles are different
- Some people need compromise coaching
- Parenting Coordinators are designed to reduce hostility
- The best interests of the children are always paramount
- The arrangement is always temporary
- May assist parents who have mental health issues
- Could also benefit children with special needs
It should be somewhat obvious that assignment of Parenting Coordinators are reserved for high conflict situations. Often, parties are so engrossed in their personal divorce battles that they lose sight of what is best for their children.
Contact Us
Has someone mentioned to you the possibility of assigning a Parenting Coordinator to your custody case ? At the Law Offices of Sam Stoia, we can help you determine if this would be an appropriate remedy to your situation. Please contact us for a complimentary appointment to discuss the particulars of your divorce or child custody arrangement.